De Havilland DH.106 Comet: Books - History and Construction
A book on De Havilland DH.106 Comet airliners? Explore here illustrated books on the history, models and construction of De Havilland airliners.
Comet! The World's First Jet Airliner (paperback)
This new volume from the respected and well-regarded aviation historian and author Graham M. Simons is sure to appeal to all aviation enthusiasts, including as it does a wide array of historical sources and archival information drawn together into one consolidated volume the closest to a definitive study of the craft than any produced before.
Extensively illustrated throughout, the book features details lifted directly from enquiry and salvage reports, much of which has never been published before and offers a unique insight into the failures and tragedies that blighted the early days of the Comets development, laying down lessons that were ultimately to benefit later designs.
As part of his research into the book, the author interviewed John Cunningham, the Comet test pilot who was the first to experience flight at the helms of the iconic craft. He was also given access to materials belonging to Harry Povey, the DeHavilland Production Manager. Insights gained from these two sources add a deeper level of authenticity to the narrative and a more personalised account of proceedings.
Author:
Graham M. Simons
Specs:
288 pages, 24.5 x 17.5 x 1.8 cm / 9.7 x 6.9 x 0.71 in, paperback
Comet! The World's First Jet Airliner (hard cover)
A comprehensive, picture rich history of the iconic craft. Includes myriad first hand accounts and photographic illustrations. Features many previously unpublished materials, acquired as a result of the authors complete access to the sprawling De Havilland archive. Extensively illustrated throughout, the book features details lifted directly from enquiry and salvage reports, much of which has never been published before and offers a unique insight into the failures and tragedies that blighted the early days of development, laying down lessons that were ultimately to benefit later designs.
As part of his research into the book, the author met and interviewed Harry Povey, the De Havilland Production Manager and John Cunningham, the Comet test pilot who would be the first to experience flight at the helms of the iconic craft. Both of these first hand accounts are relayed in the book, adding a deeper sense of authenticity and a more personalised account of proceedings than facts and reports alone are able to achieve.
Attention is also paid to the derivative Nimrod design, and the book features an interview that the author conducted with the aircraft commander of the last ever Nimrod operational flight. Interviews of this kind are supplemented by the author's own narrative of proceedings, setting personal experience within historical context and exploring the themes and historical topics that the interviews evoke.
Author:
Graham M. Simons
Specs:
288 pages, 25.5 x 18 x 2.3 cm / 10 x 7.1 x 0.91 in, hardback
Illustrations:
150 b&w and colour photos
Publisher:
Pen & Sword Books Ltd (GB, 2013)
ISBN:
9781781592793
Comet! The World's First Jet Airliner (hard cover)
De Havilland Comet : The World's First Commercial Jetliner
The world got a little smaller in July 1949 when the first jet-powered airliner took to the skies barely four years after the end of the Second World War. Not only was the de Havilland Comet 1 was a lot faster than previous airliners, it could fly higher and further. The Comet s leadership in jet travel for the future was assured until aircraft began crashing. The first ones were put down to pilot error but two disastrous events in 1954 grounded the fleet and Britain s advantage over the rest of the world was lost.
Boeing caught up with its ubiquitous 707 and the Comet was destined to become but a memory. However, rising from the ashes came a new Comet one that was bigger and more powerful than before and designed for completely different roles. Where the first Comets had provided an expensive and plush way to travel for the rich few, the new Comet 4s carried more passengers to a multitude of destinations inevitably becoming key carriers for the early package holidaymakers. At the same time they became vital strategic transports for the RAF as the British Empire receded.
This book tells the full story of the world s first jet-powered airliner, from its remarkable beginnings, through its early flight trials programme to its entry into service. The type's military career is also covered, as is its construction; also included in this volume are details of the numerous variants produced and those still surviving as exhibits today. There are also twenty-four superb artworks by world-renowned aviation illustrator Juanita Franzi.
Author:
Colin Higgs
Specs:
152 pages, 24.5 x 19 cm / 9.7 x 7.5 in, paperback
Illustrations:
100 b&w and colour photos
Publisher:
Pen & Sword Books Ltd (GB, 2018)
ISBN:
9781526719614
De Havilland Comet : The World's First Commercial Jetliner
De Havilland Comet Manual (1949-1997) - An insight into the design, construction and operation
The beautiful de Havilland Comet was the world's first jet airliner. Its inaugural passenger-carrying flight in 1952 heralded a new era of luxurious air travel that was the envy of the world, but a series of tragic accidents saw its lead lost to the Americans with their Boeing 707.
Brian Rivas examines the design and operation of the Comet in civil and military service, including its later development the Nimrod, and offers a detailed close-up look at its construction. Fascinating insights are also given into the investigation of the fatal Comet crashes.
Author:
Brian Rivas
Specs:
176 pages, 27.5 x 21.5 x 1.5 cm / 10.8 x 8.5 x 0.59 in, hardback
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