Further Details

Title: R. J. Mitchell
Condition: New
Subtitle: To the Spitfire
Author: John Shelton
Format: Hardback
Type: Hardback
EAN: 9781781558850
ISBN: 9781781558850
Publisher: Fonthill Media Ltd
Genre: Law & Politics
Topic: Technology & Engineering, History, Military History
Release Date: 22/12/2022
Description: R. J. Mitchell at Supermarine is the definitive account of the life of Britain’s best-known aeronautical engineer. Shelton calls upon unpublished letters, extensive press accounts, and updated material from his previous publications, concentrating particularly on the harsh conditions of Mitchell’s apprentice years, the precarious state of the aircraft firm he joined, and moments of good fortune of which he took advantage. He was a ‘chancer’ as well as a methodical developer of, mainly, slow flying seaplanes. Mitchell’s progress from draughtsman, with no formal training in aeronautical design, to internationally known chief designer is charted through a chronological study of his designs, revealing a formidable work ethic with a complex personality that combined ‘dreams and common sense’. It will also be shown how the success of his high-speed Schneider Trophy designs propelled him reluctantly into public attention and how his anxiety for his pilots’ safety matched an equal concern that his designs should not let down an expectant nation. Later expectations on him to produce a ‘killer fighter’ were equally daunting, and the outcome was often uncertain, but details of colleagues’ accounts highlight the essential and unique contribution of R.J.’s experience and drive to the eventual appearance of the iconic Spitfire.
Language: English
Country/Region of Manufacture: GB
Item Height: 248mm
Item Length: 172mm
Item Width: 37mm
Item Weight: 1420g
Release Year: 2022

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