Bristol Brabazon : The Ocean Liner of the Skies and Its Ongoing Legacy

"... written in a very readable style, so if you're an aircraft enthusiast, you are sure to enjoy it." AeroModeller MagazineOpen any book on strange or abandoned aircraft projects, and you will probably find the Bristol Brabazon featured. Over the years, this huge piston-engine powered, propeller-driven airliner, designed for the vital trans-Atlantic routes, has been referred to as the white elephant of the skies , or even one of the worldworst aircraft . But, as the author reveals, such sentiments may well be undeserved.With a wingspan and size larger than the jumbo jets we are familiar with today, the Brabazon was designed to fly just sixty or so passengers in supreme luxury from London to New York. During their flight, these lucky individuals could while away the hours at the cocktail bar, enjoy the onboard movie theatre, or have a rest in the fully furnished sleeping compartments.Born during the Second World War, the Brabazon first flew in 1949. Maybe, the author asks, it was just ahead of its time. The

in engineering history, political sciences or just the history of aviation industry, this study of the Brabazon will help you decide whether it was an engineering masterpiece or a great white elephant. [Publisher's Text]