Graham M. Simons's Books

Convair B-36 Peacemaker

Cold War Nuclear Bomber and Largest Mass-Produced Piston-Engine Aircraft Ever Built

By: Graham M Simons

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Convair B-36 Peacemaker

Cold War Nuclear Bomber and Largest Mass-Produced Piston-Engine Aircraft Ever Built

By: Graham M Simons

The story of the Consolidated B-36 is unique in American aviation history. The aircraft was an interesting blend of concepts proven during the Second World War combined with budding 1950s high-tech systems. The program survived near-cancellation on six separate occasions during an extremely protracted development process. It was also the symbol of a bitter inter-service rivalry between the newly-formed US Air Force and the well-established US Navy over which of which of the two organizations would control the delivery of atomic weapons during the early years of the Cold War. Entering service in 1948, the B-36 was a remarkable design. It was the largest mass-produced piston-engine aircraft ever built, having the longest wingspan of any combat aircraft in history. Importantly, in terms of the developing Cold War at least, the B-36 was the first bomber capable of delivering any of the weapons in America’s nuclear arsenal without modification. To achieve this part of its role, the Peacemaker had an operational range of 10,000 miles, being capable of intercontinental flight without refueling. It is difficult to imagine a modern aircraft remaining airborne for two days without refueling – but such missions were relatively routine for the B-36 crews. while there were, at the time of its service, questions around its flight speed, the Peacemaker flew so high that this was considered of little concern – few fighters of its era could reach the same altitudes, and operational surface-to-air missiles were still in the future. The B-36, despite its seemingly conventional appearance, pushed the state-of-the-art technology further than any other aircraft of its era. Its sheer size brought with it structural challenges, while its high-altitude capabilities led to engine cooling and associated problems. However, all of these were finally overcome, and the B-36 served well as the first ‘Big Stick’ of the Cold War.

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300

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Air World

Published Date

ISBN 10

1526787342

ISBN 13

9781526787347

De Havilland Enterprises

A History

By: Graham M. Simons

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De Havilland Enterprises

A History

By: Graham M. Simons

This fully illustrated biography examines the life, achievements, and brilliant aircraft designs of one of the great pioneers of powered flight. From his groundbreaking designs during The Great War to the illustrious company that bore his name, Captain Sir Geoffrey de Havilland was one of the most important engineers in the history of aeronautics. Here, Graham Simons charts the course of de Havilland’s life from his humble beginnings to the influences and milestones of his early years, his versatile warplanes, and the post-war formation of The De Havilland Aircraft Company Limited. Amongst the momentous machines that de Havilland helped develop were the Gipsy Moth and Tiger Moth, two iconic aircraft types destined to set a variety of aviation records while being piloted by de Havilland himself. His high-performance designs and monocoque wooden construction methods passed through the supremely elegant DH.91 Albatross into the Mosquito. Next came the high-performing Hornet fighter, which pioneered the use of metal-wood and metal-metal bonding techniques, eventually resulting in the world’s first jet airliner, the fabulous Comet. Every one of De Havilland’s products are recorded here in detail, along with the many designs that never left the drawing board and the products of De Havilland’s companies in Australia and Canada.

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533

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Casemate Publishers

Published Date

ISBN 10

1473861403

ISBN 13

9781473861404

Lockheed TriStar

The Most Technologically Advanced Commercial Jet of Its Time

By: Graham M. Simons

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Lockheed TriStar

The Most Technologically Advanced Commercial Jet of Its Time

By: Graham M. Simons

“A thoughtful, well-organized overview from the beginning to the twilight days of this iconic airliner” by the highly regarded aviation historian (Large Scale Planes). In April 1972, after six grueling years of design and development, the then Lockheed California Company (now Lockheed Martin) delivered the most technologically advanced commercial jet of its era, the L-1011 TriStar, to its first client, Eastern Airlines. To mark the moment, Lockheed decided to make an impressive statement about the capabilities of its new medium-to-long-range, wide-body trijet airliner. It did so in spectacular fashion. Overseen by two test pilots, a total of 115 crew members, VIPs, Lockheed employees, and selected reporters boarded a TriStar at Lockheed’s Palmdale plant in California. The subsequent 4-hour, 13-minute flight to Washington Dulles Airport was achieved with virtually no input from the two pilots in the cockpit, the TriStar’s Automatic Flight Control System being “engaged from takeoff roll to landing.” It was, Lockheed proudly claimed, “the first cross-country flight without the need for human hands on the controls.” On the way to the L-1011’s inaugural flight, Lockheed battled through design challenges, financial difficulties, and even international allegations of bribery, with the result that the TriStar, famed for its large, curved nose, low-set wings, and graceful swept tail, remained in production until 1984, by when 250 examples had been built. The toll on Lockheed, however, was too great and after the TriStar it withdrew from the commercial aircraft business. In this revealing insight into the L-1011, the renowned aviation historian Graham M. Simons reveals the full story of this airliner’s design, development and service over the decades since 1970.

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764

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Air World

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ISBN 10

1526758830

ISBN 13

9781526758835

Boeing 737

The World's Most Controversial Commercial Jetliner

By: Graham M. Simons

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Boeing 737

The World's Most Controversial Commercial Jetliner

By: Graham M. Simons

An in-depth history of the controversial airplane, from its design, development and service to politics, power struggles, and more. The Boeing 737 is an American short- to medium-range twinjet narrow-body airliner developed and manufactured by Boeing Commercial Airplanes, a division of the Boeing Company. Originally designed as a shorter, lower-cost twin-engine airliner derived from the 707 and 727, the 737 has grown into a family of passenger models with capacities from 85 to 215 passengers, the most recent version of which, the 737 MAX, has become embroiled in a worldwide controversy. Initially envisioned in 1964, the first 737-100 made its first flight in April 1967 and entered airline service in February 1968 with Lufthansa. The 737 series went on to become one of the highest-selling commercial jetliners in history and has been in production in its core form since 1967; the 10,000th example was rolled out on 13 March 2018. There is, however, a very different side to the convoluted story of the 737’s development, one that demonstrates a transition of power from a primarily engineering structure to one of accountancy, number-driven powerbase that saw corners cut, and the previous extremely high safety methodology compromised. The result was the 737 MAX. Having entered service in 2017, this model was grounded worldwide in March 2019 following two devastating crashes.? In this revealing insight into the Boeing 737, the renowned aviation historian Graham M. Simons examines its design, development and service over the decades since 1967. He also explores the darker side of the 737’s history, laying bare the politics, power-struggles, changes of management ideology and battles with Airbus that culminated in the 737 MAX debacle that has threatened Boeing’s very survival.

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416

Publisher

Air World

Published Date

ISBN 10

1526787245

ISBN 13

9781526787248

The Secret US Plan to Overthrow the British Empire

War Plan Red

By: Graham M. Simons

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The Secret US Plan to Overthrow the British Empire

War Plan Red

By: Graham M. Simons

This military history offers a provocative take on the “Special Relationship” between the UK and the USA from the close of WWI into the Cold War. After the Great War, the American government contemplated what it would mean to pursue global superpower status. One potential consequence might have been conflict with Great Britain. And so, the US drew up War Plan Red: a scheme by which American forces invaded Canada and the Caribbean, drawing the Royal Navy into North American waters—and leaving the rest of the British Empire vulnerable to attack. In 1939, the American military created an intelligence-gathering machine within their Embassy in London under Ambassador Joe Kennedy. Two years later, the US Army Special Observer Group traveled to Britain to plan for Anglo-American cooperation should the United States enter World War II. Their intelligence-gathering activities spread out as far as the Middle East, Africa, South America, Russia, and Asia—far beyond the terms of the original brief. At the start of the Cold War, a whole new range of subterfuge was initiated by the CIA. So, were the Americans allies or spies? In this enlightening study, acclaimed military historian Graham M. Simons examines how two of history’s greatest allies could find themselves in bitter conflict.

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573

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Frontline Books

Published Date

ISBN 10

1526712040

ISBN 13

9781526712042

Olympic Airways

A History

By: Graham M. Simons

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Olympic Airways

A History

By: Graham M. Simons

“Readers with an interest in the early days of organized civil mass air transport will enjoy having a familiar story be retold from a Greek perspective.” —SpeedReaders The Olympic Airways story has fascinated Graham M. Simons for many years. This new book represents the culmination of decades spent researching the history of this fascinating Greek airline. It is a story of evolution, conflict, personality and politics, all set against a backdrop of world and civil wars, coups and countercoups. During the course of his research, it became apparent to the author that many of the fine details pertaining to the company weren’t widely known, although almost everyone had heard of the towering, controversial, leading figurehead who oversaw much of the central part of the story: Aristotle Socrates Onassis. His colorful life is threaded through this history, lending it drama and multiple levels of intrigue. The airline’s story cannot be told in isolation. Olympic did not spring fully formed into being in 1957. The named company may have come into being then, but its roots were set much further back in history through a number of predecessor airlines—both national and international—who had been using the Hellenic Republic and Athína as the crossroads of the air for the Eastern Mediterranean since the dawn of aviation. This is the story of the birth and dramatic life of an airline with a checkered, controversial and complicated history. Graham M. Simons has skillfully woven all the various threads to create a powerful and important historic record.

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546

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Casemate Publishers

Published Date

ISBN 10

1473883555

ISBN 13

9781473883550

Northrop Flying Wings

By: Graham M. Simons

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Northrop Flying Wings

By: Graham M. Simons

The aviation historian and author of Memphis Belle presents an authoritative analysis of the groundbreaking, post-WWI series of military aircraft. In the years following the First World War, a new imperative arose in aviation technology: stealth, speed, and precision. American aircraft designer Jack Northrop developed a streamlined craft that did away with superfluous appendages, including the weighty fuselage and tail units. This was an extreme measure, but Northrop was determined to push aircraft design to a new level. Eliminating both the fuselage and tail meant placing the pilot, the engines, and the payload entirely within the wing envelope. The resulting craft, Northrop’s flying wings, were some of the most spectacular machines ever to grace the skies. With barely any vertical surfaces at all, they looked like something from the realm of science fiction. Indeed, one even appeared in the film version of H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds. Written off by many as a mere novelty, the development of these unique bombers provided aeronautical innovations that paved the way for a raft of new designs. During the 1970s, when the United States needed a new strategic bomber to replace the B-52 Superfortress, the flying wing design was brought to the fore once again. The B-2 Spirit was born out of this, continuing the legacy of this stealthy design. This craft, along with the B-35, the eight-engined YB-49 and the YRB-49A, are all highlighted in this authoritative history. Detailed analyses of each design, set within a wider historical context, make for a compelling record of this landmark design.

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408

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Casemate Publishers

Published Date

ISBN 10

178383014X

ISBN 13

9781783830145

Howard Hughes and the Spruce Goose

The Story of the H-K1 Hercules

By: Graham M. Simons

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Howard Hughes and the Spruce Goose

The Story of the H-K1 Hercules

By: Graham M. Simons

Howard Hughes' life ambition was to make a significant contribution to the field of aviation development. But the monumental folly of his endeavours on the H-KI Hercules meant that he came to be known and remembered to a great extent for all the wrong reasons. The 'Spruce Goose' (a name Hughes detested) became a product of his wild fixation on perfection and scale. Once completed, it was the largest flying machine ever built. Its wingspan of 320 feet remains the largest in history. Yet it only completed one flight; flying for a mile on its maiden voyage above Long Beach Harbour, before being consigned to the history books as a failure.Experienced author Graham M. Simons turns his attention to the production process that saw this colossus take shape. In words and images, all aspects of this process are illustrated. We have shots taken during the initial design period, images of the craft under construction, and photographs taken at the test flights. In addition, Simons has been gifted access to the highly prized and rarely seen aircraft manual produced for the aircraft, content from which has been extracted and used to supplement the narrative.The book goes on to explore the political issues that sprung up as a result of Hughes' endeavours, looking into the Senate War Investigations Committee's findings which explored the extent to which government funds had been utilised in the development and construction of the airship, adding a whole new layer of controversy to the proceedings.

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352

Publisher

Pen and Sword

Published Date

ISBN 10

1473838789

ISBN 13

9781473838789

Mosquito

The Original Multi-Role Combat Aircraft

By: Graham M. Simons

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Mosquito

The Original Multi-Role Combat Aircraft

By: Graham M. Simons

A history of the high-speed wooden aircraft—from bomber to fighter, to photographic and weather reconnaissance—from the author of B-17 Memphis Belle. During the history of aviation there have been very few aircraft that have achieved immediate success when entering front-line service. The de Havilland Mosquito was one such aircraft. It was not designed to an RAF requirement, but was the result of an initiative of the designers and builders to utilize the skills of woodworkers and the relative abundance of wood in the crisis years of World War II. The result was an airplane that could be built quickly, was extremely fast and extremely versatile. The pilots loved it. This book describes how it was built and utilizes many hitherto unpublished photographs from the design studio and production lines. It illustrates and explains the many different roles that the aircraft took as the war progressed. Fighter, bomber, reconnaissance, night fighter there were few tasks that this brilliant design could not adopt. “To most Britain at War readers, the de Havilland Mosquito needs little introduction. Dramatic as such low-level attacks were, there is, as Graham Simons reveals in this latest insight into a remarkable aircraft, far more to the wartime service of the ‘mossy.’”—Britain at War

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576

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Casemate Publishers

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ISBN 10

1783831286

ISBN 13

9781783831289

The Airbus A380

A History

By: Graham M. Simons

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The Airbus A380

A History

By: Graham M. Simons

Every 7 minutes, an A380 takes off or lands somewhere in the world...The Airbus was initially designed and developed in order to provide a contender to the Boeing's growing monopoly of the skies in the biggest large-aircraft market in the world. Ambitious in design, the undertaking seemed mammoth. Yet scores of aviation engineers and pilots worked to get the design off the ground and the Airbus in our skies. This double-decker, wide-body, 4 engine jet airliner promised to redefine expectations when it came to commercial flight. Five years on from its launch, Graham Simons provides us with this, an impressively illustrated narrative history of the craft, its achievements, and the legacy it looks set to provide to a new generation of aviation engineers, enthusiasts and passengers.Operated by airlines such as Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Quantas and Lufthansa, the story of the A380 could be said to represent the story of modern-day travel itself, characterised by major technological advances across the world that constantly push the boundaries of expectation. Sure to appeal broadly across the market, this is very much a commemorative volume, preserving the history of this iconic craft in words and images.

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788

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Pen and Sword

Published Date

ISBN 10

1473838657

ISBN 13

9781473838659

Lockheed Constellation

A History

By: Graham M Simons

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Lockheed Constellation

A History

By: Graham M Simons

This illustrated history “recounts the unusual and sometimes dramatic development and operational career of one of the twentieth century’s most iconic airliners” (Aviation History Magazine). Clarence “Kelly” Johnson’s design for the Lockheed Constellation, known affectionately as the Connie, produced one of the world’s most iconic airliners. Lockheed had been working on the L-044 Excalibur, a four-engine, pressurized airliner, since 1937. In 1939, Trans World Airlines, at the instigation of major stockholder Howard Hughes, requested a forty-passenger transcontinental aircraft with a range of 3,500 miles, well beyond the capabilities of the Excalibur design. TWA’s requirements led to the L-049 Constellation, designed by Lockheed engineers including Kelly Johnson and Hall Hibbard. Between 1943 and 1958, Lockheed built 856 Constellations in numerous models at its Burbank, California, factory—all with the same distinctive and immediately recognizable triple-tail design and dolphin-shaped fuselage. The Constellation was used as a civil airliner and as a military and civilian air transport, seeing service in the Berlin and the Biafran airlifts. Three of them served as the presidential aircraft for Dwight D. Eisenhower. After World War II, TWA’s transatlantic service began on February 6, 1946 with a New York-Paris flight in a Constellation. Then, on June 17, 1947, Pan Am opened the first-ever scheduled round-the-world service with their L-749 Clipper America. With revealing insight into the Lockheed Constellation, the renowned aviation historian Graham M. Simons examines its design, development, and service, both military and civil. In doing so, he reveals the story of a design which, as the first pressurized airliner in widespread use, helped to usher in affordable and comfortable air travel around the world. “Simons makes good use of black-and-white and color photographs of Constellations in various airline markings and includes colorful airline brochures and marketing posters featuring the aircraft.” —Air Power History

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723

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Air World

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ISBN 10

1526758873

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9781526758873

Concorde Conspiracy

The Battle for American Skies 1962-77

By: Graham M Simons

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Concorde Conspiracy

The Battle for American Skies 1962-77

By: Graham M Simons

An innovation in aviation development, Concorde was the subject of political rivalry, deceit and treachery from its very inception. After their failure to be the first nation to develop a jet airliner for transatlantic flight or to send spacecraft into space, the US Government was adamant that they would beat other nations to the goal of supersonic flight and so development of the SST began. However, with McNamara and Shurcliff's negative attitudes to the project, it was soon killed off. Thus began the 'if we cannot do it, neither can you' attitude towards other countries' efforts for supersonic flight. This is the story of ten years of behind-the-scenes political intrigue, making use of inside information from two American presidents and the Federal Aviation Authority, as well as recently declassified papers from the CIA and President Kennedy on how the Americans planned to destroy Concorde and their own American SST. Lavishly illustrated with black and white and colour images throughout, Concorde Conspiracy is a must read for any enthusiast on supersonic flight and anyone who enjoys a real-life conspiracy.

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519

Publisher

The History Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0752476939

ISBN 13

9780752476933

Comet!

The World's First Jet Airliner

By: Graham M. Simons

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Comet!

The World's First Jet Airliner

By: Graham M. Simons

“A masterpiece of the most diligent research and extraordinary detail and surely represents the definitive study of the Comet . . . a terrific book.”—Royal Aeronautical Society This volume from the respected and well-regarded aviation historian and author Graham Simons is “a solid book of such scope that you’ll probably consult it for a lot more than just Comet material” (SpeedReaders.info). Extensively illustrated throughout, Comet! features details lifted directly from enquiry and salvage reports, much of which have 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 personalized 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. “An outstanding account of the life of the Comet . . . all readers will find inspiration and achievement in the tale.”—Firetrench

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956

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Pen and Sword

Published Date

ISBN 10

1473826586

ISBN 13

9781473826588

Valkyrie: the North American XB-70

The USA's Ill-fated Supersonic Heavy Bomber

By: Graham M. Simons

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Valkyrie: the North American XB-70

The USA's Ill-fated Supersonic Heavy Bomber

By: Graham M. Simons

“A fascinating insight into one of the Cold War’s most interesting concept aircraft . . . [with] new information, photographs and first-hand accounts.” —Flypast During the 1950s, plans were being drawn at North American Aviation in Southern California for an incredible Mach-3 strategic bomber. The concept was born as a result of General Curtis LeMay’s desire for a heavy bomber with the weapon load and range of the subsonic B-52 and a top speed in excess of the supersonic medium bomber, the B-58 Hustler. However, in April 1961, Defense Secretary McNamara stopped the production go-ahead for the B-70 because of rapid cost escalation and the USSR’s newfound ability to destroy aircraft at extremely high altitude using either missiles or the new Mig-25 fighter. Nevertheless, in 1963 plans for the production of three high-speed research aircraft were approved and construction proceeded. In September 1964 the first Valkyrie, now re-coded A/V-1, took to the air for the first time and in October went supersonic. This book is the most detailed description of the design, engineering and research that went into this astounding aircraft. It is full of unpublished details, photographs and firsthand accounts from those closely associated with the project. Although never put into full production, this giant six-engined aircraft became famous for its breakthrough technology, and the spectacular images captured on a fatal air-to-air photo shoot when an observing Starfighter collided with Valkyrie A/V-2 which crashed into the Mojave Desert. “Well-illustrated with numerous diagrams and black and white photographs, the book provides an interesting insight into one of the so-called ‘white elephant’ projects of the 1960s.” —Jets Monthly

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383

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Pen and Sword

Published Date

ISBN 10

1783461616

ISBN 13

9781783461615

Britannia Airways

The World's Largest Holiday Airline

By: Graham M. Simons

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Britannia Airways

The World's Largest Holiday Airline

By: Graham M. Simons

A history of the British airline company, featuring details on the aircrafts, routes, and operations, as well as stories from the crews and staff. Founded in 1961 as Euravia by British businessman Ted Langton and aviation consultant J.E.D. Walker, at a time of considerable turmoil for the independent sector of the British air operators’ industry, Britannia Airways went on to become the world’s largest holiday airline. Just as Court Line evolved from Autair, so Britannia Airways evolved from Euravia. Both UK airlines had strong links with the travel industry; Court Line with Clarksons Holidays, and Britannia with the Thomson Group, in particular the ‘Sky Tours’ brand. Both were innovative in their own ways, and both grabbed the UK travel industry by the scruff of the neck and shook it into the jet age – Court line traveling down the brasher cheap-and-cheerful road, while Britannia took the more staid, upmarket route. By 1972, Britannia had developed to such a degree that it was the biggest of the British independent charter airlines. It was also a groundbreaking operation—during the late 1960s, it became the first charter airline to offer assigned seating, as well as hot in-flight meals. Prior to the mid-1970s, Britannia, much like other British charter airlines of the era, had concentrated upon low-cost flights to Spain and the use of provincial airports to provide its services. The company’s management, however, harbored ambitions to grow beyond this. As a result, for example, Britannia's 767s began regular charter flights between Britain and Australia in 1988, a route to New Zealand being added the following year. Between 1968 and 1984, Britannia carried nearly forty-two million passengers, while the company’s fleet grew to include twenty-nine Boeing 737s and a pair of 767s. Drawing on the author’s in-depth research and knowledge, as well as firsthand interviews with individuals such as Ted Langton, the original tour operator who wanted his own airline, and Jed Williams, who created Britannia, this the full story of one of the most important airlines in the history of civil aviation.

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695

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Air World

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ISBN 10

1526758792

ISBN 13

9781526758798

The Pathologic Anatomy of Mycoses

Human Infection with Fungi, Actinomycetes and Algae

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Half a century ago our knowledge of mycoses, especially pulmonary mycoses, was rather fragmentary. It was limited to rare case reports as oddities. Accordingly, in the "Handbuch der speziellen pathologischen Anatomie und Histologie" the chapter on lung diseases caused by budding and spore-forming fungi by J. WATJEN (Halle) took up as little as 27 pages. Only ARNDT (G6ttingen) could report on several cases from which he made his observations on actinomycotic changes of the lungs and pleura. Since then our knowledge of mycoses has deepened and expanded in an unpre dictable manner. This progress was mainly due to research and publications in the USA and South America. In Central Europe the number of cases of mycoses has increased during the last two decades, being reported especially as a second disease in patients with spontaneous or iatrogenic destruction of the bone marrow after treatment of cancer with cytostatic agents. The number of known types of pathogenic fungi has increased. The knowledge of their types and conditions of growth have given rise to a subspecialty. Therefore, a great need has arisen for a new edition of the chapter on mycoses in the Henke Lubarsch-Roessle Handbook of Special Pathological Anatomy and Histology.

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1210

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Springer Science & Business Media

Published Date

ISBN 10

3642805701

ISBN 13

9783642805707

Operation Lusty

The Race for Hitler's Secret Technology

By: Graham M. Simons

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Operation Lusty

The Race for Hitler's Secret Technology

By: Graham M. Simons

A fascinating overview of the Allies’ post-WWII program to gain access to advanced Nazi war machines and the technology they ultimately recovered. Prior to the Allied D-Day assault on Normandy, France, rumors had already been circulating that high-tech Nazi super-weapons (wunderwaffe) had reached or were near completion. At the war’s end, a mad scramble ensued to discover the enemy’s secrets, fueled in large part by a US desire to regain its technological edge and to keep these weapons out of Soviet hands. Operation Lusty (LUftwaffe Secret TechnologY) was in full swing. In Operation Lusty, aviation historian Graham M. Simons delivers a comprehensive and detailed history of the program while cataloging the advanced war equipment that was ultimately discovered—from U-boats, carriers, and battleships to radar equipment and operating systems, to fighters, bombers, rockets, and other V-weapons. With access to previously unreleased documentation and wide-ranging archival materials, Simons distinguishes what was fact in the Nazi arsenal from what was pure fantasy, dreamed up by Joseph Goebbels’s powerful propaganda machine. Operation Lusty sheds new light on the furious race for postwar technological superiority, and offers an insider’s look at the full spectrum of military spoils that were gained.

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323

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Pen and Sword

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ISBN 10

1473847389

ISBN 13

9781473847385

Consolidated B-24 Liberator

By: Graham M. Simons

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Consolidated B-24 Liberator

By: Graham M. Simons

The Consolidated B-24 Liberator was almost certainly the most versatile Second World War Bomber. Apart from its bombing role in all theaters of operation, the B-24 hauled fuel to France during the push towards Germany, carried troops, fought U-boats in the Atlantic and, probably most important of all, made a vital contribution towards winning the war in the Pacific. Its most famous single exploit is possibly the raid on the Ploesti oil fields in August 1943.The B-24 ended World War Two as the most produced Allied heavy bomber in history, and the most produced American military aircraft at over 18,000 units, thanks in large measure to Henry Ford and the harnessing of American industry. It still holds the distinction as the most produced American military aircraft. The B-24 was used by several Allied air forces and navies, and by every branch of the American armed forces during the war, attaining a distinguished war record with its operations in the Western European, Pacific, Mediterranean and China-Burma-India theaters.This book focuses on the design, engineering, development and tactical use of the many variants throughout the bombers service life. The overall result is, as David Lee, the former Deputy Director of the Imperial War Museum at Duxford said upon reading the final manuscript, to be acquainted with ...all you never knew about the B-24!The book is enlivened by the many dramatic photographs which feature, and this coupled with the clarity of Simons' prose makes for an engaging and entertaining history of this iconic Allied bomber, a key component in several of their biggest victories and a marvel of military engineering.

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361

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Pen and Sword

Published Date

ISBN 10

1783035919

ISBN 13

9781783035915

Colours in the Sky

The History of Autair and Court Line Aviation

By: Graham M. Simons

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Colours in the Sky

The History of Autair and Court Line Aviation

By: Graham M. Simons

It's impossible to tell the story of Court Line without telling that of Autair, founded by helicopter pioneer William 'Bill' Armstrong. Autair itself was an offshoot of his global helicopter operation, but Bill also had his finger in many aviation 'pies' including a multitude of operations in Africa, where so many aircraft and airlines were created, bought and sold with such prolificacy that even he could not remember the names and how many there were! There is also the background to Court Line's shipping concerns and the Caribbean operations of the hotel chains and regional airline Leeward Islands Air Transport which Court owned for a while.Covered in detail is the introduction, demonstration and use of the Lockheed TriStar wide-bodied airliner, the first of the type used in the Inclusive Tour business.Court Line Aviation and Tom Gullick's Clarksons Holidays brought to the forefront the concept of value-for-money Inclusive Tour holidays following the 'vertical integration' business model whereby owning and controlling each step of the holiday allowed the company to make a small profit at every stage.The orange, pink, turquoise and yellow jets brought flashes of color to dreary British airports, and quickly streamed a multi-colored rainbow across European skies to Mediterranean destinations and even further afield. Truly they did indeed put colors in the Sky!

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439

Publisher

Casemate Publishers

Published Date

ISBN 10

1526725576

ISBN 13

9781526725578

Boeing 707 Group

A History

By: Graham M. Simons

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Boeing 707 Group

A History

By: Graham M. Simons

A definitive look at the plane that revolutionized air travel and its place in aviation history from the author of Comet! The World’s First Jet Airliner. The Boeing 707 family—that includes the forerunner Model 367-80, the KC-135 series of military transports and the slightly smaller Model 720—was the pioneer of the sweptback wing, incorporating podded engines borrowed from the B-47 military bomber. It was the aircraft that many regard as the design that really ushered in the Jet-Age. This book from the established aviation historian Graham Simons examines the entire course of the Boeing 707’s history, charting an impressive design evolution and illustrating the many ways in which the 707’s legacy continues to be felt to this day. In laying the foundation for Boeing’s preeminence on the world’s jetliner market during the 1980s and 90s, the 707 paved the way for future innovations in both civilian and military fields and Graham Simons has put together an image-packed history that records the historic and landmark milestones of this iconic aircraft type. “The book is well worth the price and will provide many hours of intriguing reading and research support. It is a good addition to one’s aviation bookshelf.”—Air Power History “An impressive volume that is well-written, and easy to read. Its research is of a high standard. It will, of course, appeal to Boeing 707/C-135 ‘enthusiasts’ and as such could well become a ‘Standard Reference Work’ on its subject.”—NZ Crown Mines

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513

Publisher

Pen and Sword

Published Date

ISBN 10

1473861365

ISBN 13

9781473861367

Fighters Under Construction in World War Two

By: Graham M. Simons

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Fighters Under Construction in World War Two

By: Graham M. Simons

There has been bookshelf after bookshelf of books compiled, written and published about British aircraft, the Royal Air Force and the activities of its pilots during World War Two. Tales of derring do, bravery and gallantry quite rightly litter the bookshelves and libraries, but little has appeared in print about the could be called the unsung heroes, those that designed, built and maintained the fighting equipment used to eventually defeat the enemy.This is all the more incredible when one realizes that there exists a huge archive of images that have survived which clearly show the skills and scale of what went on. These images of war—many of which are seen here for almost the first time in seventy years—form a remarkable tribute to the designers, engineers and workers who did so much.Following the end of the Great War, the Royal Air Force was drastically reduced in both manpower and equipment. The application of a 'Ten Year Rule in which the British Government foresaw no war being fought during the next ten years resulted in minimal defense expenditure throughout the 1920s.Financial restrictions went on until the early 1930s, when it at last became apparent that Germany was developing expansionist and aggressive tendencies that could no longer be ignored. The British Government and Air Ministry at last began to develop plans of their own to expand and develop the Royal Air Force. The Cabinet approved a number of plans, but a revised one often replaced each one before the original could be completed.Between 1933 and 1939, the Royal Air Force was given higher priority in terms of rearmament plans than the other services. The policy was driven by the pursuit of parity with Germany more than by defense and strike needs, for there was no fixed ratio of bombers to fighter aircraft to guide procurement.There could be no expansion without manufacturing capacity and luckily these manufacturers were not only capable of producing, but they also recorded much of their activities and remarkably a huge archive of images have survived which clearly show the skills and scale of what went on. These images of war—many of which are seen here for almost the first time in seventy years—form a remarkable tribute to the designers, engineers and workers who did so much.

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195

Publisher

Pen and Sword

Published Date

ISBN 10

1783469544

ISBN 13

9781783469543

B-29 Superfortress

Giant Bomber of World War Two and Korea

By: Graham M. Simons

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B-29 Superfortress

Giant Bomber of World War Two and Korea

By: Graham M. Simons

“A well written history of a history-changing aircraft,” the bomber that carried the two atomic bombs that destroyed Hiroshima and Nagasaki in WWII (Aeromilitaria). The Boeing B-29 Superfortress was a four-engined heavy bomber flown primarily by the United States in World War Two and the Korean War. The name “Superfortress” was derived from that of its well-known predecessor, the B–17 Flying Fortress. The B-29 was the progenitor of a series of Boeing-built bombers, reconnaissance aircraft, trainers and tankers including the variant, B-50 Superfortress. The B-29 was one of the largest aircraft to see service during World War Two. A very advanced bomber for its time, it included features such as pressurized cabins, an electronic fire-control system and remote-controlled machine-gun turrets. Though it was designed as a high-altitude daytime bomber, in practice it actually flew more low-altitude nighttime incendiary bombing missions. It was the primary aircraft in the American firebombing campaign against Japan in the final months of World War Two. Unlike many other World War Two-era bombers, the B-29 remained in service long after the war ended, with a few even being employed as flying television transmitters. The type was finally retired in the early 1960s, with 3,960 aircraft in all built. Without doubt there is a clear, strong requirement to “put the record straight” using primary source documentation to record the undoubted achievements alongside and in context with the shortcomings to the type’s design and operation that have otherwise received scant attention. The book covers all variants and is profusely illustrated.

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286

Publisher

Pen and Sword

Published Date

ISBN 10

1783376198

ISBN 13

9781783376193

Early French Aviation, 1905–1930

By: Graham M. Simons

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Early French Aviation, 1905–1930

By: Graham M. Simons

The author of Boeing 707 Group: A History delivers “a stunning study in early French aviation design with a plethora of aircraft” (IPMS/USA). France has been called the cradle of aviation by many—a fact that cannot be disputed, although some have tried. By the end of the 19th century, she led the world in lighter-than-air flight. Any concern about heavier-than-air flight was dismissed as inevitable, and France would achieve it in due course. France was also the first nation to stage air exhibitions. Unlike their counterparts in Britain, Germany and America, French designers were thoroughly entrepreneurial and tried a wide variety of adventurous styles from pusher to canard and monoplane to multiplane. In 1909 the first Air Show was held at the Grand Palais in what was to become an enduring tradition. Every year, the aircraft exhibitions were a massive success. It is not surprising that all this derring-do, all these technological achievements and all this innovation drew reporters and photographers like moths to a flame. The men, the machines, the places and the events all were recorded, reported, reproduced and then were filed away. Hundreds of images appeared in print, but thousands were printed up only as contact prints from large-format glass negatives and then disappeared into albums to be forgotten about. In the mid-1990s the author came across one such treasure-trove; a number of dust-covered albums containing around five hundred images of aircraft, airships and expositions—it is doubtful if most have appeared in print before, so this will probably be the first time the events of these French pioneers have ever been showcased.

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258

Publisher

Pen and Sword

Published Date

ISBN 10

152675875X

ISBN 13

9781526758750

Trailblazer in Flight

Britain's First Female Jet Airline Captain

By: Yvonne Pope Sintes,Graham M. Simons

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Trailblazer in Flight

Britain's First Female Jet Airline Captain

By: Yvonne Pope Sintes,Graham M. Simons

Yvonne Pope Sintes only ever wanted to fly. But in the 1950s, very few women were allowed into the male dominated world of aviation. Whilst many women were consigned to the role of house-wife, Yvonne chose a different path. Her dream was to join the ranks of the Royal Air Force, crisscrossing international skies. Despite an awareness of the pitfalls that might await her, she embarked upon her mission. Her story, told here for the first time and in her own words, is one characterized by gritty determination against the odds, a startling level of achievement and a continually modest approach to life and her own accomplishments.??A career trajectory marked by such landmark achievements as becoming the first female Air Traffic Controller with the Ministry of Aviation, the first female civil airline pilot in the UK, and the first female jet airline captain in Britain are relayed in this inspiring autobiography. ??Bomb scares, engine failures and other perilous episodes punctuated Yvonne's experience. All are enlivened during the course of the narrative. A raft of prestigious awards including the Brabazon Cup, the International Owner and Pilots Association award for best Air Traffic Controller in Europe, the Amelia Earhart memorial Scholarship for licensed pilots to advance in aviation, the Whitney Straight Award for courage and determination in pursuit of an aviation career (awarded by Princess Anne) and the British Airline Pilots Association Award for work towards air safety all were awarded to Yvonne during the course of a spectacular career, the details of which make for a truly inspiring and engrossing read.??Yvonne has taken this opportunity to record the pitfalls and landmark successes of her career for posterity. She does so in a style that is at once both humble and immensely celebratory of a profession that has meant so much to her.??"I first met Yvonne and her husband Miguel in Mahon during September 1992 when I was researching my book on Dan-Air. It was immediately clear that she had a rare and fascinating story that deserved telling in its entirety to reach a much wider audience. I am pleased and proud to have played a small part in making that happen!" - Graham M. Simons, Editor??As featured in the Surrey Advertiser, Essence Magazine and Discover Your History

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220

Publisher

Pen and Sword

Published Date

ISBN 10

1783462671

ISBN 13

9781783462674

Boeing B-17

The Fifteen Ton Flying Fortress

By: Graham M. Simons,Harry Friedman

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Boeing B-17

The Fifteen Ton Flying Fortress

By: Graham M. Simons,Harry Friedman

“Fascinating insight into the early development of the B-17 Flying Fortress . . . undoubtedly outshines other books on this significant WWII aircraft.” —Air Mail The Boeing B-17 was the first American heavy bomber to see action in World War II when it was supplied to the RAF. The design originated in 1934 when the US Air Corps was looking for a heavy bomber to reinforce air forces in Hawaii, Panama and Alaska. For its time, the design included many advanced features, and Boeing continued to develop the aircraft as experience of the demands of long-distance flying at high altitude was gained. When the United States entered WWII, production of the aircraft was rapidly increased and it became the backbone of the USAAF in all theaters of war. This book describes how it was built and utilizes many hitherto unpublished photographs from the design studio and production lines. It illustrates and explains the many different roles that the aircraft took as the war progressed. Heavy bomber, reconnaissance, antisubmarine, and air-sea rescue operations; there were few roles that this solid design could not adopt.

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443

Publisher

Casemate Publishers

Published Date

ISBN 10

1783461012

ISBN 13

9781783461011

Major Companies of Europe 2000

By: Gale Group,Graham & Whiteside, Limited

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Major Companies of Europe 2000

By: Gale Group,Graham & Whiteside, Limited

This established directory has been thoroughly revised, updated and expanded to provide current and comprehensive information on more than 24,000 of Europe's largest companies. Four volumes are filled with facts and contacts for major public and private companies in all 20 countries of Western Europe.

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954

Publisher

Gale Cengage

Published Date

ISBN 10

1860991645

ISBN 13

9781860991646

London's Airports

Useful Information on Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted and City

By: Martin W. Bowman,Graham M. Simons

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London's Airports

Useful Information on Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted and City

By: Martin W. Bowman,Graham M. Simons

This book is for the passengers and aviation buffs who use Londons main airports. It includes a brief history, plans and photographs for each of the five airports, together with directions and information about gates, security, passport control, shopping, restaurants, car parks and other transport connections. Details of Air Traffic Control in London airspace is explained with the inclusion of aerial photographs taken during approach to landing so passengers may locate places of interest whilst flying.

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226

Publisher

Casemate Publishers

Published Date

ISBN 10

1783408774

ISBN 13

9781783408771

The Airbus A380

A History

By: Graham Simons

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The Airbus A380

A History

By: Graham Simons

Every 7 minutes, an A380 takes off or lands somewhere in the world...??The Airbus was initially designed and developed in order to provide a contender to the Boeing's growing monopoly of the skies in the biggest large-aircraft market in the world. Ambitious in design, the undertaking seemed mammoth. Yet scores of aviation engineers and pilots worked to get the design off the ground and the Airbus in our skies. This double-decker, wide-body, 4 engine jet airliner promised to redefine expectations when it came to commercial flight. Five years on from its launch, Graham Simons provides us with this, an impressively illustrated narrative history of the craft, its achievements, and the legacy it looks set to provide to a new generation of aviation engineers, enthusiasts and passengers.??Operated by airlines such as Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Quantas and Lufthansa, the story of the A380 could be said to represent the story of modern-day travel itself, characterised by major technological advances across the world that constantly push the boundaries of expectation. ??Sure to appeal broadly across the market, this is very much a commemorative volume, preserving the history of this iconic craft in words and images.

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258

Publisher

Pen and Sword

Published Date

ISBN 10

1783030410

ISBN 13

9781783030415

Boeing 737

The World's Most Controversial Commercial Jetliner

By: Graham M. Simons

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Boeing 737

The World's Most Controversial Commercial Jetliner

By: Graham M. Simons

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416

Publisher

Air World

Published Date

ISBN 10

1526787245

ISBN 13

9781526787248

B-17 Memphis Belle

By: Graham M. Simons,Harry Friedman

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B-17 Memphis Belle

By: Graham M. Simons,Harry Friedman

“A grand spread of images showing the aircraft, and more importantly the men who flew and maintained her . . . a must for 8th Air Force aficionados.”—War History Online Without doubt Boeing Flying Fortress B–17F 41-42285 Memphis Belle and her crew generate an image that is an all-American icon. Indeed, it has been claimed that the Memphis Belle is in the top five of the most famous American aircraft of all time. In September 1942, a new Flying Fortress was delivered at Bangor, Maine, to a crew of ten eager American lads headed by Robert K. Morgan, a lanky 24-year-old USAAF pilot from Asheville, N. C. The boys climbed aboard, flew their ship to Memphis, and christened her Memphis Belle in honor of Morgan’s fiancé, Miss Margaret Polk of Memphis, and then headed across the Atlantic to join the US Eighth Air Force in England. Between November 7, 1942 and May 17, 1943, they dropped more than 60 tons of bombs on targets in Germany, France and Belgium. The Memphis Belle flew through all the flak that Hitler could send up to them. She slugged it out with Goering’s Messerschmitts and Focke-Wulfs. She was riddled by machine gun and cannon fire. Once she returned to base with most of her tail shot away. German guns destroyed a wing and five engines. Her fuselage was shot to pieces, but Memphis Belle kept going back. The Memphis Belle crew has been decorated 51 times. Each of the 10 has received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal and three Oak Leaf Clusters. The 51st award was Sergeant Quinlan’s Purple Heart.

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347

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Pen and Sword

Published Date

ISBN 10

178303825X

ISBN 13

9781783038251

Comet! The World's First Jet Airliner

By: Graham Simons

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Comet! The World's First Jet Airliner

By: Graham Simons

This new volume from the respected and well-regarded aviation historian and author Graham 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 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.

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