Secret Pusher Fighters of World War II: XP-54, XP-55, and XP-56
Language: English
Published by Specialty Press, 2008
- Hardcover
- Used
Seller: World of Books Inc, Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.World of Books Inc
AbeBooks seller since March 23, 2026
Condition: Used - Good
£ 24.46
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketItem description from seller
During the 1930s, American tactical aircraft ranged from small biplanes to all-metal monoplanes, but they lacked the range, performance, and firepower required to combat a new foe in the darkening skies over Europe. With their 300-mph top speeds, these airplanes represented the step before the step in achieving the higher performance of legendary fighters used in World War I, but the secrets of what became America's first next generation fighters lay in the design, construction, and flight testing of radical new airplanes that broke the rules of aeronautical engineering and were intended to push performance envelopes to new limits. Although the Materiel Division of the Air Corps faced a daunting task, unique designs from Vultee, Curtiss-Wright, and Northrop ultimately emerged to win contracts for building experimental prototypes of airplanes with very different configurations. Powered by either inline or radial piston powerplants, these new designs looked more futuristic on paper than anything seen before, but the acid test was to see how they flew. Would they become record-breaking champions, or frustrating aeronautical problem children confounding their engineers, builders, and pilots? Noted author Gerald H. Balzer tells this story using original factory photos and comprehensive information that has never before been published. This fascinating tale of America's first Pusher Fighters highlights the trials and tribulations of innovative designers, dedicated builders, and courageous test pilots, each of whom contributed to bringing the Vultee XP-54 Swoose Goose, Curtiss-Wright XP-55 Ascender, and Northrop XP-56 Black Bullet into reality.…
Seller Inventory # CIN1580071252G
- Title
- Secret Pusher Fighters of World War II: XP-54, XP-55, and XP-56
- Author
- Gerald Balzer
- Publisher
- Specialty Press
- Publication year
- 2008
- Condition
- Good
- Binding
- Hardback
- Language
- English
- ISBN 10
- 1580071252
- ISBN 13
- 9781580071253
"Synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Review
"In conclusion, I am very impressed with this book. The wealth of rare photos and drawings alone are worth having a copy. I would definitely recommend this book to both aircraft historians as well as model builders."-- (12/01/2008)
"Specialty Press is forging a deservedly brilliant reputation for unearthing aviation exotica with gems like these. Treat yourself to loads of fascinating, futuristic fun and buy this captivating book. Rabidly recommended."-- (01/01/2009)
"This is a fascinating book as it describes the efforts that were being put forth in the new designs, the way such projects were handled during the war, and the resulting design improvements that eventually led to features incorporated into later designs."--Books-On-Line (02/01/2009)
"This title, like others from Specialty Press, is impressive and thorough with many never before published pictures of XP54, 55, and 56 designs. I found this an engrossing title and one I recommend for anyone with an interest in WWII aviation and aviation technology in general."-- (06/01/2009)
"As you might guess, Specialty Press has another winner in this one. We are indeed fortunate that this publisher can be counted upon to produce high quality books time and time again. This one is no exception and is not only an excellent research tool for the modeler and enthusiast, but a great read as well. Highly recommended."-- (12/01/2008)
"Aviation history buffs will revel in the history and development of these specialized aircraft. Scale modelers, especially those interested in experimental pre-production aircraft, will love the beautifully presented detail. This book has my highest recommendation."-- (01/01/2009)
"Another highly informative title that is packed to overflowing with the type of techincal photographs and diagrams that modelers love."--Model Airplane International (UK) (06/01/2009)
"The book is very well written, and contains many interesting pictures and drawings that are presented for the first time. We enjoyed the book, and highly recommend it to our members."-- (08/01/2009)
"About the title" may belong to another edition of this title.
World of Books Inc
Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
AbeBooks seller since March 23, 2026
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| Item | 4 to 12 business days | 3 to 6 business days |
|---|---|---|
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Founded in 2002, World of Books is a leading online destination for buying and selling both preloved and new books, committed to making sustainable reading accessible to all. With a mission to help people read more and waste less, World of Books offers a huge range of affordable, high-quality books — giving both new and preloved titles a second life. The company also operates World of Books – Sell Your Books, an easy-to-use platform that allows customers to trade in unwanted books for cash, helping to keep books in circulation while promoting sustainability. As a Certified B Corp, World of Books is driven by a vision to become the world’s largest and most sustainable dedicated online bookstore. The company measures its success through the positive environmental impact it creates, the value it provides to customers, and its ability to operate profitably while supporting its sustainable mission …
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