Author(s): Michael Sharpe (University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, UK Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, UK University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, UK University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK)

MILITARY/HISTORY

The genesis of jet propulsion was the invention of a gun-powdered rocket by the Chinese in the 13th century. The rocket's design was initially intended to enhance fireworks displays, but gradually progressed to assume a critical and formidable place in Chinese weaponry. Man's ability to fly did not benefit from jet propulsion until late August 1939 when the Heinkel He 178 ascended into the skies over Germany propelled purely by turbojet power. Try as they might to develop a jet engine for the Luftwaffe during World War II, the Germans were stymied by repeated problems with the engine. Meanwhile, the British were having greater success and the Gloster E28/39 was in the air in May 1941, followed by the Gloster Meteor in July 1944. By the 1960s all large civilian aircraft were jet powered. Jet engines, just like the aircraft they propel, come in many different types. Inside this book you'll read and view the history and current status of over 75 civilian and military aircraft from around the world from the Concorde to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to the P-80 Lockheed Shooting Star of the 1940s to the F-35 Lightning 11 currently in use by the USAF and capable of vertical take-off.