World Encyclopaedia of Aero Engines

{detailed description}The Wright brothers' achievements at Kitty Hawk in 1903 ushered in a new era in transport technology but, through all the many developments in powered flight since that time, there has never been a comprehensive guide to the engines that are the source of that power — surprisingly, since it is a fascinating story.
This book, conveniently arranged in alphabetical order, lists every major aeroplane engine manufacturer throughout the world. From the earliest piston engines of the brothers from Dayton, Ohio, through the pre-First World War ABC, Hall-Scott and Curtiss to the latest Rolls-Royce jet 535-E4 and the multinational collaborative projects, every significant engine is included. Engine development has been critical to the evolution of aircraft design and each engine is placed in its historical context. The author discusses all the important design features and wherever possible every unit is illustrated — thus bringing to light many rare and previously unpublished photographs. Thorough research has also uncovered a large number of hitherto virtually unknown facts about many Russian and even American engines which are described in detailed histories of all the world's major engine-producing companies, including the tight-lipped Soviet design and construction bureaux.
There is another side to the creation of any human-designed system as complex as an aero engine —there is scope for triumph and catastrophe, violent argument, crises and nagging doubt. The author has not ignored the human element in aero engine history and some of the personal struggles that resulted in engines like the Rolls-Royce Merlin or the Pratt & Whitney PT6 are to be found under the relevant company entries.
This book fills a major gap in aeronautical history and PSL are proud to publish this vital addition to any aviation enthusiast's shelves.

Front cover photograph
Heading for Civil Aviation Authority airworthiness certification the latest version of the highly successful Rolls-Royce Dart, the Dart 552, under test in Derby (Rolls Royce Limited).
{Author / Publisher / Date}by Bill Gunston
Published by PSL 1986 1st edn. 185pp profusely illustrated, index 20x24
{condition}very good, including d/j
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first class (1-2 days)	£4.75
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