Jane's Fighting Aircraft of World War One

With over 1,000 illustrations.
When World War 1 began in 1914, Jane's All the World's Aircraft had already established a reputation for authenticity after only five years of publication. But few members of the opposing armies and navies expected aeroplanes to prove of any value except as a type of unarmed aerial cavalry, capable of observing movements of man on the ground and ships over the horizon at sea.
By November 1918, however, pilots in swift, heavily-armed fighters were shooting each other from the sky; reconnaissance aircraft photographed every move made by soldiers on and behind the battle lines, bombers rained high-explosive and incendiary bombs on battlefield and town alike. The first dive bombers had largely replaced the frail seaplanes of 1914, while long-range flying boats had been developed to help end the U-boat menace around Britain's shores.
Vast new industries had been created and more than 55,000 aircraft were constructed in the UK alone. In October 1918 the Royal Air Force had 22,000 aeroplanes in service or in store: France had 15,000; Germany over 20,000; the United States more than 15,000 during their 21 months involvement.
Based upon the 1914, 1916, 1917, 1918 and 1919 editions of All the World's Aircraft, Jane's Fighting Aircraft of World War 1 offers a comprehensive look at the history and changing technology of military aircraft during these years of dramatic invention and rapid development and provides an expert as well as fascinating single-volume reference work for all those with an interest in the history of flight and war in the air.

The authoritative review of the airpower of 40 countries, with over 1000 entries.


Published by Studio Editions 1995 320pp profusely illustrated. 26x33 fine, d/j very good.







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jacket notes, and as such are relevant to the date of publication (e.g. any references to "new edition" "previously unpublished photographs" etc.)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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