Uncover the dramatic story of British aviation’s post-WWII decline with Peter Reese’s *In Turbulent Skies*. This 2020 History Press release explores the complex blend of government missteps, technological hurdles, and economic realities that grounded Britain’s once-soaring aerospace ambitions. Reese analyzes the impact of the Brabazon Committee’s flawed plans, the controversial cancellation of key aircraft programs (including the TSR2), and the struggle to compete with the US in the civilian airliner market. The book examines both iconic designs like the Harrier jump jet and cautionary tales like the Comet, offering insights into what went wrong. Perfect for aviation enthusiasts and those interested in British history. ISBN: 9780750993029.
In Turbulent Skies
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IN 1945 confidence in British aviation was sky-high. Yet decades later, the industry had not lived up to its potential. What happened?The years that followed the war saw the Brabazon Committee issue flawed proposals for civil aviation planning. Enforced cancellations restricted the advancement of military aircraft, compounded later on by Defence Minister Duncan Sandys abandoning aircraft to fixate solely on missiles. Commercially, Britains small and neglected domestic market hindered the development of civilian airliners.In the production of notorious aircraft, the inauspicious Comet came from de Havillands attempts to gain an edge over its American competitors. The iconic Harrier jump jet and an indigenous crop of helicopters were squandered, while unrealistic performance requirements brought about the cancellation of TSR2.Peter Reese explores how repeated financial crises, a lack of rigour and fatal self-satisfaction led British aviation to miss vital opportunities across this turbulent period in Britains skies.
Delve into the dramatic untold story of British aviation's post-war decline with Peter Reese's compelling book, *In Turbulent Skies*. Published in 2020 by The History Press, this meticulously researched paperback unveils the complex factors that hindered the nation's once-dominant aerospace industry, transforming potential triumph into missed opportunities. With 304 pages of in-depth analysis, *In Turbulent Skies* weighs 640 grams and offers a comprehensive exploration of the challenges that plagued British aviation from 1945 onwards. Reese masterfully dissects the critical decisions and missteps that led to the industry's stagnation. He highlights the flawed proposals of the Brabazon Committee, whose post-war civil aviation plans ultimately proved detrimental. The book explores how government-enforced cancellations stifled the advancement of military aircraft, a situation compounded by Defence Minister Duncan Sandys' controversial prioritization of missiles over aircraft development. This shift in focus, while intended to modernize defense, had a devastating impact on the British aviation sector. *In Turbulent Skies* doesn't shy away from examining the commercial realities that hampered progress. Reese argues that Britain's small and often-neglected domestic market presented a significant obstacle to the development of competitive civilian airliners. This disadvantage left British manufacturers struggling to compete with their American counterparts, who benefited from a larger and more supportive home market. The book also delves into the stories of specific aircraft, both successful and ill-fated. The de Havilland Comet, a pioneering but ultimately flawed jet airliner, serves as a cautionary tale of ambition outpacing technological capabilities. Despite its initial promise, the Comet suffered from structural problems that led to tragic accidents, damaging Britain's reputation in the process. In contrast, the Harrier jump jet represents a remarkable technological achievement, but Reese argues that its potential was ultimately squandered due to lack of investment and strategic vision. The infamous TSR2 project, cancelled amidst controversy and cost overruns, is also meticulously examined, with Reese exploring the unrealistic performance requirements and political maneuvering that contributed to its demise. More than just a chronicle of technological triumphs and failures, *In Turbulent Skies* offers a deeper analysis of the underlying causes of British aviation's decline. Reese points to repeated financial crises, a lack of rigorous planning, and a pervasive sense of self-satisfaction as key factors that prevented the industry from reaching its full potential. He argues that these internal weaknesses, combined with external pressures, created a perfect storm that undermined British aviation's competitiveness. Drawing on extensive research and a wealth of historical sources, Peter Reese provides a nuanced and insightful account of a pivotal period in British history. *In Turbulent Skies* is essential reading for anyone interested in aviation history, British industrial policy, or the challenges of technological innovation. Discover the captivating story behind Britain's aviation missteps and the turbulent skies that defined its post-war journey. The book's ISBN-13 is 9780750993029 and its ISBN-10 is 0750993022.
