Ultimate Aircraft

Rating:
Summary: Stunning cover design, Aircraft Enthusiast reference...
Review: For the committed aircraft enthusiast, you just won't find a more valuable reference source for fascinating information about the evolution of aircraft and the pioneers who gave humans wings.

Ultimate Aircraft charts every main step from the first experimental gliders to the high-powered supersonic jets and the high-capacity airliners of today. If you have ever watched the Blue Angels flying overhead while floating in the ocean, you will know why an aircraft could get your attention. I have seen the Blue Angels flying a few times and I am always amazed at their precise flying and talent.

This book includes an extensive biographical section which profiles the major designers, engineers and pilots who have changed the fact of transportation around the globe. You will read about the Wright brothers and Chuck Yeager. There is a comprehensive glossary which defines terms such as: Flutter, Ballonet, Dope, Lateral Control, etc. The Index provides instant access to many topics.

The first part of the book reveals the history of aircraft, the second part is a visual gallery of aircraft and the book ends with an extensive section on Aviation Innovators. Page 110-111 is quite fun and page 111 folds out to show the Boeing B-52G in detail. Page 140 shows a Northrop Grumman proposal for an Uninhabited Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) which looks like an alien ship to me!

On some of the pages a small box has all the specification for the aircraft being discussed. The pictures are stunning and you will soon decide on your favorite plane.

Philip Jarret was the assistant editor of Aeroplane Monthly magazine. He is now a freelance writer and editor, and has produced countless articles on a wide variety of aeronautical subjects. He also lectures on aviation topics. He is also the author of Icarus: Percy Pilcher and the Quest for Flight and is also currently series editor for the Putman History of Aircraft volumes. Other books in this Ultimate series include: Ultimate Harley-Davidson and Ultimate Train.

A definitive reference to aviation history! This book makes me want to go watch Top Gun! Perhaps play the music in the background while you read. My husband is threatening to take me parachute gliding, who knows...I might just do it. So, if you never hear from me again....:).