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In
the space of just one hundred years man has progressed from the
first, tentative, 12 second powered flight to being able to fly
into space and back. The intervening years have witnessed remarkable
technological advances on a global scale, these taking place in
a relatively short period.
This special magazine is dedicated to those first hundred years
and looks at some of the significant figures, companies, events
and aircraft from around the world that have helped to shape the
world of aviation. It covers all aspects, ranging from early commercial
operations to wartime military development and naval air power through
to modern commercial jets and the very latest military designs.
Key to all of these areas have been the world's aerospace companies,
such as the many British firms who, over the years, have contributed
enormous advances in aviation. Today the UK's BAE Systems continues
to carry the mantle of British excellence while around the world
names such as Boeing, Airbus, Dassault and Sukhoi also strive to
develop new aircraft and technologies.
Other features look at airframe design and development of power
plants - from piston engines to the jet engine and beyond.
The aircraft is one of the inventions most synonymous with 20th
Century prosperity. It has helped to defeat tyranny and keep world
peace for over half a century. It has opened up mass travel on a
truly global scale and been a huge factor in the growth of international
trade and development. Century of Flight acknowledges these significant
facts as it traces the history of mans quest for flight.
Contents
Paving the Way
Story of the Wright Brothers.
First World
War - Birth of Air Power
Ken Delve examines the first military use of the aeroplane.
Destruction
From the Air
Ken Delve gives an overview of air-to-ground weapons development.
Piston Power
Bill Gunston provides some insight into the development of the piston
aero engine.
Second World
War - Air Power Dominant
World War Two provided a major boost to aviation development, as
Ken Delve reveals.
Jet Power
The jet engine has probably done more for aviation than any other
single invention. Bill Gunston investigates.
Manufacturing
- 100 Years of Learning
Tony Buttler looks at the remarkable advances made in aircraft manufacture
over the past 100 years.
The Designers
Many famous names have helped shape the way aircraft are designed,
as Tony Buttler discovers.
From Parachutes
to Bang Seats
Alan Dawes examines the innovative ways man has found to escape
from a stricken aircraft.
Women in Aviation
Clare Walker shows how women have played an increasing part in aviation.
A Century of
Private Flying
Stephen Bridgewater looks at the popularity of the general aviation
market and the history behind it.
Creature Comforts
Chris Penney charts the evolution of the airliner interior, from
chilly and basic beginnings to modern day luxury.
Air Travel -
The Boom Years
Richard Maslen looks back at the boom years of modern commercial
air travel.
Rotary Flight
As Robert F Dorr explains, the helicopter has rapidly evolved into
one of the most versatile aircraft in the skies.
Airpower at Sea
Commander David Hobbs, curator of the Fleet Air Arm Museum, examines
the rise of naval airpower, in particular the strength offered by
the aircraft carrier.
Air-to-Air Combat
Lon Nordeen gives an overview of the development of air-to-air combat.
The Need for Speed
Mark Nicholls looks at man's insatiable appetite for going faster
- achieved beyond measure in the air.
So You Want To Be a Pilot?
Stephen Bridgewater has the low-down on carving a career in aviation.
A Century of Flying Clothing
Peter White examines the ways in which aircrew clothing has adapted
to developments within powered flight.
2003 Events
A summary of some of the 2003 air events marking the centenary of
powered flight.
Reaching for Space
David Baker takes a brief look at the very rapid developments in
the field of space flight.
Available
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FREE! (UK only) Overseas please add £1 P&P
Call our credit card ordering line: +44 (0) 1780 480404 (Visa/Mastercard/Eurocard)
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