This new book explores the history and development of early flying headgear throughout the pioneering nations in military and sport aviation, from the earliest exploits of the Wright Brothers, to the end of World War II. Drawn from aviation museums and private collections from around the world, the illustrated color section features over 1000 photographs depicting more than 650 different items of flying headgear: helmets, goggles, oxygen masks and accessories, including many unique personalizations and rarely seen items.
Born in New York, raised in Italy, Vito "Tutuc" Cellini went from street gangster to soldier to resistance fighter to secret agent - all before he was twenty-one. His inventions, including the Cellini muzzle brake, have earned him 19 patents. Now in his 90s, he finally feels comfortable talking about his life. 75 photos included.
This second of a two volume study closely examines the development and uses of personal flying equipment issued to the combat personnel of the Luftwaffe and Royal Air Force throughout World War II. Illustrated wih over 500 photographs - 450 in color and including many detailed close-ups - this book brings together an exceptional array of rarely seen combat equipment. From compasses secreted in tunic buttons, to floating rations, and from suits with built-in parachutes, to box-kite radio antennae, you'll find it all discussed in this volume. All types of parachutes and harnesses, life preservers and the origin of the "Mae West" nickname, inflatable boats, survival tools, weapons for self-defense, and even some of the paperwork and personal items carried by the airmen of these two opposing air forces. Study the sophisticated rescue and survival equipment available to Luftwaffe crews, alongside the clever, yet often brilliantly simple devices which enabled so many RAF flyers to evade capture for so long, some eventually making it home through occupied Europe. Like its companion volume Luftwaffe vs. RAF: Flying Clothing of the Air War, 1939-45, this book will be an invaluable reference for artists, collectors, modellers, living history re-enactors and military historians, and should be of interest to anyone with an affinity for the human side of twentieth century military history. Mick Prodger is also the author of Vintage Flying Helmets: Aviation Headgear Before the Jet Age (from Schiffer Publishing Ltd.).
This second of a two volume study closely examines the development and uses of personal flying equipment issued to the combat personnel of the Luftwaffe and Royal Air Force throughout World War II. Illustrated wih over 500 photographs - 450 in color and including many detailed close-ups - this book brings together an exceptional array of rarely seen combat equipment. From compasses secreted in tunic buttons, to floating rations, and from suits with built-in parachutes, to box-kite radio antennae, you'll find it all discussed in this volume. All types of parachutes and harnesses, life preservers and the origin of the "Mae West" nickname, inflatable boats, survival tools, weapons for self-defense, and even some of the paperwork and personal items carried by the airmen of these two opposing air forces. Study the sophisticated rescue and survival equipment available to Luftwaffe crews, alongside the clever, yet often brilliantly simple devices which enabled so many RAF flyers to evade capture for so long, some eventually making it home through occupied Europe. Like its companion volume Luftwaffe vs. RAF: Flying Clothing of the Air War, 1939-45, this book will be an invaluable reference for artists, collectors, modellers, living history re-enactors and military historians, and should be of interest to anyone with an affinity for the human side of twentieth century military history. Mick Prodger is also the author of Vintage Flying Helmets: Aviation Headgear Before the Jet Age (from Schiffer Publishing Ltd.).
For years, Italian-American Vito Cellini kept his mouth shut to protect himself and his family. Now in his 90s, he wants tell his story. Born in New York, raised in Italy, Vito “Tutuc” Cellini was forced to join the fascist Italian army in WW2, then deserted to fight with communist Partisans in Yugoslavia. Later he became an undercover agent for Allied Intelligence. Trusted friend to a Mafia consiglieri and respected by the New York mob... he was hired to negotiate with deadly organized crime bosses in Naples... was embroiled in an assassination that led to the Sandanista uprising in Nicaragua... acted as bodyguard to a merciless Mexican drug lord. A self-taught mechanic and gunsmith with 19 patents, one of his inventions was financed by a high-profile Texas billionaire and adopted by US Special Forces. “Cellini Freedom Fighter” earned a Starred Review and was named a “Best Indie Book of 2018” by Kirkus Reviews.
Every "dogfight", "Archie" encounter and mechanical failure is recorded in great detail in this unique early WWI flying log book, presented here in full along with extensive historical notes and photos.
For years, Italian-American Vito Cellini kept his mouth shut to protect himself and his family. Now in his 90s, he wants tell his story. Born in New York, raised in Italy, Vito “Tutuc” Cellini was forced to join the fascist Italian army in WW2, then deserted to fight with communist Partisans in Yugoslavia. Later he became an undercover agent for Allied Intelligence. Trusted friend to a Mafia consiglieri and respected by the New York mob... he was hired to negotiate with deadly organized crime bosses in Naples... was embroiled in an assassination that led to the Sandanista uprising in Nicaragua... acted as bodyguard to a merciless Mexican drug lord. A self-taught mechanic and gunsmith with 19 patents, one of his inventions was financed by a high-profile Texas billionaire and adopted by US Special Forces. “Cellini Freedom Fighter” earned a Starred Review and was named a “Best Indie Book of 2018” by Kirkus Reviews.
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