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Historically rich in detail with previously unpublished photographs from private archives
- Emphasises little-known and unique experimental and modified military aircraft for the purpose of research and experimentation in support of development, advancing aeronautical technology or meeting narrow needs for the evolving battlefield
- Illuminates little known or minimally documented projects, which significantly advanced the science and technology of aeronautics, propulsion, aircraft systems, avionics and ordnance
- Contains 364 black-and-white photographs
American Aircraft Development – World War Two Legacy focuses on the influence of America’s Second World War aviation development and experience, subsequent aviation technological advances and world events in shaping American choices in military aircraft and associated weapon development during the few years following the war.
It shows how air warfare weapons from the last conflict were carried forward and altered, how new systems evolved from these and how the choices fared in the next war: Korea. The period was one of remarkable progress in a short span of time via a great many aircraft and weapons programmes and associated technological progress.
These systems were of immense importance influencing and growing the engineering, production and operational capabilities to be exploited for the next generation of weapons that soon followed. Emphasised is the innovative features or new technology and how these contributed to advancing American military aviation, influencing the evolution of follow-on models or types.
Included are military prototype, experimental and research aircraft that are equally important in understanding the history of American aircraft development. Combat employment, progress and equipment adaptation during the Korean conflict is then highlighted. Tabulated characteristics are provided of those aircraft that entered production or represented significant technological advances influencing others that follow. Norton’s expertise and detailed historical research sheds further light on this essential period of aviation history.
