The 25 Most Influential Aircraft of All Time conveys the fascinating
progression of flying technology from flimsy wood-and-fabric biplanes to
thunderous supersonic wonders. Aviation's most historically relevant and
arguably most influential aircraft - planes like the elliptical-winged
Spitfire, the blisteringly-fast X-15, and the ubiquitous Learjet - are
dramatically showcased in individual chapters. Factors like performance,
price, operational efficiency, and perceptions in popular culture are
examined. People are just as important as hardware in the discussion of
the world's greatest aircraft. The larger-than-life characters who
designed and built these aeronautical marvels - men like the reclusive
Howard Hughes and the demanding Clarence "Kelly" Johnson - are an
indispensable part of the story. So, too, are the fearless pilots like
Charles Lindbergh and Chuck Yeager who gave life to the shining examples
of a new and dynamic industry. The authors have flown or flown in many
of the featured aircraft and they knew many of the luminous
personalities involved, enabling them to share unique perspectives. The
preface is written by William Lloyd Stearman, a former staff member of
the National Security Council and the son of famed industry engineer
Lloyd Stearman. The introduction is written by Norman R. Augustine, the
retired Chairman and CEO of Lockheed Martin Corporation. The foreword is
written by Burt Rutan, the renowned aircraft designer and founder of
Scaled Composites. Each aircraft is magnificently illustrated in color,
mostly with paintings by leading aviation artists.
