. Many rare and exotic European research aircraftdescribed in detail for the first time
. Many previously unpublished photographs and unseen classified information
. An invaluable resource for aviation enthusiasts, historians and modelers alike
In the two decades following World War II, secret and exotic research aircraft designed and built in Europe flew from secret bases around the Continent, Years ahead of their time, and many record]breakers in their own right, these were the European equivalents of the legendary American X]Planes. They were flown by renowned by test pilots such as Peter Twiss and Andre Turcat who risked and (sometimes lost) their lives to capture speed and altitude records previously held by their American counterparts.
Some of today's most famous and successful aircraft were influenced by advanced technologies first tested and flown on European X]Planes and a significant number of aviation gfirstsh occurring at secluded flight test facilities located in England, France, and Germany. European 'firsts' included the world's first jet airliner (1948), first jet transport with rear]mounted engines (1956), first VTOL jet fighter (1964) and first supersonic airliner (1969). All were all developed in Europe utilising technological advances pioneered by these rare and highly advanced X]Planes.
Now, many of these types are described in detail for the first time by the acknowledged expert in this field. Unpublished photographs, previously classified drawings and detailed appendices and stories of these historic aircraft combine to produce an in]depth record of these secret aircraft.