Bramson, Alan - Birch, Neville
Third updated and enlarged edition.
A wonderfully compiled collection of stories and pictures about the de Havilland Tiger Moth aeroplane.
The early history of the Tiger Moth is as unlikely and yet as fascinating as the plane itself. Geoffrey de Havilland built a series of machines in an effort to provide a cheap aeroplane for private flying. His first efforts, the unsuccessful DH 51 and the Humming Bird, were superseded in 1925 by the famous Cirrus Moth which was a major break-through in light aeroplane design. In 1928 the Gipsy Moth appeared and then, in 1931, the Tiger Moth itself. The final transformation at de Havilland's Stag Lane works was undertaken by a group of men experimenting with bits and pieces from a dismantled Metal Moth without all the complex drawings and planning we are used to today.
From these shaky beginnings the Tiger Moth emerged - and has never looked back. Admittedly luck was on its side - it appeared in its final form before the Last War at a time when the newly aroused R.A.F. was in desperate need of a reliable and cheap trainer - yet no amount of luck could account for the outstanding achievements which were to make it a legendary name in the field of aviation. Apart from the vitally important role of trainer, the Tiger has been used as taxi, crop sprayer, glider tug, bomber, advertising sky-writer, parachutist carrier, coastal patrol plane, and ambulance. It is a brilliant aerobatic performer, has crossed the Channel upside-down and, more recently, it became the first aeroplane to fly to France with its passenger standing outside on the petrol tank! There are many thousands of pilots who took their first faltering steps into the air in a Tiger and their memories of that and other experiences have endeared this amazing and unique aeroplane to them. Altogether, during fourteen years of production, nearly nine thousand of the breed were made. Considering all this, it seems almost incredible that no history of the Tige Moth has so far been published.
Alan Bramson set this deplorable state of affairs to rights. Besides relating some amusing stories of the Tiger Moth's exploits in its varied fields of operation, the co-authors have used their enormous knowledge and experience of the plane to present new information which will surprise many. They end with a vivid recollection of how it feels to be back in the pilot's seat, and to hear again the 'wind in the wires'.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Alan Bramson was a war-time flying instructor, and later a professional pilot. He has a C.P.L. and has flown more than 100 typss of aircraft. Since 1955 he has been a member of the Panel of Examiners which tests Civil flying instructors for the Civil Authority. He is also a Liveryman of the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators.
Neville Birch served as a pilot in R.A.F. Transport Command, and is now an examiner for Private Pilots' Licences. He was the founder and is a director of the Warwickshire Aero Club where he was formerly Chief Flying Instructor, and is a Liveryman of the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators.
Hardcover with dust jacket
268 Seiten / pages
many photos
good condition
Letchworth, Herts, England - 1970 - Air Review Limited
Art.Nr. 25474
