Ultimate Aircraft [Hardcover]

Philip Jarrett (Author), Jonathan Metcalf (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2000

Ultimate Aircraft features 650 different aircraft from around the world. From the first experimental flights to the astonishing technological innovations of today's stealth fighters, this comprehensive book traces the history of aviation and profiles the innovators, engineers and pilots who took it to new heights. Structured chronologically and featuring a highly readable text, this authoritative book tells the story of both military and civilian flight, profiling key aircraft from each era. Boldly illustrated, dramatically photographed, and with exquisite attention to detail, Ultimate Aircraft is designed to be an indispensable resource for the enthusiast or an exhilarating introduction to the novice.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 168 pages
• Publisher: DK ADULT; 1st edition (September 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789459612
• ISBN-13: 978-0789459619
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,279,891 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning cover design, Aircraft Enthusiast reference..., May 6, 2001

By 

Rebecca Johnson "The Rebecca Review" (Washington State) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Ultimate Aircraft (Hardcover)

For the committed aircraft enthusiast, you just won't find a more valuable reference source for fascinating information about the evolution of aircraft and the pioneers who gave humans wings.

Ultimate Aircraft charts every main step from the first experimental gliders to the high-powered supersonic jets and the high-capacity airliners of today. If you have ever watched the Blue Angels flying overhead while floating in the ocean, you will know why an aircraft could get your attention. I have seen the Blue Angels flying a few times and I am always amazed at their precise flying and talent.

This book includes an extensive biographical section which profiles the major designers, engineers and pilots who have changed the fact of transportation around the globe. You will read about the Wright brothers and Chuck Yeager. There is a comprehensive glossary which defines terms such as: Flutter, Ballonet, Dope, Lateral Control, etc. The Index provides instant access to many topics.

The first part of the book reveals the history of aircraft, the second part is a visual gallery of aircraft and the book ends with an extensive section on Aviation Innovators. Page 110-111 is quite fun and page 111 folds out to show the Boeing B-52G in detail. Page 140 shows a Northrop Grumman proposal for an Uninhabited Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) which looks like an alien ship to me!

On some of the pages a small box has all the specification for the aircraft being discussed. The pictures are stunning and you will soon decide on your favorite plane.

Philip Jarret was the assistant editor of Aeroplane Monthly magazine. He is now a freelance writer and editor, and has produced countless articles on a wide variety of aeronautical subjects. He also lectures on aviation topics. He is also the author of Icarus: Percy Pilcher and the Quest for Flight and is also currently series editor for the Putman History of Aircraft volumes. Other books in this Ultimate series include: Ultimate Harley-Davidson and Ultimate Train.

A definitive reference to aviation history! This book makes me want to go watch Top Gun! Perhaps play the music in the background while you read. My husband is threatening to take me parachute gliding, who knows...I might just do it. So, if you never hear from me again....:).

~The Rebecca Review

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous book on the history of flight, August 31, 2011

By 

Gordon M. Wagner (Suburbia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Ultimate Aircraft (Hardcover)

Colorful, big, jammed full of photos. I find this book fascinating. I do wish that the book had mentioned Clarence "Kelly" Johnson Kelly: More Than My Share of It All given his remarkable number of aeronautical engineering accomplishments. Overall, however, the book does a good job recollecting the early days of flight and the astonishingly swift development of aircraft. Some of the photos of aircraft from the 1920s and 1930s are amazing -- truly weird designs. I have my copy of this book in my vehicle, so when I have to wait to pick up my kids from school I can leaf through it. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

5.0 out of 5 stars Bought this for my 4 year old & he loves it, April 4, 2009

By 

C. Flack "Smart Consumer" - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Ultimate Aircraft (Hardcover)

This is a beautiful book, filled with tons of gorgeous photography. My son will sit quietly & look at it for long periods of time. There is also information about the planes that I'm sure he'll appreciate when he's a little older. Its a hardback book & worth the price - we will have it for a long time.