Airspeed Aircraft Since 1931 (1991 issue)

Hardbound 14x22, 240 pages. Airspeed was a short-lived medium size aircraft maker founded in the early 30s by a pair of engineers (one of which would go onto fame as a well-known novelist) with a goal of producing well-engineered private aircraft. An early adopter of retractable landing gear, the firm was ultimately successful, achieving fame with its twin-engine Envoy which was produced in quantity as a wartime trainer, the Oxford. Its other major product was the wooden Horsa glider, famous for its use during the D-Day landings. Their major post-war effort, the Ambassador twin engine airliner fell afoul of the often repeated story of unclear requirements, government intervention and too many good products chasing too few orders. Happily, the firm's resources were absorbed by the larger and better-known de Havilland firm. This is the smallest volume of Putnam aeronautical histories, just 240 pages. Typical of the series, you get a history of the firm followed by entries of each type (and most projects) designed. There are plenty of photos and three-view drawings as well as technical specifications. Like the other Putnam manufacturer histories, this are a must have if you're interested in aviation history (particularly UK aviation). Though Airspeed is rather obscure compared to many other aircraft makers, you'll learn something here. 9780851778488