During his time at the London Air Traffic Control Centre, Paul Crickmore gained a unique introduction into SR-71 operations from RAF Mildenhall. Teaming up with Osprey he produced the first detailed book ever to be published on the subject, and when additional information became available, Crickmore produced a sequel, Lockheed SR-71 The Secret Missions. The work was acclaimed by Ben Rich (late president of the Skunk Works) and the crews that flew the SR-71. He is also the author of the first detailed book about the '117 written in partnership with his wife Alison; published by Motorbooks International in 1999.