The Road to the 707: The Inside Story of Designing the 707

This book outlines the critical engineering discoveries leading to the jet transport age - from observations of birds in flight to modern jet transports. Starting with the Wright Brothers, it traces a path to the Boeing XB-47 swept-wing jet bomber, ending with the first generation of commercial jet transports: the Comet, the Convair 990, the DC-8, and the 707. Chapters include: The Pioneers; Airmail and the Early Transports; The 247 Airliners; The DC-3 and the Four-Engine Transports; The Four-Engine Bombers; The War Years; The Turbo-Jet Engine; The GE TG-180 Jet Engine; The Boeing High-Speed Wind Tunnel; The Swept Wing; The Jet Bomber; The Dash-80 Prototype; The 707-DC-8 Competition; and The Fan Engine. A clearly-written and easy-to-read book that is a must-read for all aircraft enthusiasts. William H. Cook started working for Boeing Engineering in 1938. There he held many prominent positions, including Manager of High-speed Wind Tunnel Design; B-29 Assistant Project Engineer; XB-47 Aerodynamics Unit Chief; and Chief of Technical Staff, Transport Division. Cook retired in 1974, but his engineering expertise is still in use today.