De Havilland Comet: The World's First Commercial Jetliner

The de Havilland Comet 1 was the first jet-powered airliner, taking to the skies in 1949. It was faster, higher, and more luxurious than previous aircraft, but two disastrous events in 1954 grounded the fleet. Boeing caught up with its 707, and the Comet was destined to become a memory. However, a new Comet 4s was bigger and more powerful, becoming key carriers for package holidaymakers and strategic transports for the RAF. This book tells the full story of the world's first jet-powered airliner, including its military career, construction, and variants.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 152 pages
\n Publication date: 12 December 2018
\n Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd
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The world shrank significantly in July 1949, when the first jet-powered airliner took to the skies, barely four years after the conclusion of the Second World War. The de Havilland Comet 1 was a remarkable aircraft, not only faster than previous airliners but also capable of flying higher and further. It boasted a plethora of innovative technology, but perhaps most importantly for its early passengers, it offered a quiet, luxurious, and even pleasant experience, a stark contrast to the noisy piston-engine aircraft that preceded it. The Comet's dominance in jet travel for the future was cemented until aircraft began experiencing crashes. The initial incidents were attributed to pilot error, but two catastrophic events in 1954 grounded the entire fleet, effectively handing Britain's advantage over the rest of the world to its rival, Boeing.

However, from the ashes of the Comet's demise emerged a new iteration, one that was larger, more powerful, and designed for entirely different roles. While the first Comets had catered to the privileged few, the new Comet 4s transported more passengers to a multitude of destinations, becoming crucial carriers for the early package holidaymakers. At the same time, they assumed vital strategic transport roles for the Royal Air Force (RAF) as the British Empire began to recede.

This book delves into the comprehensive story of the world's first jet-powered airliner, encompassing its remarkable origins, early flight trials program, and eventual entry into service. It also provides a detailed account of the type's military career, its construction, and the numerous variants produced. Additionally, this volume features twenty-four exquisite artworks by renowned aviation illustrator Juanita Franzi.

\n Weight: 504g\n
Dimension: 190 x 245 x 13 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781526719614\n \n