Synopsis
"Go buy this book right now. It is rare that ISD gives an instant five-star rating to any new volume, but Mark C. Wilkins' British Fighter Aircraft in World War I is a rare book." ― Indy Squadron Dispatch
World War I witnessed unprecedented growth and innovation in aircraft design, construction, and as the war progressed—mass production. Each country generated its own innovations sometimes in surprising ways—Albatros Fokker, Pfalz, and Junkers in Germany and Nieuport, Spad, Sopwith and Bristol in France and Britain.
This book focuses on the British approach to fighter design, construction, and mass production. Initially the French led the way in Allied fighter development with their Bleriot trainers then nimble Nieuport Scouts—culminating with the powerful, fast gun platforms as exemplified by the Spads. The Spads had a major drawback however, in that they were difficult and counter-intuitive to fix in the field. The British developed fighters in a very different way; Tommy Sopwith had a distinctive approach to fighter design that relied on lightly loaded wings and simple functional box-girder fuselages. His Camel was revolutionary as it combined all the weight well forward; enabling the Camel to turn very quickly—but also making it an unforgiving fighter for the inexperienced. The Royal Aircraft Factory’s SE5a represented another leap forward with its comfortable cockpit, modern instrumentation, and inline engine—clearly influenced by both Spads and German aircraft.
Each manufacturer and design team vied for the upper hand and deftly and quickly appropriated good ideas from other companies—be they friend or foe. Developments in tactics and deployment also influenced design—from the early reconnaissance planes, to turn fighters, finally planes that relied upon formation tactics, speed, and firepower. Advances were so great that the postwar industry seemed bland by comparison.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The British Aircraft Industry
The British and Colonial Aeroplane Company (B&CAC)/Bristol
The Royal Aircraft Factory
Aircraft Manufacturing Company (Airco)
A. V. Roe & Company (Avro)
Sopwith Aviation Company
Engines and Props
Conclusion
Appendices
Notes
Bibliography
Index
About the Author
Mark C. Wilkins is an historian, writer, lecturer, and museum professional. He has been director & curator of both the Cape Cod Maritime Museum and The Atwood House Museum (Chatham Historical Society), and has worked for the Smithsonian Institution & Mystic Seaport. Mark is a published author of books and articles relating to maritime and aviation history. Mark is a contributor to Smithsonian’s Air & Space Magazine and Aviation History magazine. Mr. Wilkins has an A.L.M. in history from Harvard University, and is the historical consultant and producer of aerial effects for the Lafayette Escadrille Documentary Film.
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