Supersonic Flight

In 1947, a remarkable group of individuals achieved what many thought was impossible: breaking the 'sound barrier'. Because of their work, supersonic flight became a reality. Today, the military aircrews who routinely fly near and beyond the speed of sound and the passengers who relax in luxurious comfort as their jumbo jetliners speed them to their destinations fly in the wake of these courageous pioneers, some of whom gave their lives so that highspeed flight might be born.
Supersonic Flight is the story of the most important revolution in aviation history between the Wright brothers' first flight and the first voyage into outer space. It recounts the story of the Bell X- I in which 'Chuck' Yeager successfully 'broke' the speed of sound and of the Douglas D-558-2 - the first aircraft to reach twice the speed of sound.
Dr Hallion has updated what has come to be regarded as a classic history of the first supersonic flight using primary research materials and interviews with many of the key participants. Extensively illustrated with rare photographs, it is a dramatic and authoritative account of how aviation moved from the era of the propeller-driven aeroplane into the era of the high-performance jet.


by Richard P. Hallion
Published by Brassey's 1997 revised edition of 1972 1st. 268pp illustrated, index, appendix, bibliography. 16x24 mint, d/j fine.





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