Using language understandable to those without an engineering background and avoiding complex mathematical formulae, Bill Gunston explains the differences between gas-turbine, jet, rocket, ramjet and helicopter turbo shaft aero engines and traces their histories from the early days through to today’s complex and powerful units as used in the latest wide-bodied airliners and high performance military jets.

In this new edition, Gunston describes every major aeroplane manufacturer throughout the world. He focuses on the aircraft from the pioneering days to the very latest engines, and places each engine within its technological and historical context.

"The frenzy of technological invention and improvement that accompanied each large-scale conflict during the twentieth century has been one of the most important factors in driving the spectacular scientific advances made during the last hundred years. The half-way point of the century saw the horrors of the first truly global battle--World War II. At that time the piston aero engine was at its zenith and the world's airforces were almost entirely propeller driven. It is a period that provides the most interesting study of these engines and the aircraft they powered because the rapid change to turbojets that occurred in the post-war era saw the demise of the piston engine on almost all types of military aircraft and large airliners. This book looks at the design and development of the most famous engines used by the combatants during this great air war. Each type is studied and evaluated in historical perspective and many famous aircraft are illustrated to demonstrate installation and differing usage. One Merlin makes a Spitfire, two a Mosquito, and four a Lancaster. Engines made in America, Russia, and Germany could boast the same versatility and are described here in detail." --Book jacket.

This book is a monograph on aerodynamics of aero-engine gas turbines focusing on the new progresses on flow mechanism and design methods in the recent 20 years. Starting with basic principles in aerodynamics and thermodynamics, this book systematically expounds the recent research on mechanisms of flows in axial gas turbines, including high pressure and low pressure turbines, inter-turbine ducts and turbine rear frame ducts, and introduces the classical and innovative numerical evaluation methods in different dimensions. This book also summarizes the latest research achievements in the field of gas turbine aerodynamic design and flow control, and the multidisciplinary conjugate problems involved with gas turbines. This book should be helpful for scientific and technical staffs, college teachers, graduate students, and senior college students, who are involved in research and design of gas turbines.

This is a record of more than 250 basic types of British aero engine built between 1909 and 1949. In some 900 variants, they powered 300 different types of aircraft both civil and military. This volume gives a cross-reference of all aircraft engine types, variants and the aircraft they powered.