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.

This is the second volume on the subject and covers types that were not quite as radical as those offered in the initial book. This includes prototypes that eventually, after a lot of 'adjustment' turned into production planes, those deemed too expensive to buy and those that simply did not meet the designer's expectations.

As with the previous volumen, the book is in order by date so it starts with the Arsenal VB.10 of 1945 and ends with the Mirage G.8 of 1971.  In between are a variety of very interesting aircraft that were developed to meet specifications for various military branches and for whatever reason, were either unable to meet those specs or were simply not advanced enough or which showed promise but needed more development.

I have to say that to me, the variety of aircraft developed in France holds the greatest fascination. I have always been intrigued by not only the unusual designs that came forth, but on how quickly the French aviation industry as a whole rebounded from WWII. The variety is quite impressive with some interesting and often ungainly looking aircraft. There are planes from France, the UK, Yugoslavia, Italy, Spain/Egypt and Switzerland included. I was especially intrigued with the SO 4000, a French heavy jet bomber that was found to be so unstable that its initial 15 minute flight was its last.

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, though many of course, were scrapped or used for firefighting practice.

May 2016

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