{"product_id":"9780859791847","title":"Testing to the Limits: British Test Pilots Since 1910","description":"Tentative hops by Edwardian-era pioneers led to the development of a world-class industry. Spearheading this were the test pilots who ventured into the unknown in British-built aircraft for their maiden flights. As well as those that became household names, \u003ci\u003eTesting to the Limits\u003c\/i\u003e also brings to the forefront many 'unknowns' who risked everything to take a prototype into the skies. \u003cp\u003eThe culmination of a 20-year project, in two volumes \u003ci\u003eTesting to the Limits\u003c\/i\u003e charts the careers and endeavors of over 400 company test pilots. Inter-related biographies brim with types first flown, incidents and anecdotes, including first-hand quotes. It is the most comprehensive study on the subject ever produced. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrom Short biplanes of 1910, the book traverses the abundance of prototypes in the 1920s and 1930s, the advances of World War II from Spitfire to Vampire, the post-war challenges of the sound barrier and the pressures of the Cold War to the supersonic Concorde, the Harrier 'jump-jet' and today's fly-by-wire Typhoon. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDesigner-pilots, flight test observers, the Empire Test Pilots' School, the relentless pace of production test, engine test-beds and the origins of the ejector seat, the service test institutions and a glimpse of the future - all aspects of these extraordinary flyers are examined. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eChris Yeo, BAE Systems Typhoon test pilot, provides a foreword to this ground-breaking title which is lavishly illustrated with over 300 photos. \u003ci\u003eTesting to the Limits\u003c\/i\u003e is not just a tribute to a band of elite aviators it is also a vibrant commentary on the failures and successes of the British aircraft industry.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Crecy Publishing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47008146129136,"sku":"9780859791847","price":39.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/9780859791847_p0.jpg?v=1763834915","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/9780859791847","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}