American Aircraft Development of the Second World War

This book presents a little-known aspect of America's aircraft development of World War II in emphasizing unique and non-production aircraft or modifications for the purpose of research and experimentation in support of aircraft development, advancing technology, or meeting narrow combat needs. It describes some important areas of American aviation weapons maturation under the pressure of war with emphasis on advanced technology and experimental aircraft configurations.

The great value of the work is illumination of little known or minimally documented projects that significantly advanced the science of aeronautics, propulsion, aircraft systems, and ordnance, but did not go into production. Each chapter introduces another topic by examining the state-of-the-art at the beginning of the war, advantages pursued, and results achieved during the conflict. This last is the vehicle to examine the secret modifications or experiments that are little known.

Consequently, this is an important single-source for a fascinating and diverse collection of wartime efforts never before brought together under a single cover. The "war stories" are those of military staffs, engineering teams, and test pilots struggling against short schedules and tight resource constraints to push the bounds of technology. These epic and sometimes life-threatening endeavors were as vital as actual combat operations.

About the Author

William J. Norton is a flight test engineer, continuing a career begun during 20 years as a US Air Force officer where he also served as aircrew on test aircraft. Bill has held numerous positions in many organizations on dozens of aerospace programs spanning all aircraft types. He has penned scores of technical papers, fourteen books, and a multitude of magazine articles. Bill is a civil pilot with numerous ratings, restored and operates a DHC-1 Chipmunk, and built a Rutan Long-EZ. He holds a Masters in Aeronautical Engineering. Bill is happily married to the lovely and talented Anya Victoria Eriksson.