The Schneider Trophy Air Races: The Development of Flight from 1909 to the Spitfire

by: Jerry Murland (Author)

Publisher: Pen & Sword Aviation

Publication Date: 1 Sept. 2021

Language: English

Print Length: 256 pages

ISBN-10: 1526770016

ISBN-13: 9781526770011

Book Description

When Jacques Schneider devised and inaugurated the Coupe d’Aviation Maritime race for seaplanes in 1913, no-one could have predicted the profound effect the Series would have on aircraft design and aeronautical development, not to mention world history. Howard Pixton’s 1914 victory in a Sopwith Tabloid biplane surprisingly surpassed the performance of monoplanes and other manufacturers tued back to biplanes. During The Great War aerial combat was almost entirely conducted by biplanes, with their low landing speeds, rapid climb rates and manoeuvrability. Post-war the Races resumed in 1920\. The American Curtiss racing aircraft set the patte for the 1920s, making way for Harold Mitchell’s Supermarines in the 1930’s. Having won the 1927 race at Venice Mitchell developed his ground-breaking aircraft into the iconic Spitfire powered by the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. This new generation of British fighter aircraft were to play a decisive role in defeating the Luftwaffe and thwarting the Nazis’ invasion plans. This is a fascinating account of the air race series that had a huge influence on the development of flight.
Review “…may give you a sense of what the Schneider Races involved…”– “Air Power History””…recounts the fascinating history of a series of competitions that exerted a disproportionate influence on 20th-century aircraft development.”– “Aviation History Magazine”
About the Author
Jerry Murland has written four books for Pen and Sword, Aristocrats Go To War, Retreat and Rearguard 1914, Retreat and Rearguard Somme 1918 and Retreat and Rearguard Dunkirk 1940\. He lives near Coventry.