Jet Prototypes of World War II : Gloster, Heinkel, and Caproni Campini's Wartime Jet Programmes

While World War II raged, pioneering aircraft and engine designers were busy developing the world's first practical jet-powered research aircraft to test and prove the new technology. This book examines the aircraft that paved the way for Germany's Me 262 and Britain's Meteor - the world's first jet fighters.

Throughout the war, Germany, Italy and Britain engaged in top-secret jet programmes as they raced to develop the airpower of the future. Various experimental aircraft were trialled in order to achieve the goal of producing an effective engine and fighter that could harness the potential of the jet power.

These included the German Heinkel He 178 research aircraft and Heinkel He 280 jet fighter prototype, the famed British E.28/39 research aircraft built by Gloster Aircraft as well as the stillborn E.5/42 fighter and E.1/44 Ace fighter prototype, and finally the remarkable Italian Caproni-Campini N.1/CC 2 research aircraft.

Illustrated throughout with full-colour artwork and rare photographs, this fascinating study examines the fore-runners to the military jet age.

About the Author

Tony Buttler joined High Duty Alloys in 1974 as a metallurgist and for nearly 20 years was involved in the testing of aluminium and titanium airframe and engine components. After leaving HDA, he earned his Masters degree in Archives and Library Studies at Loughborough University, and in 1996 began his career as an aviation historian. He has since written 30 books and numerous articles, and has become particularly well known for his work on prototypes and secret projects. He lives in Worcestershire, UK.