De Havilland DH.106 Comet: Illustrated History Books & Guides

De Havilland Comet

During the later years of World War II, the British War Cabinet established a committee to plan the future of air transport. Led by John Theodore Cuthbert Moore-Brabazon, the first Briton to hold a private pilot's license, the committee recognized the potential of jet engine technology while still prioritizing piston engines, which were highly developed at the time. Their support allowed Geoffrey de Havilland and Ronald Bishop to begin designing a jet airliner powered by engines from Frank Halford.
This bold decision gave Britain a lead in aviation, resulting in the de Havilland DH106 Comet - the world's first jet airliner. It became the first to fly and to offer scheduled jet passenger services, marking a major milestone in aviation history. More than 60 years later, the Comet's story remains significant and inspiring.

Featuring over 90 images and firsthand accounts from de Havilland's chief test pilot, this book explores the Comet's design, development, testing, achievements, setbacks, and its lasting impact on aviation.
This is a new edition of the Aeroplane publication "De Havilland Comet".

Product details

Details:	96 pages, 7.9 x 5.5 x 0.39 in (20 x 14 x 1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	90+ photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Key Publishing Ltd (GB, 2024)
Series:	Historic Commercial Aircraft (6)
ISBN:	9781802823783

De Havilland DH.106 Comet - A Legends of Flight Illustrated History (Legends of Flight)

The De Havilland DH.106 Comet was the world's first jet airliner. Its prototypes first flew in 1949, with production deliveries beginning in 1951 and commercial service starting in 1952. Initially expected to bring prestige to postwar British aerospace, the Comet's reputation was damaged by several fatal crashes, with about a quarter of the aircraft lost in accidents.
In this book, aviation journalist Wolfgang Borgmann details the Comet's development and production during the 1940s. It also covers the technical specifications and operational histories of all variants, including the models 1, 2, 3, and 4. The book features around 250 images, most of them in color.

Product details

Author:	Wolfgang Borgmann
Details:	143 pages, 8.5 x 10 x 0.79 in (21.5 x 25.5 x 2 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	230 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Schiffer Publishing Ltd (USA, 2024)
Series:	Legends of Flight (11)
ISBN:	9780764367939

Comet! The World's First Jet Airliner (paperback)

This volume from the respected and well-regarded aviation historian and author Graham M. Simons is sure to appeal to all aviation enthusiasts, including as it does a wide array of historical sources and archival information drawn together into one consolidated volume the closest to a definitive study of the craft than any produced before.

Extensively illustrated throughout, the book features details lifted directly from enquiry and salvage reports, much of which has never been published before and offers a unique insight into the failures and tragedies that blighted the early days of the Comets development, laying down lessons that were ultimately to benefit later designs.

As part of his research into the book, the author interviewed John Cunningham, the Comet test pilot who was the first to experience flight at the helms of the iconic craft. He was also given access to materials belonging to Harry Povey, the DeHavilland Production Manager.
Insights gained from these two sources add a deeper level of authenticity to the narrative and a more personalised account of proceedings.

Product details

Author:	Graham M. Simons
Details:	288 pages, 9.7 x 6.9 x 0.71 in (24.5 x 17.5 x 1.8 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	150 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Pen & Sword Books Ltd (GB, 2018)
ISBN:	9781526726773

De Havilland Comet : The World's First Commercial Jetliner

The world got a little smaller in July 1949 when the first jet-powered airliner took to the skies barely four years after the end of the Second World War. Not only was the de Havilland Comet 1 was a lot faster than previous airliners, it could fly higher and further.
The Comet s leadership in jet travel for the future was assured until aircraft began crashing. The first ones were put down to pilot error but two disastrous events in 1954 grounded the fleet and Britain s advantage over the rest of the world was lost.

Boeing caught up with its ubiquitous 707 and the Comet was destined to become but a memory. However, rising from the ashes came a new Comet one that was bigger and more powerful than before and designed for completely different roles.
Where the first Comets had provided an expensive and plush way to travel for the rich few, the new Comet 4s carried more passengers to a multitude of destinations inevitably becoming key carriers for the early package holidaymakers. At the same time they became vital strategic transports for the RAF as the British Empire receded.

This book tells the full story of the world s first jet-powered airliner, from its remarkable beginnings, through its early flight trials programme to its entry into service. The type's military career is also covered, as is its construction; also included in this volume are details of the numerous variants produced and those still surviving as exhibits today. There are also twenty-four superb artworks by world-renowned aviation illustrator Juanita Franzi.

Product details

Author:	Colin Higgs
Details:	152 pages, 9.7 x 7.5 in (24.5 x 19 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	100 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Pen & Sword Books Ltd (GB, 2018)
ISBN:	9781526719614

De Havilland Comet Manual (1949-1997) - An insight into the design, construction and operation (Haynes Aircraft Manual)

The beautiful de Havilland Comet was the world's first jet airliner. Its inaugural passenger-carrying flight in 1952 heralded a new era of luxurious air travel that was the envy of the world, but a series of tragic accidents saw its lead lost to the Americans with their Boeing 707.

Pages of the book "De Havilland Comet Manual (1949-1997) - An insight into the design, construction and operation"

Brian Rivas examines the design and operation of the Comet in civil and military service, including its later development the Nimrod, and offers a detailed close-up look at its construction. Fascinating insights are also given into the investigation of the fatal Comet crashes.

More information about Haynes Aircraft Manuals

Product details

Author:	Brian Rivas
Details:	176 pages, 10.8 x 8.5 x 0.59 in (27.5 x 21.5 x 1.5 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	many b&w and color photos
Language:	English (technical dictionaries in 19 languages are available for free download here)
Publisher:	Haynes Publishing (GB, 2016)
Series:	Haynes Aircraft Manual
ISBN:	9780857338327

Comet! The World's First Jet Airliner (hard cover)

A comprehensive, picture rich history of the iconic craft. Includes myriad first hand accounts and photographic illustrations. Features many previously unpublished materials, acquired as a result of the authors complete access to the sprawling De Havilland archive.
Extensively illustrated throughout, the book features details lifted directly from enquiry and salvage reports, much of which has never been published before and offers a unique insight into the failures and tragedies that blighted the early days of development, laying down lessons that were ultimately to benefit later designs.

As part of his research into the book, the author met and interviewed Harry Povey, the De Havilland Production Manager and John Cunningham, the Comet test pilot who would be the first to experience flight at the helms of the iconic craft.
Both of these first hand accounts are relayed in the book, adding a deeper sense of authenticity and a more personalised account of proceedings than facts and reports alone are able to achieve.

Attention is also paid to the derivative Nimrod design, and the book features an interview that the author conducted with the aircraft commander of the last ever Nimrod operational flight. Interviews of this kind are supplemented by the author's own narrative of proceedings, setting personal experience within historical context and exploring the themes and historical topics that the interviews evoke.

Product details

Author:	Graham M. Simons
Details:	288 pages, 10 x 7.1 x 0.91 in (25.5 x 18 x 2.3 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	150 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Pen & Sword Books Ltd (GB, 2013)
ISBN:	9781781592793