Race With the Wind: How Air Racing Advanced Aviation

by Birch Matthews

In the decades leading up to World War II, legendary air races were often the proving grounds for radical new aviation principles and designs. The people and machines of air racing during this period made tremendous strides and contributed incredible new technologies, aerodynamics, powerplants, and airframes. This unique look at the key players and aircraft in all the early 20th century's great air races examines and explains how innovative racing technologies found their way into future fighter and passenger aircraft. Exciting races like the Schneider Cup, Pulitzer Trophy Race, and Women's Air Derby, an in-depth look at their contributions to aeronautics, and fascinating archival imagery make this a must for air racing fans and aviation enthusiasts.

Genres: Aviation

192 pages, Hardcover

First published March 15, 2001

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

An informative and interesting history of the evolution of aviation technology through the 1930s as it applied to non-commercial aircraft, with an emphasis on how developments impacted air racing. The author traces the development of aircraft systems as well as related areas such as aircraft fuel. Well-written with good explanations of technical subjects for non-technical types such as myself. The text is rounded out with an outstanding collection of historic photographs.