Prototype - Hardcover

Bruce, David

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0953390209 ISBN 13: 9780953390205

Publisher: Caird Publications, 1999

Synopsis

March, 1942. While British forces everywhere in the world are on the retreat, John Wren is completing the construction of the most powerful fighter prototype in existence; but the Ministry seems unimpressed and cancels it. Wren takes his case to the only man in the country who has the power to save his aircraft. Churchill realises that Wren's aircraft could be turned into the long-range bomber escort he needs to support the allied bombing campaign that is to be a vital part of his 'Germany first' policy, but as Wren throws himself into the task the challenges grow. His test pilot brother is injured; high-level opposition emerges mysteriously; and the new test pilot sent by the RAF seems bent on self-destruction. Technical and personal crises abound as Wren pushes his machine through a gruelling test schedule; and towards a critical demonstration. With officialdom and fate dealing him blows at every turn, will Wren ever see his fighter engage the enemy? (See "Assassin" for the sequel)

About this title

From the Publisher

Comments comprise a brief description of the storyline
Set in early 1942, "Prototype" is a story about the efforts of John Wren, a small aircraft manufacturer, to have his fighter prototype adopted for service. But advanced design and economy of construction do not always appear to be the criteria on which the powers-that-be base their decisions. Only when Churchill takes a personal interest does Wren appear to be on the way to success. But getting a fighter into service means overcoming many problems, both technical and human. Will Wren ever see his fighter engage the enemy?

A novel rich in historical and technical detail, David Bruce’s aviation tale takes the reader on a voyage to the aircraft factory of the 1940s, along the corridors of power, through flight testing at Boscombe Down and up into a dangerous sky, stalked by the fighters of the Luftwaffe.

Edition details

• Publisher: Caird Publications
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0953390209
• ISBN 13: 9780953390205
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 345