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An aircraft designer would, quite obviously, never design an aeroplane that he felt would be either dangerous or unsuitable for its purpose. But designers are so often the victims of accountant's reports, committee recommendations and severe movement of the goal-posts, that the end-product that takes to the air bears little resemblance to his original concept. This book is a study of some of the examples that, for some reason, became notorious for their inability to fulfil their raison d'etre.
Each aircraft that is included is looked at in depth from several aspects. What was the intended purpose of the aeroplane? Why did the designer reach his conclusion? Why did the machine fail to live up to expectations? The answers to these questions makes for fascinating reading and gives a tantalising insight into the world of aircraft design and construction over the last century.

by Bill Gunston
Published by Airlife 1996 1st edition. 168pp profusely illustrated. 19x25 previous owner's stamp otherwise mint in price clipped d/j.





Note:
"Long" descriptions, where shown, may have been taken from the book's dust jacket notes, and as such are relevant to the date of publication (e.g. any references to "new edition" "previously unpublished photographs" etc.) and not the present.

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