From the Heinkel He 178 to the Caproni Camini N.1, this is the
authoritative illustrated guide to the revolutionary aircraft that led
to start of the military jet age.
While World War II raged, pioneering aircraft and engine designers were
busy developing the world's first practical jet-powered research
aircraft to test and prove the new technology. This book examines the
aircraft that paved the way for Germany's Me 262 and Britain's Meteor -
the world's first jet fighters.
Throughout the war, Germany, Italy, and Britain engaged in top-secret
jet programs as they raced to develop the airpower of the future.
Various experimental aircraft were trialed in order to achieve the goal
of producing an effective engine and fighter that could harness the
potential of the jet power. These included the German Heinkel He 178
research aircraft and Heinkel He 280 jet fighter prototype, the famed
British E.28/39 research aircraft built by Gloster Aircraft as well as
the stillborn E.5/42 fighter and E.1/44 Ace fighter prototype, and
finally the remarkable Italian Caproni-Campini N.1/CC 2 research
aircraft.
Illustrated throughout with full-color artwork and rare photographs,
this fascinating study examines the fore-runners to the military jet
age.