Short Aircraft Books - History, Types and Construction

Qantas and the Empire Flying Boat

Between 1938 and 1948, Qantas Short Empire flying boats navigated a dramatic and dangerous period for commercial aviation. They flew the Singapore-Sydney section of the prewar Imperial Airways UK-Australia air route, introducing a new level of luxury travel to the route.
However, the outbreak of war cut short this brief glamorous time and brought the Qantas boats increasingly onto the front line.

Containing over 160 stunning illustrations, many previously unpublished, this book details the history of the Empire flying boats as they went from luxurious carriers to military service in roles that included the resupply and evacuation of Allied military forces.

Aircraft and Aerospace Manufacturing in Northern Ireland : An Illustrated History - 1909 to the Present Day

Northern Ireland has an enviable, extensive and often unappreciated role in aviation history.
With a focus on aircraft manufacturing from the first pioneering steps by Lilian Bland, Joseph Cordner and a young Harry Ferguson, through a century of developments in production and research, this illustrated volume highlights that history and the people who played a part.

Using over 300 black and white and colour images, with extended captions, the authors take a chronological look at how, from innovative beginnings, a successful aircraft and aerospace industry has thrived locally through periods of war and peace.
Aircraft from both military and civil backgrounds are featured including the early experiments, licensed military production, flying boats, conversions, fascinating research designs, jet and missile developments, and successful transport and passenger aeroplanes. Details of both locations and people help to bring the story to life.

Written by two experts on the topic and drawing on the archives and collections of Bombardier Belfast and Ulster Aviation Society, this volume contains much previously unpublished material.