Britain's Aircraft Industry

Triumphs and Tragedies since 1909

Ken Ellis

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Hardback

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English

Crecy Publishing
01 June 2021

Aerospace & air transport industries; Aircraft: general interest

Britain established the world's first aircraft factory in 1909 after the Short brothers met up with the American Wright brothers and struck a deal. The industry expanded rapidly to rise to the challenge of World War One with such thoroughbreds as the Camel and the SE.5. The post-conflict slump proved to be difficult but classics such as the Moths, the Hart family and the Gladiator maintained Britain's leadership. Another war loomed and iconic types such as the Hurricane, Lancaster, Mosquito, Spitfire and the Meteor jet appeared. With the return of peace over 20 major manufacturers faced inevitable contraction. The misguided Bristol Brabazon airliner was a dead end but the superb de Havilland Comet and Vickers Viscount led the field. Canberras, Hunters, Lightnings and the V-bombers met the Cold War confrontation. For the first time here is a readable, highly illustrated, examination of the entire industry; its heritage and the changes it faces in the 21st century, both technical and political. The life and times of the 40 'big names' from Airbus to Westland: aircraft, designers, factories, failures and successes, mergers and closures are all explained, supported by statistical tables and copious illustrations. Here is a celebration of a world class industry that remains at the cutting edge of excellence.

By: Ken Ellis
Imprint: Crecy Publishing
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 280mm, Width: 216mm, Spine: 25mm
Weight: 1.415kg
ISBN: 9781910809426
ISBN 10: 191080942X
Pages: 352
Publication Date: 01 June 2021
Audience: General/trade , College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , ELT Advanced , Primary
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Ken Ellis is best known for Wrecks & Relics, the biennial 'bible' of the UK preservation movement. He is author or co-author of 12 other titles. Ellis is a member of 20+ aviation societies and groups and holds a private pilots license, flying whenever he can.