Reginald Mitchell’s death at just 42, soon followed by the defense of Britain by pilots flying his finest creation, the Spitfire, elevated him to legendary status. He spent his whole career as a designer with Supermarine, whose products came from his pen or those that worked under him. Histories focus on the successful aircraft; those that failed to make the grade tend to be glossed over. But beyond this is a large body of concepts, early designs and projects that have never seen the light of day, the ideas generated by Mitchell and his team that never left the drawing board; stepping-stones on the way to later aircraft, sketched out concepts that withered on the vine, and projects that failed to attract orders. This book attempts to look at the entirety of Mitchell’s portfolio in perspective. It features three-view B&amp;W layout drawings for the many projects and aircraft, and full-color CGI rendering of selected projects

Beyond the Spitfire: The Unseen Designs of R.J. Mitchell

History

Pegram, Ralph

Military

The History Press

Established by French financier and aviation enthusiast, Jacques Schneider, in 1912, the Coupe d'Aviation Maritime Jacques Schneider (commonly called the Schneider Trophy) was the catalyst behind the rapid progression of the maritime aviation industry. The annual race along a triangular course of 280 km (later 350 km) attracted crowds of up to 200,000 and quickly became the subject of commercial rivalries and national pride. It instigated a thirst for pioneering design in aviation that eventually led to the development of such aircraft as the British Supermarine Spitfire, the American P-51 Mustang, and the Italian Macchi C.202 Folgore. Over the course of 30 years, Ralph Pegram has extensively researched each of the 100+ aircraft that participated in the contest for the Schneider Trophy from its inception in 1912 to the last race in 1934. The construction, testing and performance of each aircraft and engine is described in detail, with the help of over 120 1:72-scale 3-view drawings from the author's personal collection, most of which are previously unpublished. In addition to this, Pegram describes the individual stories of the pilots, many of whom died in their bid for glory, the fascinating political dynamics underlying each contest, and the rivalries and partnerships that led to the development of some of the most famous models of aircraft ever produced. Schneider Trophy Seaplanes and Flying Boats is the most comprehensive work to have been published on the subject since the early 1980s; the result of decades of research, and supported by unique diagrams, numerous maps, tables, posters and over 100 photographs, it is essential reading for any aviation enthusiast.

Schneider Trophy Seaplanes and Flying Boats: Victors, Vanquished and Visions

Arts & Photography

Photography & Video

Fonthill Media

On 13 September 1931 the Schneider Trophy was won outright for Britain on Southampton Water by Flt Lt John Boothman flying Supermarine S6B, S1595, with a record-breaking average speed of 379.08mph. In Supermarine Rolls-Royce S6B Owners' Workshop Manual, Ralph Pegram relates the story of the Schneider Trophy competitions and describes the development of British high-speed seaplane designs. He examines the anatomy of the S6B (including the Rolls-Royce R engine), as well as giving rare insights into its flying characteristics and how it was maintained, operated and – of course – raced in the final competition.

Supermarine Rolls-Royce S6B Owners' Workshop Manual: 1931 (S1595 and S1596) - Record-breaking racing seaplane, winner of the Schneider Trophy and forerunner of the legendary Spitfire (Haynes Manuals)

Engineering & Transportation

Transportation

Haynes Publishing, UK

Supermarine Aviation built the Spitfire but it had previously made its name building a range of seaplanes and flying boats - particularly racers such as the S.6 (from which the Spitfire was developed). Historian Ralph Pegram, who has spent years researching the company and its aircraft, has unearthed dozens of previously unknown designs created by the company and in this bookazine illustrated with his own line drawings he explores the company's top secret seaplane and floatplane designs - some straightforward, others bizarre-looking by today's standards. Vol. 2 will look at fighters and bombers.

Supermarine Secret Projects: Volume 1 - Seaplanes and Floatplanes

Europe

Mortons Media

During the years before it built the Spitfire, Supermarine tendered for many other fighter contracts - and bombers too. The company's designers and engineers, led by RJ Mitchell, created some incredible designs which never saw the light of day. Historian Ralph Pegram reveals the Supermarine project aircraft which never reached the sky - but which are no less fascinating for all that. Illustrated with his own technical drawings, Pegram's Supermarine Secret Projects Vol. 2 lifts the lid on a forgotten era of fighter and bomber design.

Supermarine Secret Projects: Volume 2 - Fighters and Bombers