The World's Fastest Aircraft: From Supermarine S6 to the Space Shuttle (1990) By Martin W. Bowman
 
Since the first sustained powered flight in 1903, there has been no stopping humanity in its efforts to create aircraft that fly further, higher, and faster.  The starting point for Martin Bowman's selection of 38 of the world's most famous high-speed aircraft for this book is the late 1920s, when the Supermarine floatplanes established one world speed record after another.
 
It is a unique selection, comprising military, civil and experimental types, up to and including the Space Shuttle.  Their stories highlight the details of each aircraft's specification, conception, setbacks and achievements, and a preliminary review of developments - contests and events, records attempted and set - provides the context of man's quest for speed, in which national rivalries loom and the names of great designers and aviators play a significant part.
 
Hard Cover with Dust Jacket
136 pages
In Good Condition