British Progress in Propulsion Since the War: A Survey of the Development of Gas Turbines, Piston Engines and Other Power Plants Since 1945

IT is well known that war gives a great impetus to development in many fields, not least of which is that of aircraft propulsion. Such was the case in World War II, when great strides were made, but it is interesting to note that the pace has hardly slackened in the years following its conclusion. This is perhaps because of the ‘cold’ war which took its place, or perhaps because the introduction of jet propulsion has stimulated thought and action in realms beyond the dreams of the piston engine era. Whatever the cause, the results are apparent and this is a suitable moment to look back and measure the progress of the past seven or eight years.