MSRP: $36.95
ISBN: 1857802306
Over the years, a number of highly detailed aircraft books have been published under the Aerofax imprint.
This latest title is an exhaustive history of the Gloster Meteor, an historically important aircraft that, along with the ME-262, introduced jet propulsion to the world.
Aerofax titles have always featured in depth developmental and operational histories of their subjects, and this one follows the pattern.
In 143 softbound pages the authors take us from the initial idea of applying Frank Whittle's gas turbine powerplant to an aircraft, through the sometimes difficult development of the Meteor, its operational use and its many uses as an experimental platform.
The book is loaded with period photographs, many of which were new to me.
The majority of the photographs are black and white, not unexpected considering the timeframe in which they were taken, but the final 25 page section is devoted to a nice color gallery.
The heart of the book is its historical account, with heavy emphasis on technical details, comprising eight chapters.
The account is logically broken down in more or less chronological order, and ends with a thorough technical description of the Meteor's design.
The engineers among us will find this chapter fascinating.
With no experience in fast jet design, Gloster was forced to adapt piston engine design principles to turbine power.
It was the only feasible approach, but it sometimes produced interesting results.
The book concludes with a complete listing of Meteor contracts and serial numbers, and a listing of RAF Meteor squadrons.
Previous Aerofax titles have included large detail or walkaround type photo sections, but this book does not, a small disappointment.
Modelers looking for such coverage will have to look elsewhere.
There are some detail photos, but they are scattered throughout the book rather than being gathered in one place.
This is made up for by the wealth of photographic coverage of the Meteor's many paint and markings schemes.
This volume is a worthy addition to your library of aviation titles, especially if you are interested in the early jets and like lots of technical detail.
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