Product Description

A work on aerodynamic theory, as applied to model flight. It explains everything in a concise and practical form for those enthusiasts who want a better understanding of model behaviour. The latest revisions reflect developments such as powerful miniature turbojet engines.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #216059 in Books
• Published on: 1999-07-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 350 pages

From the Author
New edition now available
The new, fourth edition, is now available and was published in June 1999. It is on a larger page size with much improved layout and design.

This is a work on aerodynamic theory, as applied to model flight. It explains everything in a concise and practical form for those enthusiasts who want a better understanding of model behaviour. The latest revisions reflect developments such as powerful miniature turbojet engines and dynamic soaring. Photographic illustrations are included, all the diagrams have been re-drawn by the author, and there is new material to cover recent research and flight experiences. Almost every page has been altered in some respect to improve clarity and style although the main content is necessarily the same.

The book remains the only one of its kind in the English language.

The author is an experienced and active model designer, builder and flier, as well as a glider pilot with about 1500 hours solo flying experience.

Customer Reviews

Digestable theory
Aerodynamics has always been of interest to me & this is not the first book on the subject that I have read. This is, however, the first book that I have found sufficiently clear that I didn't need to keep re-reading sections in order to understand it. The author has a clear writing style that makes the subject highly digestable. The wealth of diagrams illustrate the text for improved comprehension.

For those who want a simple understanding - that is more than well catered for. For those who want all the mathematics - you won't be disappointed. If you are into model design - this will be an asset. If you are instructing student pilots - it will help you to avoid making the proverbial "ass" of yourself - indeed, my old (full-scale) instructor had better keep off the stalling & spinning characteristics of the Grumman AA5B ;-)

This book has left me with a clear understanding of the strenghts and weaknesses of different wing forms, aircraft stability issues and propensity to stall or recover from such amongst many other aspects. Indeed, I am now far better equipped to build models and also to pilot models or full-scale aircraft. This book has helped me to understand why some aircraft fly better than others - and some pilots, for that matter.

This book is NOT essential reading for all modellers - you need to be keen to keep with it as it is a technical text. You can have a lot of fun flying without all the theory. But it might just make you a better modeller &/or pilot.

Great first book on aerodynamics
This was the first book I read on the subject whilst at school, and I now have a career in aerodynamics. It is an excellent starting point for those interested in aerodynamics and aircraft design.

Clear explanations, yet in depth and an interesting read
Well this book covers two interests of mine. Firstly Aerodynamics which is a career related interest and secondly aircraft modelling which is one of my hobbies.

I was actually recommended the text whilst studying Aerodynamics at university. The aerodynamics lecturer suggested the book saying it was nice and clear, and relates with full size aircraft which we were concerned with. It couldn't have been a better recommendation. I usually tend to read factual books purely as reference, i.e. just concentrate on the areas I am concerned with. However this book is written in such a way that is easy and interesting enough to read the entire book page by page.

I have found often the book has proved useful when I have been reading more complicated text. If there is a section I get confused with in another text, I tend to use the Martin Simon's book to get a clearer explanation of a particular issue which helps me tackle the more in depth problems.

Regarding what the book was intended for originally, people interested in model aircraft. It's great. Although my primary interest is model cars I have a number of different model aircraft also. As the author has been so clear with his explanations it's not overly challenging for anyone. The author has provided technical sections but also says what can be ignored on several parts, so those not wishing to get technical need not worry. Understanding the aerodynamics of the aircraft helps no end when building and flying models. So as a modeller I would also recommend fellow modellers, in fact urge them, to read this great book. It's great value here on Amazon too!