I don't know about you, but I like these books on project aircraft. I've always liked to see what could have been, even if they were rather fanciful and probably never would have actually succeeded. The thing I really like about this series is that it includes both the real along with the paper projects. In many cases, the ideas reached flight stage, only to be relegated to the dust of history for various reasons (many of which seem to be as much political as engineering).

Not surprisingly, most of the projects in here are jet powered, but there are several very interesting and capable piston powered aircraft which were not followed through thanks to the turbojet. As in other countries, the promise of greater speed associated with jets put to rest these prop driven projects.

The book is divided into several sections; each covering a family of aircraft. To give you an idea of what is covered they are: Last Piston Bombers, First Jet Bombers, First Heavyweights, First Supersonic Bombers, Composites and Recce Aircraft, Nuclear Power and Flying Wings, Ground Attack, Tactical Strike, Maritime Patrol, Ultimate Performance, and finally a section on the Backfire and Blackjack.

This is all accompanied with photos of the aircraft, mock-ups or models as well as drawings and design specs of all the aircraft involved. Typical of a Midlands book, near the back is a color section; this one with half the space taken by models.

All in all it is a fascinating look into what could have been and a book that really should be on your shelves.

February 2005

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