Customer Reviews

McDonnell Douglas Aircraft, Vol. 2: Since 1920 (Putnam Aeronautical Books)

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Mr. Francillon is well known for his excellent writings and details on military aircraft. This book is no exception.

He presents a vast wealth of information on the designs of McDonnell Douglas Aircraft. It is not a book to sit and read, but it is a book that has the facts and history of every design that rolled out of the plants of Douglas Aircraft. Plus many that never saw the light of day.

A lot has happened in the aviation world since this book was published in 1990. McDonnell Douglas which was formed with a merger of McDonnell and Douglas companies in 1967 was itself bought out by rival Boeing.

This is a book for serious aviation buffs. Facts, data, statistics abound about every plane, helicopter or airliner built by MD from 1920-1990. The DC-3, Phantom II, Skyhawk and Harrier are just a few. Of course, there is a short history of the founding of each company and the key designers & engineers. Clear B&W photos (although small) and line drawings help the reader see each plane.

It's a shame the aircraft industry has shrunk so much. Only two companies remain - Boeing & Lockheed. This book captures a day when there were many more brilliant designs, rapid growth in aviation technology, quicker design to development times. Very good reference book for anything ever made by McDonnell or Douglas. Still a great addition to your library.

This book lives up to the high standards of the famous UK-based Putnam aeronautical series of the 60s-90s.
In Putnam style, he gives a concise but detailed history of the firm, as well as detailed chapters on specific aircraft types.
This book covers the McDonnell jets built prior to the merger and brings the reader yup to datye wth details on the F-15, AV-8, F/A-18, C-17 as well as the DC-9, 10 and 11.
Those sections are backed up with quality three-view drawings, statistics and constructor/serial numbers and registrations.
In short, everything is here.

There was an earlier 1979 edition published in one volumne before being updated and revised in 1990 which necessitated this edition in two volumes.
If you're interested in the history of just the early Douglas types, the 1979 book may suit your needs.