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Synopsis
In June 1940 Billy Drake was shot down in his Hurricane over France when a German cannon shell exploded behind his head. He survived thanks to a sheet of armor. Had he been shot down a few weeks earlier, when armor was considered 'unnecessary', he would have been killed. Much earlier, at the start of World War I, armor had also been considered 'unnecessary' as its weight reduced the performance of the already underpowered aircraft. Nevertheless some pilots and squadrons made their own protection. By 1918 the view of the Air Ministry had changed and it commissioned designs for an armored 'Trench Fighter' which had a fully armored cockpit. Lessons had been learned, but the price in pilots killed had been high. In this carefully researched book, Michael Cox takes the reader through the development of aircraft armor from 1910 to 1945, using the stories of pilots to illustrate how vital it could be. Aircraft design and technology is also examined, with little known aircraft such as the 'Sopwith Salamander' and 'Farnborough Ram' playing an important role.
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About the Author
Michael Fox was born in Farnborough in Kent during WW II. His parents lived near the famous RAF base at Biggin Hill, which provoked a lifelong interest in military aviation. He was brought up in South-East London and went into industry as a trainee metallurgist. Retiring in 2001, he took the opportunity to begin the writing of this, his first book. He is currently working on further books, both fiction and non-fiction, all based upon aspects of military aviation. He lives in Kent, England.
Group Captain Billy Drake DSO, DFC & Bar, DFC (US), RAF. Surviving fighter ace, one of the first men whose life was saved by aircraft armor.
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- PublisherCrecy Publishing
- Publication date2006
- ISBN 10 1871187508
- ISBN 13 9781871187502
- BindingPaperback
- LanguageEnglish
- Number of pages304
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Knights of the Skies
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Air Research Pubs.: U.K., 2006
ISBN 10: 1871187508
ISBN 13: 9781871187502
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Knights of The Skies Armour Protection for British Fighting Aeroplanes
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Knights of the Skies
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Knights of the Skies: Armour Protection for British Fighting Aeroplanes
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Air Research Publications, Walton on Thames, 2006
ISBN 10: 1871187508
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Soft cover. Condition: Very Good. 1st Edition. Paperback. 298pp. Laminate Covers as Issued. Black & White Illustrations. A Very Good Book. Slight Wear to Edges. No Inscriptions. PBFA Member. We Welcome Direct Contact With Our Customers. Contact Neil Ewart Rare Books If You Require Any Further Information or Images. Seller Inventory # 004141
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