When it comes to X-planes or pure research aircraft, it seems that one's mind tends to think of American aircraft like the X-1 and X-15 flying from the dry lakebed of Edwards AFB in the Mojave Desert. Well, that is really only part of the story, as all of the major nations of Europe were also involved in experimentation regarding aviation. This is particularly true during the post war period.

So it is that Hikoki has published a book that looks on experimental and prototype aircraft up until about 1970 or so. These are aircraft that, for the most part, were not prototypes of military aircraft, though some were hoped to have been eventually put into service. Those were often so unusual that there was some aspect of the design that eventually made it impractical.

From what I can gather, Tony Butler handled the British side of things, and Jean-Louis Delezanne handled the continental Europe part of things. The book is in order by date so it starts with the DH.108 of 1946 and ends with the VAK 191B of 1971. In between are a variety of very interesting aircraft that were developed to study many aspects of flight, from the delta wing to slow flight to the development of ramjets and mixed power plant aircraft.

I have to say that to me, the variety of aircraft developed in France holds the greatest fascination. I have always been intrigued by the turbojet/rocket powered Trident, or the landing gear-less Bardouer, or the variety of ramjet powered aircraft such as the Coleoptere. There are also sections on the Fairey Delta II and the various Avro 707s as well as the SR.53 and others. Even the Swiss, Swedes and Germans have aircraft included as they were also experimenting with various types of aircraft during this time period.

It is all here along with a bevy of superb photos, some of them in color, of these unique and interesting aircraft. Some of these you know and some will be a complete surprise. It is wrapped up in a superb package that is a delight to read. I know you will find the book as fascinating as did I and I highly recommend it to you.

As a postscript, many of these airframes are still extant in various museums, with the largest collection held by the Musee de l'Air in France.

June 2012

Review book courtesy of Specialty Press, where you can order your copy of this and many other superb aviation and modeling books. Visit their website at the link above or call them at 1-800-895-4585

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