50 Aircraft that Changed the World

A close-up survey of 50 of the most remarkable and influential aircraft ever.

For this book, the authors of the widely acclaimed Aviation Century series chose 50 of history's most influential aircraft, with profiles of their pilots and designers.

They begin with the Wright Brothers' 1905 Flyer, then move on to the birth of aerial warfare in World War I, the trail-blazers of the interwar years, the first passenger flights, and the great flying boats. Classic World War II aircraft such as the Bf 109, Spitfire and Mustang are included among the stars of that time. Then come the jets of the Korean and Vietnam wars, modern commercial carriers, private jets, experimental designs, and new combat fighters featuring Stealth technology.

Hundreds of color and archival photographs enhance an informative and entertaining text. Featured aircraft include:

• The Wright Brothers 1905 Flyer
• Fokker E.111
• Sopwith Camel
• Charles Lindbergh's Ryan NYP
• Amelia Earhart's Lockheed Vega
• MesserschmittBf 109
• Supermarine Spitfire
• Boeing B-17
• Avro Lancaster
• De Havilland Mosquito
• Howard Hughes' Lockheed Constellation
• Concorde
• Learjet
• Boeing B-52
• Rutan Voyager
  ... and 35 more.

Ron Dick served with the Royal Air Force for 38 years, retiring in the rank of Air Vice-Marsha l. He lives in Virginia. In addition to the landmark five-volume Aviation Century series, he has co-authored five other books with Dan Patterson.

Dan Patterson received the first annual Combs Award, honoring his contribution to the photographic preservation of America's air and space heritage. He lives in Dayton, Ohio.