Description
World War I witnessed unprecedented growth and innovation in aircraft design, construction, and as the war progressed - mass production. Each country generated its own innovations sometimes in surprising ways - Albatros Fokker, Pfalz, and Junkers in Germany and Nieuport, Spad, Sopwith and Bristol in France and Britain.
This book focuses on the British approach to fighter design, construction, and mass production. Initially the French led the way in Allied fighter development with their Bleriot trainers then nimble Nieuport Scouts - culminating with the powerful, fast gun platforms as exemplified by the Spads. The Spads had a major drawback however, in that they were difficult and counter-intuitive to fix in the field. The British developed fighters in a very different way; Tommy Sopwith had a distinctive approach to fighter design that relied on lightly loaded wings and simple functional box-girder fuselages. His Camel was revolutionary as it combined all the weight well forward; enabling the Camel to turn very quickly - but also making it an unforgiving fighter for the inexperienced. The Royal Aircraft Factory's SE5a represented another leap forward with its comfortable cockpit, modern instrumentation, and inline engine - clearly influenced by both Spads and German aircraft.
Each manufacturer and design team vied for the upper hand and deftly and quickly appropriated good ideas from other companies - be they friend or foe. Developments in tactics and deployment also influenced design - from the early reconnaissance planes, to turn fighters, finally planes that relied upon formation tactics, speed, and firepower. Advances were so great that the postwar industry seemed bland by comparison.
About the Author
Mark C. Wilkins is an historian, writer, lecturer, and museum professional. He has been director and curator of both the Cape Cod Maritime Museum and The Atwood House Museum and has worked for the Smithsonian Institution & Mystic Seaport. Mark is a published author of books and articles relating to maritime and aviation history. Mark has been a contributor to Smithsonian's Air & Space Magazine and Aviation History magazine. He has an A.L.M. in history from Harvard University and was the historical consultant and producer of aerial effects for the Lafayette Escadrille documentary film. He serves on the Board for the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum.
Reviews
...handy not only as an aircraft model reference, but also as a great reading for all history fans. * DetailScaleView 05/07/2021 *
Wilkins' compact chronicle proved an illuminating, entertaining read. * Cybermodeler 25/05/2021 *
For the aviation buff who wants to delve into biplane building, this book is for you. * The Historical Miniatures Gaming Society 16/08/2021 *
Go buy this book right now. It is rare that ISD gives an instant five-star rating to any new volume, but Mark C. Wilkins' British Fighter Aircraft in World War I is a rare book. * Indy Squadron Dispatch 25/05/2021 *
The real fascination of this book is that it goes into the actual building of the aircraft as much as anything else...Highly recommended. * ModelingMadness.com 25/05/2021 *
...beautifully presented and recommended for those with special interest in British fighting aircraft. * Western Front Association 08/11/2021 *
Wilkins writes well, managing to balance technical detail with the stories of the men behind these planes. [...] thoroughly enjoyable for those interested in World War I British warplanes. * Wargames Illustrated 19/07/2021 *
Book Information
ISBN 9781612008813
Author Mark C. Wilkins
Format Hardback
Page Count 192
Imprint Casemate Publishers
Publisher Casemate Publishers
This book focuses on the British approach to fighter design, construction, and mass production. Initially the French led the way in Allied fighter development with their Bleriot trainers then nimble Nieuport Scouts - culminating with the powerful, fast gun platforms as exemplified by the Spads. The Spads had a major drawback however, in that they were difficult and counter-intuitive to fix in the field. The British developed fighters in a very different way; Tommy Sopwith had a distinctive approach to fighter design that relied on lightly loaded wings and simple functional box-girder fuselages. His Camel was revolutionary as it combined all the weight well forward; enabling the Camel to turn very quickly - but also making it an unforgiving fighter for the inexperienced. The Royal Aircraft Factory's SE5a represented another leap forward with its comfortable cockpit, modern instrumentation, and inline engine - clearly influenced by both Spads and German aircraft.
Each manufacturer and design team vied for the upper hand and deftly and quickly appropriated good ideas from other companies - be they friend or foe. Developments in tactics and deployment also influenced design - from the early reconnaissance planes, to turn fighters, finally planes that relied upon formation tactics, speed, and firepower. Advances were so great that the postwar industry seemed bland by comparison.
About the Author
Mark C. Wilkins is an historian, writer, lecturer, and museum professional. He has been director and curator of both the Cape Cod Maritime Museum and The Atwood House Museum and has worked for the Smithsonian Institution & Mystic Seaport. Mark is a published author of books and articles relating to maritime and aviation history. Mark has been a contributor to Smithsonian's Air & Space Magazine and Aviation History magazine. He has an A.L.M. in history from Harvard University and was the historical consultant and producer of aerial effects for the Lafayette Escadrille documentary film. He serves on the Board for the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum.
Reviews
...handy not only as an aircraft model reference, but also as a great reading for all history fans. * DetailScaleView 05/07/2021 *
Wilkins' compact chronicle proved an illuminating, entertaining read. * Cybermodeler 25/05/2021 *
For the aviation buff who wants to delve into biplane building, this book is for you. * The Historical Miniatures Gaming Society 16/08/2021 *
Go buy this book right now. It is rare that ISD gives an instant five-star rating to any new volume, but Mark C. Wilkins' British Fighter Aircraft in World War I is a rare book. * Indy Squadron Dispatch 25/05/2021 *
The real fascination of this book is that it goes into the actual building of the aircraft as much as anything else...Highly recommended. * ModelingMadness.com 25/05/2021 *
...beautifully presented and recommended for those with special interest in British fighting aircraft. * Western Front Association 08/11/2021 *
Wilkins writes well, managing to balance technical detail with the stories of the men behind these planes. [...] thoroughly enjoyable for those interested in World War I British warplanes. * Wargames Illustrated 19/07/2021 *
Book Information
ISBN 9781612008813
Author Mark C. Wilkins
Format Hardback
Page Count 192
Imprint Casemate Publishers
Publisher Casemate Publishers
