Take an action-included flight through the history of aircraft and discover the intrepid pioneers who made a dream reality
Uncover the engineering behind more than 800 aircraft models, from military jets to commercial planes. This visual history ebook captures the fascinating story of airplanes and aviation, and how their groundbreaking discovery has influenced the 21st Century.
Inside the pages of this aircraft book, you'll discover:
- The history of military and commercial aircraft from all over the world, decade by decade, to the present day in stunning visual detail
- Comprehensive catalogs highlight the most important aircraft of each period along with their specifications and unique features
- Showcases on particularly celebrated aircraft - such as the Supermarine Spitfire and Concorde - in beautifully photographed "virtual tour" features
- The stories of the engineers and manufacturers that created marques like Boeing and Airbus
Take to the skies
Modern flight has opened the world up to new opportunities and paved the way for the development of advanced research and technology. But, what made it so groundbreaking? This book uncovers the stories behind the first airplane models, the development of flight, and brings you to present-day marvels such as the Gypsy Moth and Supermarine Spitfire.
The Aircraft ebook is filled with stats, facts, and photographs that create a visual tour and allows you to see inside key commercial and military aircraft models from the exterior to the cockpit. Aviation enthusiasts will also be captivated by the manufacturer of aircraft engines and how famous models like Boeing and Lockheed became household names.
Love history? Discover even more with DK!
DK's The Definitive Visual History series is an iconic celebration of design and history. Includes fascinating facts and statistics, these high-quality visual guides cover everything from history and notable designs to the people and technology that made it possible. Books in this series include The Car Book, The Train Book, The Tank Book, and so much more.
Author(s): DK
Publisher: DK
Year: 2022
Contents
Introduction: The Magic of Flight
BEFORE 1920
Lighter than Air
Pioneers
Otto Lilienthal
Successful Pioneers
Profile: Blériot XI
Engine: Anzani Three-Cylinder Fan
Military Two-Seaters
Great Manufacturers: Fokker
Single-Seat Fighters
Profile: Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a
Racers and Record Breakers
Lincoln Beachey
Great Manufacturers: Sopwith
Multi-Engine Giants and Seaplanes
Engine: Gnome 100 Horsepower
THE 1920s
Mailplanes and Barnstormers
Private Flying Begins
Bessie Coleman
Setting Speed Records
Profile: DH60 Gipsy Moth
Engine: De Havilland Gipsy I
Outstanding Achievements
Biplanes Dominate
Airliners Emerge
Great Manufacturers: De Havilland
THE 1930s
Private Aircraft for All
Profile: Piper J3 Cub
Quest for Speed
Setting Records
Amelia Earhart
Great Manufacturers: Piper
Airliners Win Through
Profile: Douglas DC-2
Flying Boats and Amphibians
Rotorcraft Emerge
Engine: Rolls-Royce Type R
The Warplane Evolves
Trainers, Parasites, and Parasols
THE 1940s
Bombers
Profile: Boeing B-17
Wartime Fighters
Profile: Supermarine Spitfire
Military Support Aircraft
Great Manufacturers: Douglas
Civil Transport
Postwar Light Aircraft
Engine: Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp
Piston Perfection
Early Jets
Frank Whittle’s Jet Engine
Early Helicopters
Toward the Sound Barrier
Ahead of Their Time
Great Manufacturers: North American
THE 1950s
Jet Fighters
Profile: F-86 Sabre
Bombers, Attack Aircraft, and Trainers
Rotorcraft Mature
The Glamour of Air Travel
Piston-Engine Transport Ends
Profile: Super Constellation
Civil Jets and Turboprops
Engine: General Electric J79
Modern Classics
Great Manufacturers: Cessna
Experimental Aircraft
Supersonic Fighters
THE 1960s
America Dominates
Great Manufacturers: Boeing
Jet and Propeller Transport
Engine: Rolls-Royce Pegasus
Business, Utility, and Fire-Fighting
Military Developments
Profile: McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II
VTOL, STOL, and Speed
Rotary-Wing Diversity
Air Support
Great Manufacturers: Sikorsky
THE 1970s
US Rivals and French Classics
Business and Utility Aircraft
Airport Design
Diverse Airliners
Profile: Concorde
Great Manufacturers: Airbus
Military Support
Frontline Aircraft
Engine: Allison 250/T63 Turboshaft
Europeans Challenge
Profile: Bell 206 JetRanger
THE 1980s
Great Manufacturers: Lockheed
Military Aircraft
Profile: Mikoyan MiG-29
Stealth Bomber
Helicopter Developments
Great Manufacturers: Robinson
A Scattering of British Types
Engine: Rotax UL-1V
Bizjets and Turboprop Rivals
Two-Crew Cockpits
THE 1990s
Business and Utility
Tradition and Innovation
Sports and Sailplanes
Profile: Duo Discus Glider
Europe Challenges the US Airliners
Engine: Rolls-Royce Trent 800
Upgraded Helicopters
Carrier Aircraft
Military Technology
Great Manufacturers: Northrop
AFTER 2000
Europeans Lead
Engine: Rotax 912ULS
Ultraefficient Civil Transport
End of the Line for Manned Fighters?
Profile: Eurofighter Typhoon
Alternative Power
Great Manufacturers: Scaled Composites
More Efficient and Greener
WhiteKnightTwo and SpaceShipTwo
How Aircraft Fly
Piston Engines
Jet Engines
Landmark Engines
GLOSSARY
INDEX/ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
