The pioneering days of jet propulsion in Hitler's Germany
led to some of the most advanced engine designs of the era, many features of
which are still incorporated in current power-plants.
During this period much was achieved, including the flight of the
world's first turbojet-powered aircraft, pulsejet and ramjet-powered missiles
and other first-time applications of the gas turbine. Also, the latter years of
World War II saw the introduction into production and service of the first jet
aircraft and missiles, despite a background of material shortages, Allied
bombing and the peculiarities of the Nazi regime.
This book commences with an introduction to the research and early
ideas of German inventors before 1934. The main thrust of the book concerns the
development work for aviation and covers turbojet, turboprop, ducted fan and
hybrid types of engine. Much of the text is concerned with the design of the
aircraft that were to be powered by the new engines. Also included are chapters
on pure gas turbines designed to power the Panther tank and other military land
vehicles, naval applications for fast patrol and torpedo boats and finally the
industrial application of the new inventions.
