Aircraft manufacturers - Great Britain: books - history

British Aircraft Manufacturers Since 1909

Traces one hundred years of the British aviation industry, its history, origins, mergers and takeovers. It details the evolution of the British aviation industry and is an epitaph to household famous names such as Armstrong-Whitworth, de Havilland, Chadwick, Claude-Graham White, Sopwith, A. V. Roe, Mitchell, Hawker, Handley Page, Petter and Fairey to name but a few. Of more recent times, the likes of Sidney Camm, Hooker and Hooper, all of whom, made VTOL more than just a dream, are also covered in astonishing and exhausting detail.

Of the major firms, most at some time or other have been absorbed, merged or reorganised to form a single conglomerate, BAe Systems and Rolls-Royce are chronicled from the outset to the mighty companies they are today. Only PBN-Britten Norman - who on several occasions escaped extinction due to financial difficulties - and Westland, now part of AgustaWestland, and Short Bros of Northern Ireland remain independent, although even the latter, are part of Canadian, Bombardier Co.

"British Aircraft Manufacturers since 1909" tells the complete and enthralling story of how Britain ruled the world in terms of manufacturing and aircraft design from nimble but fragile biplanes and majestic airliners that united the world to the advanced bombers and fighters of today.

British & Allied Aircraft Manufacturers of the First World War

At the start of the First World War, little thought had been given to how aircraft would play a part in the conflict. The Royal Flying Corps consisted of five squadrons, one equipped with observation balloons and the others with aircraft. In fact, so advanced was Britain that its squadrons were the first in the world.
Along with the Royal Flying Corps, Britain also had the Royal Naval Air Service, which pioneered the use of aircraft carriers. The value of aircraft was soon realised and rapid expansion took place of both services, each using a variety of aircraft from Sopwith Pups and Camels, to Bristol F.2Bs and the huge Handley page O/400 bombers, as well as Vickers Vimys, Martinsyde G.100s and Avro 504s.
With a wide range of aircraft of all types, from fighters to bombers, seaplanes and reconnaissance types, the British air forces started the war with barely 150 aircraft but ended it with thousands.

Terry Treadwell takes us through the various types, their uses and history, and this companion to his "German and Austro-Hungarian Aircraft Manufacturers" is profusely illustrated with images of the men and machines that protected the skies of the Allied territories.

Scotland's Aviation History

Tells the story of the development of aviation in Scotland. Although mainly dealing with the era of powered flight, the story begins with early attempts to fly by Scottish man, then looks at ballooning.
However, the main focus of the book is the 20th century, starting with the Lanark 1910 meeting and the 1911 Daily Mail Air Race. Pioneer aviation is swiftly followed by the First World War and the activities of the Royal Flying Corps at Montrose and elsewhere.

The post-war development of civil aviation continues the story with the opening of airports, island services, helicopters and more. Readers unfamiliar with Ord-Hume's style will discover a witty writer who at the same time produces a coherent and intelligent narrative, a tricky task for a subject as complex as this, possibly explaining why lesser authors have shied away from attempting it.

This book is packed with over 200 photographs - any remaining white space is crammed full of lengthy and detailed captions by a man who knows his subject.

Aircraft and Aerospace Manufacturing in Northern Ireland : An Illustrated History - 1909 to the Present Day

Northern Ireland has an enviable, extensive and often unappreciated role in aviation history.
With a focus on aircraft manufacturing from the first pioneering steps by Lilian Bland, Joseph Cordner and a young Harry Ferguson, through a century of developments in production and research, this illustrated volume highlights that history and the people who played a part.

Using over 300 black and white and colour images, with extended captions, the authors take a chronological look at how, from innovative beginnings, a successful aircraft and aerospace industry has thrived locally through periods of war and peace.
Aircraft from both military and civil backgrounds are featured including the early experiments, licensed military production, flying boats, conversions, fascinating research designs, jet and missile developments, and successful transport and passenger aeroplanes. Details of both locations and people help to bring the story to life.

Written by two experts on the topic and drawing on the archives and collections of Bombardier Belfast and Ulster Aviation Society, this volume contains much previously unpublished material.