Product Description

On 27 August 1939, Flugkapitan Erich Warsitz became the first man to fly a jet aircraft, the Heinkel He 178 and in June of the same year he flew the first liquid-fuel rocket aircraft, the Heinkel He 176. His legendary flying skills enabled him to assist the pioneering German aircraft and engine design teams that included Wernher von Braun and Ernst Heinkel. He repeatedly risked his life extending the frontiers of aviation in speed, altitude and technology and survived many life-threatening incidents.

This book is written by Erich's son who has used his father's copious notes and log books that explain vividly the then halcyon days of German aviation history. Warsitz was feted by the Reich's senior military figures such as Milch, Udet and Lucht and even Hitler keenly followed his experimental flying. Little is known of this pioneer period because of the strict secrecy which shrouded the whole project - it is a fascinating story that tells of the birth of the jet age and flight as we know it today. The book includes many unseen photographs and diagrams.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #238030 in Books
• Published on: 2008-11-19
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 176 pages

Customer Reviews

A contemporary document of great historical value.
I devoured this fantastic first-hand account in one night - I could not stop reading it, because so very well written, eminently flowing and exciting. It's the story of a fearless aviator - Erich Warsitz - who set two milestones in aviation history and whose exploits and audacity in pursuit of a goal have laid down the fundamental rules for today's aerospace technology.
Between Lutz Warsitz' brief foreword and epilogue (inclusive a foreword by Wernher von Braun and Hans Pabst von Ohain) the easy and enjoyable narrative style of his father Erich fills the book, in addition to many rare photographs. Erich Warsitz gives you a vivid insight into his amazing test pilot career, covering development and test flights of the He 176 & He 178, as well as the early rocket experiments with the He 112 and the interesting theme of rocket boosters for take-off (He 111).
I'm grateful to Lutz Warsitz for having interviewed his father to provide the account of former historical rocket and jet flights by one of those directly involved and for giving me the chance to experience this pioneering era almost at first hand.
I highly recommend this book to everyone, especially because not being just another rehash.

A gripping story of a great aviator and fascinating man!
I do read various type of books, but especially those about aviation history. Being a mechanical engineer I'm very interested to deepen my knowledge about all kind of tests with prototype machines. Once I had this book in my hands, I fell into a very deep reading and I've been very enthusiastic about it. I recommend it to anyone who likes to get involved in a very intense story of a courageous and intrepid man, who did not only fly the world's first jet plane, but also the legendary and spectacular He 176. While having a great pleasure doing those flights, Erich Warsitz effort (alongside Heinkel and his team) was of tremendous importance in the first big steps of engine evolution to reach high speed with an aircraft. Whenever I will be on holiday and I will fly to a very nice place with an airplane fitted with today's standards powerful jet turbines, I will always think that they are the result of that tiny jet engine of the He 178. Thanks Warsitz!

Absolutely recommended!

A MUST HAVE for every aviation enthusiast!
An excellent read, thoroughly entertaining and interesting from first page to last. I found it difficult to put the book down!
Many pictures add depth to Erich Warsitz' narrative, who tells us in first person, and in a very enjoyable manner, the initial top secret development into rocket and jet propulsion.

An amazing book and highly recommended!