When one thinks of experimental aircraft, those in the US immediately think about Edwards AFB and the X planes such as the X-1, X-2, and X-15. However, every country that has developed aviation has had a variety of experimental types, and for Americans, those developed in the UK are probably some of the most interesting. 

For most readers, it seems like much of the emphasis on experimental aircraft has been on speed. After all, that is what makes news. However, the number of areas of experimentation cover a lot more than just going fast. 

The author, Ray Sturtivant, is a well known and respected aviation author. His book covers not only linear historical periods, but also groups the chapters by common subject. This is particularly evident when discussing post-WWII developments.

Just to give you some ideas of what is in the book, here's a few chapter titles and some of the aircraft in the section.

Flying Wings and Things: a pre ww2 section, that covers such aircraft as the Westland Dreadnaught and the various Pterodactyls

Quest for Height: this covers the Westland PV.3 and Bristol 138

Tailless Aircraft Research: here are sections on the Handley Page Manx, General Aircraft 56/61, and DH.108 Swallow

Vertical Take off and Landing: Rolls Royce Flying Bedstead, Short SC.1 (as shown on the book cover), and Hawker P.1127

There is also a section on the BAC TSR.2, the Fairey Delta II, Bristol 188, as well as the world's only flying boat jet fighter, various rotorcraft, and the experiments with rubber-coated flight decks on the HMS Warrior.

All in all, a thoroughly fascinating book on some very significant aircraft and experiments.

Review copy courtesy of me and my credit card!

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