Research, Experimentation and Modification 1939-1945
This book presents a little-known aspect of America's World War II aircraft development in emphasizing unique aircraft or modifications for research in support of aviation development, advancing technology, or meeting combat needs. It describes important areas of aviation maturation in wartime with emphasis on advanced technology.
Boulton Paul has been one of the great innovators of British aviation. They built more Camels than Sopwiths, the first all-steel airframe, the largest aircraft ever built in Britain, the first with a power-operated gun turret, the famous Defiant, the first single-engine turboprop, and are now world leaders in power control units and fly-by-wire.
This book examines lesser known, frequently secret British projects for Flying wings, deltas and tailless aircraft undertaken for research or military purposes during the last century and also covers aircraft that were actually built and in some cases entered service. It also includes the superb looking Barnes Wallace supersonic swing-wing bomber.
Gloster produced the Gladiator biplane and during WWII built more than 6,000 Hurricanes & Typhoons. Gloster Meteor was the first Allied jet of the War and in 1952 the delta-winged Javelin was developed as an all-weather fighter that could fly above 50,000 feet. Gloster merged into Hawker Siddeley Aviation in 1963, and the name Gloster disappeared.
From the London Bomber to the Flying Wing Jet Fighter
Known for the London bomber of WW1, Gotha also built successful seaplanes. During WW2, Gotha built cargo gliders and the Messerschmitt Bf 110 under licence, gearing up in 1945 to build flying wing jet fighters, even designing its more radical successor. After the war Gotha returned to producing gliders and production finally came to an end in ......
Handley Page was the major bomber manufacturing company in Britain during the First and Second World wars. This is the first modern edition of what was originally the 1949 Handley Page corporate marketing book.
John Cunningham became a well-known personality following his WW2 combat successes, and his demonstrations of the Comets and Tridents at the Farnborough Air Shows. He was a modest man who did not seek publicity, but was a highly skilled test pilot in Britain's pioneering jet age. He also sold Tridents to China.
American Guided Bombs, Missiles and Drones 1917-1948
'Off Target' relates in detail the then "Secret" research, development, and combat employment of these early guided bombs, missiles, and drones from 1917 to 1948. Using formerly Secret/Confidential manuals, reports, microfilm print outs, and photos, author Wolf, gives the air war historian and enthusiast an in depth look at this unknown topic.
A comprehensive assessment of the complex personality and work of the self-taught designer of the iconic Spitfire, from tough railway apprenticeship to uncertain production of his 'killer fighter'. Popular myths about the man and his work are re-examined particularly via colleagues' recollections and new material from the Julian Mitchell archive.
