The world got a little smaller in July 1949 when the first
jet-powered airliner took to the skies barely four years after the
end of the Second World War. Not only was the de Havilland Comet 1
was a lot faster than previous airliners, it could fly higher and
further. It was packed with new technology but, perhaps most
importantly for those early passengers, it was a quiet, luxurious
and even pleasant experience, something that could never be said
for the noisy piston-engine aircraft that came before. The Comet s
leadership in jet travel for the future was assured until aircraft
began crashing. The first ones were put down to pilot error but two
disastrous events in 1954 grounded the fleet and Britain s
advantage over the rest of the world was lost. Boeing caught up
with its ubiquitous 707 and the Comet was destined to become but a
memory. However, rising from the ashes came a new Comet one that
was bigger and more powerful than before and designed for
completely different roles. Where the first Comets had provided an
expensive and plush way to travel for the rich few, the new Comet
4s carried more passengers to a multitude of destinations
inevitably becoming key carriers for the early package
holidaymakers. At the same time they became vital strategic
transports for the RAF as the British Empire receded. This book
tells the full story of the world s first jet-powered airliner,
from its remarkable beginnings, through its early flight trials
programme to its entry into service. The type s military career is
also covered, as is its construction; also included in this volume
are details of the numerous variants produced and those still
surviving as exhibits today. There are also twenty-four superb
artworks by world-renowned aviation illustrator Juanita Franzi.
General
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