Cold War Delta Prototypes: The Fairey Deltas, Convair Century-series, and Avro 707

The delta wing was a radical new planform that suited the new power of the jet engine, and was developed by Fairey and Avro in Britain and Convair in America. The Fairey Delta 2 broke the World Air Speed Record, but failed to win a production order, while Convair received major orders for two jet fighter types and one jet bomber. The British Avro company built the 707 family of research aircraft, which led to the Vulcan, a highly successful subsonic bomber. This book examines the development of the delta wing in Britain and America, and the way in which experimental aircraft like the Fairey Deltas proved their potential and versatility.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 80 pages
Publication date: 10 December 2020
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

At the dawn of the supersonic jet age, aircraft designers were faced with the challenge of creating innovative planforms that could harness the immense power of the jet engine. One of the most successful designs was the delta wing, which emerged as a game-changer in the aviation industry. While several companies, including Gloster, produced delta-winged aircraft, Fairey and Avro were the pioneers of this technology in Britain. In contrast, Convair dominated the delta wing market in America, with the exception of the Douglass Navy jet fighter programs. These development lines, one in Britain and the other in America, shared a common goal: to develop high-speed fighter aircraft.

In Britain, the Fairey Delta 2 made a remarkable impact by breaking the World Air Speed Record in a spectacular fashion. However, despite its impressive performance, it failed to secure a production order. In contrast, Convair achieved significant success by receiving major orders for two jet fighter types and one jet bomber. At the same time, the British Avro company demonstrated the versatility of the delta wing by building the 707 family of research aircraft, which ultimately led to the iconic Vulcan.

This book delves into the development of the delta wing in Britain and America, exploring the experimental aircraft that showcased its potential and versatility. It covers key aircraft such as the Fairey Delta 1, Fairey Delta 2, proposed Fairey Delta Rocket Fighter, Delta 3 long-range interceptor, and Avro 707. On the American side, it examines the Convair XF-92 and XF-92A, the Delta Dagger/Delta Dart family, and the Convair Sea Dart, the world's only supersonic seaplane.

The delta wing's design featured a swept back wing with a high aspect ratio, which provided excellent lift and stability at high speeds. This design allowed for faster airspeeds, shorter takeoff and landing distances, and improved fuel efficiency compared to traditional aircraft. The use of the delta wing also enabled the development of supersonic aircraft, such as the Concorde, which became a symbol of luxury and technological innovation.

However, the development of the delta wing was not without its challenges. One of the main challenges was the control of airflow over the wing, particularly at transonic and supersonic speeds. This required the use of advanced aerodynamic techniques, such as flaps and slats, to maintain stability and control. Additionally, the delta wing design was susceptible to flutter, a phenomenon where the wing oscillates uncontrollably at high speeds, which could be dangerous.

Despite these challenges, the delta wing continued to evolve and improve over time. The introduction of computer simulations and advanced manufacturing techniques allowed for more precise and efficient design, leading to the development of newer and more advanced delta-winged aircraft. Today, the delta wing remains an important design feature in the aviation industry, with applications in both civilian and military aircraft.

In conclusion, the development of the delta wing was a significant milestone in the history of aviation. It revolutionized the way aircraft were designed and enabled the development of high-speed fighter aircraft and supersonic aircraft. While the delta wing faced challenges during its development, it continued to evolve and improve, leading to the creation of newer and more advanced delta-winged aircraft. Today, the delta wing remains an important design feature in the aviation industry, with applications in both civilian and military aircraft.

Weight: 262g
Dimension: 185 x 246 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472843333