| Book cover finish | Canvas finish, Bradel, Hardcover ( square back binding ) |
| Special features | First edition, Dust jacket, Original edition ( O.E. or Or.E ), Stamp on the title page : Jacques PAPELEUX - BÉRISMENIL 6982 LA ROCHE, Labels on the title page’s back ( LIBRAIRIE DE L’ESCADRON ) and on the back cover |
| Condition | Used, mint condition |
| Number of pages | 211 |
| Published date | 1994 |
| Language | English |
| Size | 21 x 26 x 2 cm |
| Authors | Jeffrey Ethell & Alfred Price |
| Editor | Airlife Publishing Ltd |
During the desperate closing stages of the Second World War, the Germans brought into action several new aircraft types - the jet - propelled Messerschmitt Me 262 Sturmvogel and Arado Ar 234 Blitz and the rocket - powered Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet. The British introduced the jet - powered Gloster Meteor and the Japanese the Yokosuka Ohka. This book tells the full story of the development and operational careers of these aircraft. It also tells the stories of the two American and one German jet aircraft that had entered Squadron service and were on the point of going into action when the war ended : the Lockheed P - 80A Shooting Star, the Ryan FR - 1 Fireball and the Bachem Ba 349 Natter.
This work takes the reader through the most rapid period of scientific advance in the history of aviation : from the beginning of the jet age to the period immediately following the Second World War. It is a gripping story of human endeavour. At no time before or since have test pilots been confronted with so many, or such difficult, technological and aerodynamic hurdles. ( ... ) All of this took place against the background of all - out war in which major nations were battling for their very survival.