American Aircraft Development of WWII: Special Types, 1939-1945

Special types reveal how wartime innovation pushed American aircraft technology beyond prior limits, shaping future flight.

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 which significantly advanced technology of aeronautics, propulsion, aircraft systems, avionics and weapons, whilst never achieving full-rate production and deployment. Focusing almost exclusively on official programs 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, 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 added for training, engine testbeds, ‘oddball’ experiments and more besides. Illustrated through-out with 3-view drawings and rare photographs, many of little-known and unusual aircraft and missiles, American Aircraft Development of WWII, Special 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.

William J. Norton is a flight test engineer, continuing a career begun during 20 Years as a US Air Force officer where he also served as aircrew on test aircraft. Bill has held numerous positions in many organizations on dozens of aerospace programs spanning all aircraft types. He has penned scores of technical papers, fourteen books, and a multitude of magazine articles. Bill is a civil pilot with numerous ratings, restored and operates a Dhc-1 Chipmunk, and built a Rutan Long-Ez. He holds a Masters in aeronautical engineering. Bill is happily married to the lovely and talented Anya Victoria Eriksson.