Warplanes of the World 1918 - 1939 [FIRST U.S. EDITION, FIRST PRINTING]

Taylor, Michael J.H.

Published by Charles Scribner's Sons, New York, 1981

About this Item

Fine unread condition black boards with bright gold spine lettering contained in a fine condition non price-clipped photographic and color illustrated dust jacket. Includes Introduction; Errata; and Index. Profusely illustrated with black-and-white photographs. "It is common to think of the years between the two world wars as a hiatus in minitary aviation development. Readers of Warplanes of the World 1918 - 1939 will discover this is far from the truth. During this period of international political instability there was a constant need for military aircraft, and new methods of air combat were developed from Afghanistan to Spain. The period from 1918 to 1939 marks a watershed in warplane technical developments. Many important changes occurred in the structure and configuration of aircraft: metal replaced wood as the manufacturing material of many military planes: cockpits were enclosed; undercarriages became retractable; and the first jet aircraft, the Heinkel HE 178 was flown. By the beginning of World War II, the appearance and performance of military aircraft had changed radically. One of the most outstanding developments of the period was the introduction of the aircraft carrier. Great Britain commissioned the first carriers with a flush deck and the first offset island structure -- the H.M.S. Argus and H.M.S. Eagle. The United States launched its first carrier, the U.S.S. Langley, in September 1922. Japan followed in December 1922 with the Hoshe. Ironically, the Japanese learned the methods of torpedo bombing from the British -- lessons they would put to practical use in 1942 during the battles of Midway and the Coral Sea. Warplanes of the World 1918-1939 provides an important link in the chain of aircraft development. These interwar years -- years of testing and change -- shaped the air forces of the Allied and Axis powers during World War II. This lucid, compact, and authoritative reference to a vital period of aviation development will be an invaluable resource to any student or enthusiast of aviation history." -- from the inner front jacket flap. Seller Inventory # 006998

Bibliographic Details

Title: Warplanes of the World 1918 - 1939 [FIRST ...

Publisher: Charles Scribner's Sons, New York

Publication Date: 1981

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Fine

Dust Jacket Condition: Fine

Edition: 1st Edition