50 Aircraft That Changed the World

50 Aircraft That Changed the World is a book that showcases 50 of history's most influential aircraft and their pilots and designers. It covers the 1905 Wright Flyer III to the jets of the Korean and Vietnam wars, commercial carriers, private jets, experimental designs, and new combat fighters.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 208 pages
\n Publication date: 28 September 2020
\n Publisher: Firefly Books Ltd
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The flying machines that pushed the boundaries of aerospace development are the subject of a fascinating new book titled "50 Aircraft That Changed the World." This comprehensive survey takes a close-up look at 50 of the most remarkable and influential aircraft in aviation history, showcasing their impact on the world of flight.

Beautifully presented, this book will grace the coffee table of any aviation aficionado.

In December of 2019, Vancouver-based airline Harbour Air took to the sky in a 1956 De Havilland Beaver retrofitted to fly on battery power. Eschewing aviation fuel and easily able to fly commuter distances, this old new plane took the first steps of the 21st-century flight.

"50 Aircraft That Changed the World" is about exactly this type of flight revolution. Written by the authors of the widely acclaimed Aviation Century series, it profiles 50 of history's most influential aircraft and their pilots and designers.

Now an aviation classic, the book has been reformatted to a smaller size but otherwise remains the same. It begins with the 1905 Wright Flyer III and moves on to the birth of aerial warfare in World War I, the trailblazers of the interwar years, classic World War II aircraft, the jets of the Korean and Vietnam wars, modern commercial carriers, private jets, experimental designs, and new combat fighters featuring stealth technology.

Featured aircraft in "50 Aircraft That Changed the World" include the Fokker E.111, Charles Lindbergh's Ryan NYP, Amelia Earhart's Lockheed Vega, Messerschmitt Bf 109, Supermarine Spitfire, Boeing B-17, Avro Lancaster, De Havilland Mosquito, Howard Hughes' Lockheed Constellation, Concorde, Learjet, Boeing B-52, Rutan Voyager, and many more.

Hundreds of colour and archival photographs enhance the informative and entertaining text, making this an ideal choice for aviation buffs.

The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, are credited with inventing and building the first successful powered airplane. Their invention, the Wright Flyer III, made its maiden flight in 1905 in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. This marked the beginning of a new era in aviation, as it demonstrated that powered flight was possible and paved the way for the development of commercial aviation.

The Wright Flyer III was a significant milestone in aviation history, as it was the first aircraft to achieve controlled, sustained flight. It was also the first aircraft to use ailerons, which allowed it to turn and bank in the air. The brothers' invention revolutionized the way people thought about flight and paved the way for the development of modern aircraft.

The interwar years saw the development of many innovative aircraft designs, including the Supermarine Spitfire, the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, and the Lockheed P-38 Lightning. These aircraft were used in World War II and played a critical role in the Allied victory.

The Supermarine Spitfire was a British fighter aircraft that was designed and built by Supermarine Aircraft. It was one of the most successful fighter aircraft of World War II, with over 20,000 units produced. The Spitfire was known for its speed, agility, and powerful armament, which made it a formidable opponent for German aircraft.

The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress was a United States heavy bomber that was designed and built by Boeing. It was the most widely used aircraft in World War II, with over 13,000 units produced. The B-17 was known for its long range, heavy payload, and ability to fly in low-altitude conditions, making it a valuable asset in the war effort.

The Lockheed P-38 Lightning was a United States fighter aircraft that was designed and built by Lockheed. It was one of the most advanced fighter aircraft of its time, with a top speed of over 400 miles per hour and a range of over 2,000 miles. The P-38 was used in both the European and Pacific theaters of World War II and was known for its speed, maneuverability, and powerful armament.

The Korean War saw the introduction of jet aircraft, which were faster and more maneuverable than their propeller-driven counterparts. The North Korean Air Force used Soviet-made MiG-15 fighter aircraft to great effect, while the United States Air Force used American-made F-86 Sabre fighter aircraft.

The F-86 Sabre was a United States fighter aircraft that was designed and built by North American Aviation. It was one of the most advanced fighter aircraft of its time, with a top speed of over 600 miles per hour and a range of over 1,000 miles. The Sabre was known for its speed, maneuverability, and powerful armament, which made it a formidable opponent for Soviet-made fighter aircraft.

The Vietnam War saw the introduction of stealth technology, which allowed aircraft to fly virtually undetected by radar. The United States Air Force used American-made F-117 Nighthawk fighter aircraft to great effect, while the North Vietnamese Air Force used Soviet-made MiG-21 fighter aircraft.

The F-117 Nighthawk was a United States fighter aircraft that was designed and built by General Dynamics. It was one of the most advanced fighter aircraft of its time, with a top speed of over 2,000 miles per hour and a range of over 1,000 miles. The Nighthawk was known for its stealth technology, which allowed it to fly virtually undetected by radar.

The 21st century has seen the development of many innovative aircraft designs, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the Airbus A380, and the Boeing 747-8i. These aircraft are designed to be more fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly, and comfortable for passengers.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a United States-made commercial aircraft that was designed and built by Boeing. It is the first commercial aircraft to use a composite material, which makes it lighter and more fuel-efficient than traditional aircraft. The Dreamliner has a range of over 6,000 miles and is designed to be more comfortable for passengers with its spacious cabin and advanced technology.

The Airbus A380 is a European-made commercial aircraft that was designed and built by Airbus. It is the largest commercial aircraft in the world, with a capacity of over 500 passengers. The A380 is designed to be more fuel-efficient than traditional aircraft and is equipped with advanced technology such as air conditioning and in-flight entertainment systems.

The Boeing 747-8i is a modified version of the Boeing 747-8 commercial aircraft that was designed and built by Boeing. It is designed to be more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional aircraft and is equipped with advanced technology such as air conditioning and in-flight entertainment systems.

In conclusion, the flying machines that pushed the boundaries of aerospace development have had a profound impact on the world of flight. From the Wright brothers' first powered airplane to the modern commercial aircraft, these machines have revolutionized the way we travel and have played a critical role in the development of modern aviation. The 50 aircraft that are featured in "50 Aircraft That Changed the World" are a testament to the ingenuity and innovation of the aviation industry and are a must-read for anyone who is interested in the history of flight.

\n Weight: 738g\n
Dimension: 229 x 228 x 17 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780228102618\n \n