American Aircraft Development of WWII: Special Types 1939 - 1945

Norton, William

ISBN 10: 0859791882 / ISBN 13: 9780859791885

Editore: Crecy Publishing Ltd, 2015

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Clean Pages. Mylar cover on dust jacket NOT taped to book. Proceeds benefit the Pima County Public Library system, which serves Tucson and southern Arizona.

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Dati bibliografici

• Titolo: American Aircraft Development of WWII: Special Types 1939 - 1945
• Editore: Crecy Publishing Ltd
• Data di pubblicazione: 2015
• Lingua: Inglese
• ISBN 10: 0859791882
• ISBN 13: 9780859791885
• Rilegatura: hardcover
• Condizione: Fine

Descrizione articolo

Riassunto

Focusing on the U.S. military's development of special aircraft types during World War II, including many experimental aircraft and one-off secret projects, this book shows how U.S. aviation designs and weapons progressed under the pressure of global warfare. From the state-of-the-art aircraft at the beginning of the war, to the advances during the conflict, each special type is covered in detail: armed photo reconnaissance, catapult launched seaplanes, naval floatplanes, autogyros, and special-operations armed drones.

Often described as less glamorous than fighters and bombers, these special types of WWII combat aircraft offer a unique contribution to military aviation and aeronautical advancement.

Dalla quarta di copertina

The years of World War II saw the greatest single leap in US military aircraft technology and design, from the relatively fragile pre-war designs to the very edge of the supersonic era. Many remarkable aircraft came and went in quick succession with some missions and types disappearing altogether. Indeed, there were scores of little known or minimally documented aircraft projects that significantly advanced technology of aeronautics, propulsion, aircraft systems, avionics and weapons, while never achieving full-rate production and deployment.

Focusing almost exclusively on official programs, experimental, prototype, limited production models and aircraft that actually entered development, American Aircraft Development of WWII, Special Types 1939-1945 opens with the “state of the art” designs at the beginning of the war, continuing on to the advances during the conflict itself. These so-called “special types” are far less widely known than fighter and bomber designs, but no less important, and include armed photo reconnaissance aircraft, catapult-launched seaplanes, autogyros, tactical haulers and armed drones. Other designs covered include “one-off” experimental aircraft, rocket boost, floats and skis added to landplanes, fighters with second seats assed for training, engine testbeds, “oddballs” experiments and more.

Illustrated throughout with 3-view drawings and rare photographs, many little-known and unusual aircraft and missiles, American Aircraft Development of WWII, Specialty Types 1939-1945 tells the stories of engineering teams and test pilots struggling against short schedules and tight resources to develop new aircraft that pushed the bounds of technology. This book is a fitting testament to the epic and sometimes life-threatening accomplishments which were every bit as vital to the war effort as actual combat operations themselves.