Milt Thompson's account of lessons to be learned involves aspects of the history of flight research at what was then called the Flight Research Center and its predecessor organizations— redesignated in 1976 the Hugh L. Dryden Flight Research Center. Many fascinating topics are covered: lifting bodies; the P-51 Mustang; X-planes; XS-1; X-15; the YF-12 Blackbird; the Space Shuttle; and the Lunar Landing Research Vehicle. From the time of the Wright brothers' first flight in 1903 until the end of World War II; airplane technology evolved considerably. The early decades' mono-and biplanes of wooden framework; typically braced with wire and covered with cloth; gradually gave way to an all-metal construction and improved aerodynamic shapes; but most aircraft in World War II still featured propellers and even the fastest of them flew at maximum speeds of about 450 miles per hour. For example; the North American P-51 Mustang; one of the finest prop fighters used in the war; had a top speed of 437 miles per hour when flying a level course at low altitude. This compared with low-level maximum speeds of 514 and 585 mph respectively for the Messerschmitt Me 262A and Gloster Meteor F. Mk. jet fighters; both of which thus still flew well below the speed of sound (Mach 1) in level flight. Even so; during the early 1940s; airplanes like Lockheed's P-38 Lightning began to face the problem of compressibility in dives —characterized (among other things) by increased density; a sharp rise in drag; and disturbed airflow at speeds approaching Mach 1. In partial contrast to flight test; flight research sought and seeks fundamental understanding of all aspects of aeronautics; and in achieving that understanding; its practitioners may fly experimental aircraft like the early X-planes and the D-558s or armed service discards like early production models of the F-15s; F-16s; and F-18s researchers at Dryden are modifying and flying today.
#1303520 in Books 2013-07-04Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .89 x 6.00l; 1.08 #File Name: 149091868X392 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Good Book; But Unhelpful ReviewsBy Hajj RidhaI bought this book because a reviewer stated that it "read like a college textbook." I do not know what college this man went to but it is nothing like a college textbook (as it is more claims and beliefs rather than research and evidence) and is more a passionate confessional than anything else. Additionally there is a lot of inconsistency in transliteration and writing (pick one way to transliterate a sound and stick with it)With that being said; it is a good book. As a believer I always appreciate new and fresh takes on our history and our people.I also purchased the book "Christians Who Defended the Ahlul Bayt" and look forward to reading it.Thank you and May Allah reward the author and his teachers.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Must Read!!!By JoeyA must read for all Muslims to know their history on how Prophets ummat treated his beloved family0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I also liked that it was from a point of view from ...By Yummy MummyI am enjoying this book. I wanted to add this to my library since it had so many narrations and stories that I had been exposed to my whole life and this was it was all in a comprehensive form. I also liked that it was from a point of view from this author (who is a revert/convert mashAllah). It provides a major look at all that has happened in the way of suffering and oppression of the Ahl Ul Bayt and the lovers of the Ahl Ul Bayt.
