Bøker av Graham M Simons

In this in-depth study of the 737, the renowned aviation historian and author Graham M. Simons explores the whole story of the type's design and introduction.

The story of the Consolidated B-36 is unique in American aviation history. The aircraft was an interesting blend of concepts proven during the Second World War combined with budding 1950s high-tech systems. The program survived near-cancellation on six separate occasions during an extremely protracted development process. It was also the symbol of a bitter inter-service rivalry between the newly-formed US Air Force and the well-established US Navy over which of which of the two organizations would control the delivery of atomic weapons during the early years of the Cold War.Entering service in 1948, the B-36 was a remarkable design. It was the largest mass-produced piston-engine aircraft ever built, having the longest wingspan of any combat aircraft in history. Importantly, in terms of the developing Cold War at least, the B-36 was the first bomber capable of delivering any of the weapons in America's nuclear arsenal without modification. To achieve this part of its role, the Peacemaker had an operational range of 10,000 miles, being capable of intercontinental flight without refueling.It is difficult to imagine a modern aircraft remaining airborne for two days without refueling - but such missions were relatively routine for the B-36 crews. while there were, at the time of its service, questions around its flight speed, the Peacemaker flew so high that this was considered of little concern - few fighters of its era could reach the same altitudes, and operational surface-to-air missiles were still in the future.The B-36, despite its seemingly conventional appearance, pushed the state-of-the-art technology further than any other aircraft of its era. Its sheer size brought with it structural challenges, while its high-altitude capabilities led to engine cooling and associated problems. However, all of these were finally overcome, and the B-36 served well as the first 'Big Stick' of the Cold War.

The book is enlivened by the many dramatic photographs featured, and this coupled with the clarity of Simons' prose makes for an engaging and entertaining history of this iconic Allied bomber.

A full and comprehensive history of De Havilland Enterprises. Acquaints the reader with the man behind the company, Captain Sir Geoffrey de Havilland. Charts all the milestones and landmarks of an illustrious career.

The Lockheed TriStar first flew in November 1970, with production continuing until 1984, by when some 250 aircraft had been built.

Britannia Airways Corporation was established in 1961 and went on to become the world's largest holiday airline. It ceased operations on 1 November 2005, when, having been taken over, it was rebranded - today it remains as part of Thomason Airways.

Large and luxurious, it carried only 60-80 passengers, and with a range of 5,000 miles, a 225ft wing span and eight engines buried in the wings with enough fuel to reach New York, the '100-ton bomber' was more impressive and capable than the B-29: the ultimate passenger airliner was born.

After their failure to be the first nation to develop a jet airliner for transatlantic flight or to send spacecraft into space, the US Government was adamant that they would beat other nations to the goal of supersonic flight and so development of the SST began.