World Encyclopedia of Aero Engines: From the Pioneers to the Present Day

Featuring new entries and updated throughout, this fifth edition of Bill Gunston’s highly successful reference work describes and lists every major airplane engine manufacturer throughout the world. From the earliest piston engines of the Wright brothers from Dayton, Ohio, in 1903 to the latest multinational collaborative projects, every significant engine manufacturer is included, conveniently arranged in alphabetical order. Engine development has been critical to the evolution of aircraft and each engine is placed in its historical context. The author discusses all the important design features, incorporating the latest research into engines developed across the world over the last hundred years. With the design of something as complex as an aero engine, there is scope for triumph and catastrophe, violent argument, crises and nagging doubt. The author has not ignored the human element, and some of the personal struggles that resulted in world-beating power plants such as the Rolls-Royce Merlin and the Pratt & Whitney PT6 are to be found under the relevant company entries. Incorporating an informative glossary and illustrated with diagrams, charts and photographs, some previously unpublished, this indispensible guide to the world’s aero engines will be of interest to all aviation enthusiasts.