Colin Higgs Knihy

Geoffrey de Havilland's DH.89 Dragon Rapide, introduced in the early 1930s, transformed air travel with its simplicity, reliability, and affordability, becoming a key player in both commercial and military aviation. At that time, aviation was largely a rich man's pursuit, but de Havilland's company changed that with a series of accessible airliners. The DH.89 first flew in 1934, quickly making a name for itself by participating in air races and entering commercial service shortly after. With over 700 units produced, it became a significant biplane commercial airliner. The aircraft was used globally, and in 1939, the military requisitioned Rapides, ordering 500 more as trainers, known as the Dominie, for the RAF and Royal Navy. After the war, many surplus aircraft were repurposed by airlines for short-haul services, which continued into the 1960s. Remarkably, many airworthy Rapides still exist today, used for pleasure flying worldwide. This story is illustrated through an exceptional collection of archive images, most of which have never been published before, showcasing the legacy of this remarkable aircraft.

The narrative revolves around Howard Hughes, a wealthy aviation pioneer who sought to design a unique and luxurious aircraft specifically for TWA, the airline he controlled. His vision transformed into the creation of one of the most elegant planes in aviation history, showcasing innovation and opulence. The story highlights Hughes' ambition and the impact of his designs on the aviation industry.

The narrative highlights the daring efforts of British test pilots who, over 70 years ago, pushed the boundaries of aviation. Their willingness to take immense risks paved the way for modern air travel, enabling flights to distant destinations like Adelaide and Zurich. The book delves into the challenges and triumphs faced by these pioneers in their quest to achieve unprecedented speeds and altitudes, ultimately transforming the way we travel today.

Packed with fabulous photographs, many of them being seen for the first time, The story of the Red Arrows explores the history behind the team, its pilots and crew and its instantly recognisable red aircraft, first Gnats and now Hawks. Read about the team's greatest moments - the triumphant tours to the USA, the Middle East and Far East, topping the bill at the Farnborough Air Show and their elevation from the early beginnings in the 1960s to superstar status almost 60 years later - but also their worst times as the team came to terms with tragedy and threat

A highly-illustrated image-based history of the Supermarine Southampton with a superb range of rare and previously unseen photographs from a variety of sources.

Since AV Roe started building his first aircraft in 1907 at Brooklands in Surrey there have been great designers, engineers and test pilots whose combined skills have created some of the greatest aircraft the World has ever seen. In aircraft archivist Colin Higgs's new hardback reference book you will discover the work of RJ Mitchell, Henry Royce, Geoffrey de Havilland, Sir Frederick Handley Page, Harry Hawker, Teddy Petter, Tommy Sopwith, Sydney Camm, the Short Brothers and many more. The aircraft they designed include the Spitfire, Hurricane, Lancaster, Mosquito, Sunderland, Tiger Moth, Halifax, Lightning, Vulcan, Viscount, Harrier and even Concorde. Whatever happens in the British aviation industry in the future it is these great people and their great aircraft that will be remembered and held up as examples of how to do it right.