Problems and Progress in Aircraft Design: Reflections on the Progress Made in the Last Twenty Years with a Glimpse into the Future Based on Recent Developments Available to Purchase

IF variety is the spice of life, then aircraft engineers have little to complain of in their experience of the last twenty years. It is true that most of the hopes of a sane world, with which we set out after the first war—a world in which aircraft would be a powerful influence for good —were wearing a bit thin in 1929. It was becoming clear that only the few could afford to fly. There was little prospect of a demand for aircraft as private or public transport vehicles on a scale which would provide a healthy basis for a free competitive industry. Possibly the most surprising phenomenon of those times of depression was the survival of so many aircraft concerns. In the succeeding years—Mr Churchill's ‘locust years’ 1931–35—darkened by the shadow of coming catastrophe, the meagre defence requirements provided a means of existence. Research, fostered by a few brave spirits, not only lived but made notable strides. Above all, the creative genius of engineers contrived to find means of producing the vital advances upon which, from 1936 onwards, rearmament in the air was founded.