Slats One
18th Jun 2012, 13:18
'Secrets of the Spitfire the story of Beverley Shenstone the man who perfected the elliptical wing by Lance Cole - published by Pen and Sword books. just out.
If you are under the misapprehension (as erroneously pedalled by many) that the Spitfire's wing was 'inspired' by the Heinkel 70, (He70) then this is the book for you - chapter 11 forensically proves that the Spit's wing came from way back in history and from young Shenstone's mind. It had now to do witht eh HE 70s ellipse. Smoothness criteria is a separate issue.
There's loads of new Spitfire -science stories and new quotes by from R.J. Mitchell in this.
Shenstone went on to be President of the RAeS, Chief Engineer at BEA and Board memebr, and tech director at BOAC - his airline transport years are also touched on in this book.
R.J. Mitchell is portrayed as the hero he was, but this story of an unknown team member really deos lift the lid and add new facts.
The photos seem to include shots of the Type 224 pre-Spit prototype that have not been seen before.
Shenstone was also a trained RCAF pilot and Wasserkuppe trained glider pilot.
His work with Lippisch and at Wright Patterson adds to the 'secrets'.
Dear old Nicholas Goodhart Rr Admrl CB FRAeS also makes an appearance as does Uffa Fox and Peter Hearne. Gliding is a big theme in the story
Well worth a read despite the odd typo. The author wrote a VC10 book with a Foreword by Brian Trubshaw - many years ago.
If you are under the misapprehension (as erroneously pedalled by many) that the Spitfire's wing was 'inspired' by the Heinkel 70, (He70) then this is the book for you - chapter 11 forensically proves that the Spit's wing came from way back in history and from young Shenstone's mind. It had now to do witht eh HE 70s ellipse. Smoothness criteria is a separate issue.
There's loads of new Spitfire -science stories and new quotes by from R.J. Mitchell in this.
Shenstone went on to be President of the RAeS, Chief Engineer at BEA and Board memebr, and tech director at BOAC - his airline transport years are also touched on in this book.
R.J. Mitchell is portrayed as the hero he was, but this story of an unknown team member really deos lift the lid and add new facts.
The photos seem to include shots of the Type 224 pre-Spit prototype that have not been seen before.
Shenstone was also a trained RCAF pilot and Wasserkuppe trained glider pilot.
His work with Lippisch and at Wright Patterson adds to the 'secrets'.
Dear old Nicholas Goodhart Rr Admrl CB FRAeS also makes an appearance as does Uffa Fox and Peter Hearne. Gliding is a big theme in the story
Well worth a read despite the odd typo. The author wrote a VC10 book with a Foreword by Brian Trubshaw - many years ago.