Which are the most important and influential aircraft in the history of flight? Chris Chant aims to answer this question as comprehensively as possible, providing all the essential details, from the fascinating histories of their design, development and manufacture, together with technical specifications featuring each aircraft's most important variants. At the back of the book is a chronology of flight.
Here we explore the weird and wonderful world of aircraft design, from early attempts at flight such as Howard Hughes' immense Spruce Goose, which barely left the ground, to some of the amazing flying machines of post-World War II. All the aircraft shown are illustrated with intriguing archive material and are unusual in a particular way, if only because of their size or shape.
A chronology, with historic milestones detailed in order of occurrence, is perhaps the best way of presenting these events. It offers a silent commentary on human ingenuity, and a fascinating insight into the creative minds of would-be aviators. Neither the fear of death, nor of failure and ridicule, stopped the march of discovery. One thing is for certain: the challenge to be the first, fastest, greatest, and so on continues.
Written in a lively yet authoritative style and illustrated with fascinating archive photographs, Pioneers of Aviation takes a truly interesting look into the great formative age of aviation. Starting with the success of the Wright brothers in December 1903, the text draws the reader through the heady days before World War I as aviation became established as an increasingly reliable method of travelling the skies and thrilling the crowds which flocked to the excitement of air displays and races. World War I then became the training ground of aviation.
The warship originated in antiquity as a means of asserting a country's power at sea, and was originally little more than a merchant ship from which archers, slingers and spearmen could bombard the enemy ship before boarding it. Developments in the technology of sailing ships led to improved warships, although their mode of operation remained unaltered, and then the adoption of oars for fast short-range speed and agility led to the dedicated warship of narrow beam fitted with a ram bow to break the enemy ship's oars and pierce its hull. Further development of the warships with sails and oars led to larger ships what performed better at sea, but the tactics of naval operations remained essentially unaltered for more than 1,500 years.
The tractor took over from the working horse at the beginning of the century as marvellous inventions which changed the whole concept of farming almost overnight. The speed at which the land was cultivated increased productivity and yield, leading to a farming revolution. The world's most popular tractors of past and present times are described and illustrated in detail and there is interesting archive material as well as modern photographs of many old collectables, as well as the more complicated machinery of today.
For all those who love tractors THIS IS THE ONE! Encyclopedic in format the book contains just about every make of tractor, past and present. Complete with fantastic photography as well any archive pictures.
A surprisingly small percentage of the world's roads are surfaced, but that does not mean that vehicles are not required to run on them. It does mean, however, that they must have the capability of coping with all manner of adverse conditions. Hence the technology of the four-wheel-drive vehicle, with its higher ground clearance and larger wheels and tyres. These machines, such as the Land Rover and Jeep, have become household names. This book covers most of the marques, as well as the increasingly popular sport of off-road driving.
The Volkswagen Beetle was the ambition of two very different men, Adolf Hitler and Dr Ferdinand Porsche. This distinctive little vehicle changed remarkably little during its long production life, with only the engineering differing from model to model. The last Beetle, the 20-millionth, left the production line in Mexico in May 1981. But the story did not end there: a new Beetle, slightly modified for the modern market is now being manufactured in Mexico and has proved extrememly popular.
Trucks have long been trusty workhorses. The celebrated pick-ups of America, the Chevrolets, Dodges and Fords are all here, together with the great names of Europe, Australia and Japan. Stunning photography and lively text will greatly interest all who love these useful and fun-to-own vehicles.
American culture has manifested itself in many areas, but the car is probably the most important. Cadillac, Dodge, Mustang and Corvette, to name but a few, are now famous the word over and synonymous with the American way of life.
In a world where conformity is the norm and the mood of the moment often dull and depressed, it is the avant-garde eccentric, the outrageous risk-taker, who can be relied upon to inject a little excitement and interest into our daily lives. This is especially true of the automotive world. Encouraged by delightful pictures, we venture into the world of the more eccentric one-off vehicles, way-out ideas that never stood a chance; strange but carefully crafted works of automotive art, the strange, the peculiar, and the downright weird.
Muscle Cars are quintessentially an American Phenomenon. Take a mid sized American Sedan, then add the biggest V8 engine you can fit under the bonnet. Pontiac was the first, closely followed by GTO, Camero and Firebird to name but a few, this book covers them all.
Extravagantly illustrated this book is the ultimate reference for all car enthusiasts. The stunning photography is offset by very interesting archive material, to give the reader a rare insight into motoring a century or so ago.
This is the story of an American Icon. From the prototypes of the sixties, seventies and eighties to the present day. The runaway success of the mUstang when it was launched in 1964, kicked off the pony-car revolution and led so some fearson racing.
Although the original concept of the train is to be found in late medieval times, and the use of steam power for locomotives emerged during the Industrial Revolution, the steam-powered train really came of age in the Victorian era of the 19th century. At this time there was an explosion of technical ideas and this combined with greater national wealth and a rapidly changing social and economic climate to spur a railway boom.
The 150-year history of the world's most formidable transport system, from the pioneering days of the last century to the age of Amtrack and Conrail is covered, with special chapters describing the individual railroads and the major steam locomotives.
Although the origins of the train concept are to be found in the Middle Ages, and the use of steam power for locomotives emerged in the Industrial Revolution of the 18th century, the train really came of age in the Victorian era of the 19th century. At this time there was an explosion of technical ideas, and this combined with greater national wealth and a rapidly changing social and economic climate to spur a railway boom. Railway lines spread over every part of the world where there was a social and economic advantage to be gained, and there was an extraordinarily rapid development in the speed and capacity of trains operating on these lines.
Indian went out of business in the mid- 1950s, but despite this, the brand name will not die, and since the 1950s there have been numerous attempts to continue the manufacture of motorcycles branded as Indians now the company has re-formed.
Here is the ultimate reference book. In an A-Z format, it features the world's most important motorcycles and their manufacturers, both from times past as well as the present day.
As the Harley-Davidson Motor Company approaches its 100th birthday, its future seems secure. It has the highest of profiles, queues of potential buyers, large profits, and plans for expansion. The Harley-Davidson is not just a motorcycle - it is more a mobile icon, coveted for the way it looks, sounds and feels and for what it represents, rather than as a means of simply getting from A to B.
This beautiful, glossy book, produced in a landscape format, is the perfect showcase for the world's most famous bike. Harley-Davidson has been around longer than any other bike manufacturer and has outlived all its American rivals. It has achieved cult status and fans and owners have collected, customized and renovated these fabulous bikes and continue to do so today. From 1903 to the present day, Harley-Davidson continues from strength to strength.
The story of Harley-Davidson is truly legendary and, like the best legends, has had its heroes and villains, times of difficulty and periods of triumphant success. This modern-day tale of striving against the odds has five elements: the extraordinary tenacity of its founders, who from humble beginnings gradually built the largest motorcycle business in the world; Harley-Davidson's evergreen V-twin engine; the company's racing effort from 1908 to present times; how the Harley-Davidson became a symbol of rebellion, despite itself; and how Harley-Davidson, after it had stared bankruptcy in the face, eventually went from strength to strength and looks like continuing that way.
This illustrated encyclopaedia is packed with interesting facts and follows the history of the famous Harley-Davidson company and the development of its famous bikes, which have earned a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts everywhere. The story dates from 1903 when Bill Harley and the Davidson brothers, with no thoughts of fame and fortune in their minds, decided to
At the beginning of the century in Milwaukee, three young brothers and their next-door neighbour decided to go into the motorcycle business. Arthur, Walter and William Davidson and their friend William Harley were unlikely tycoons, yet from their back-yard shed a great empire grew.