Over the years of reviewing books, I have come to look forward to those done by Specialty Press. It seems that they have a knack for producing interesting and well researched titles on subjects that one does not always consider when looking for reference or reading material. Such is the case with their latest on the Langley wind tunnels.

Wind tunnels are not new and date back to the earliest days of flight. What was new in the mid 1930s, was a large wind tunnel that was capable of providing a place to check out full size aircraft. Of course, even this full scale tunnel is limited to some extent, but it has spawned a number of other research tunnels such as a free flight tunnel and a spin test tunnel. Such is the speed of the air generated at some of these places that high speed shapes can also be tested.

The authors take us through the design and development of these tunnels as well as many of the various projects that have been tested there. What has been learned has helped to shape the way that aircraft are designed and how they fly. Whenever a new idea or problem in aerodynamics comes up, tunnel work is one of the keystones to either proving the concept sound or working to develop ways of curing an existing problem. In here you will find a of aircraft and projects from civilian light aircraft to fighters, bombers, and spacecraft. Many of the projects discussed are vehicles and shapes that have not been placed into production and these are particularly interesting.

Full of photos and diagrams, this is one of those books that I know you will thoroughly enjoy reading. Another excellent read and reference book and one that I can highly recommend to you.

October 2008

Review book courtesy of Specialty Press, where you can order your copy of this and many other superb aviation and modeling books. Visit their website at the link above or call them at 1-800-895-4585

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