Visitor aka X,

Interesting bit on the X-1. I wasn't aware of it's ability to take off on it's own. (As we say, this is where we learn alot of the things we know.......lol)
Thanks for the info.

The 'quote' about the X-1 not being close to a fighter comes from the "george Welch' link that I posted.
Obviously, it is going to be a little biased.
But, in any case, this was an amazing fellow.
Being one of the very few who responded in aircraft at Pearl Harbour, plus another particular exploit with another pilot in P40's where 15 or so Vals were shot down in the one engagement and then to go on and create the first 'confirmed' sonic boom, and have the 'Powers that be' keep it all secret because they didn't want to be embarrassed.

Apparently, after doing more searching on the web, the North American Aircraft people were quite peeved when they learnt that their F86 had done this and it wasn;t to be announced.
Anyway, I believe, (not 100% sure) that the F86 turned out to be the first 'in service' Fighter to break the barrier, not long after.

Have a quick read of the George Welch site if your haven't a;ready. it's an interesting read.

Quote:


I know your being sarcastic in this 'accolade to these evil morons. (I hope everyone else realises this too).
It's the sort of comment I might post...........(he says with a evil snicker)

But seriously, it immediately got me thinking that in reality, the 2 wars (moreso WWII) were very much the reason for so much advancement in all aspects of powered flight. If not the wars themselves, especially the lead up to WWII.
Take for instance the Bf109 or the Spitfire. If not for the impending war on the horizon would RJ's design even have been considered? I beleive it was looked upon as expensive and difficult to mass produce (compared to the Hurricane) as it was, with the war looming. So I don't think either the Spit or 109 (arguably the benchmarks against which all later planes were measured) would have been.

The big question is, of course: Was all this advancement worth 50 million lives (just WWII).
Somehow, I don't think so! 

That's exactly what I meant Brensec.  Naturally there was an element of sarcasm but without the forced evolution (revolution) of aircraft design during both world wars we would still be in the sixties.

Jet engines were designed to make fighters ever faster and able to carry heavier weaponary.  Radar was designed to detect enemy bombers and to guide our bombers to the target.

Imagine modern aviation without just these two things.

Will (Evil grin smiley)

Re Dolittle.

His good friend Hap Arnold apparently made quite a contribution by way of test flying and influence on the design of planes and methods etc.

I recall seeing a bio' on him on the History Channel.
He was quite a bloke, for all intents and pyrposes. 

Quote:


So you keep saying............lol

It will be one of the best things you do in terms of educating yourself about many things, particularly WWII.
It seems they have a never ending supply of Doco's about virtually every subject, including bio's on the major players and important contributors etc (MH, VC winners and the like), weapons, battles, spy stuff (if I see one more about Bletchley Park, I think I'l go mad.......lol.
By the way, do any of you Poms know what Bletchley is used as today?

Is it up to you financially to get cable, or is it a 'mum & dad situation?

Quote:


It's actually just a 'mum' situation, remember

I'm sure everyone in our family would love to get cable or satellite, but we can't afford it.

Assuming we're talking about powered flight, how about Messrs Rolls & Royce? Also the other pioneer aircraft engine developers without whose efforts none of this would be possible.