Peter M. Grosz (1926–2006)

Of all the weird and wonderful devices that have sprung from the human mind, amongst the weirdest must be the PKZ-2 helicopter of 1918. Intended as a more flexible version of the observation balloon, the PKZ-2 (the initials marking its inventors and promotors; Petrocz, Karman and Zurovic) was a tethered helicopter powered by three rotary engines driving a pair of contra-rotating fixed-pitch propellors. Perched on top of these was a plywood cupola for the intrepid observer. But lest you think that this unfortunate individual was doomed to the death of a thousand cuts should he have to bail out of this device, the inventors even suggested an ejection system - a cannon-launched parachute that would throw the observer clear of the machine in an emergency...

Without the benefit of Sikorsky's variable-incidence swashplate mechanism that enables modern helicopters to have forward motion, this was only ever going to be able to go up or down, with the assistance of a ground-based winch. Though never used operationally, it made more than thirty test flights but was very prone to instability caused by crosswinds, and this advanced project was cancelled following a crash in July 1918.… (mehr)

An excellent book, well-illustrated with photographs and drawings. The organization of this book can be confusing. It is organized by manufacturer, and aircraft built under license are covered in the chapter about each builder, not just in the chapter of the original manufacturer. For example, the Aviatik Berg D.I was manufactured by six companies. This means that you must check six chapters for the complete history of the aircraft. There is a chart in the Aviatik chapter, but this can be confusing if you are not already somewhat familiar with the subject.… (mehr)

While this is very much a book for specialists in terms of needing to actually possess a copy, I can imagine people of more variegated interests than one might think finding it interesting to check out the first sustained effort to field large warplanes. This includes enthusiasts of Miyazaki's anime and SF fans with a taste for Steampunk. It also strikes me that Haddow & Grosz's scholarship has held up very well over the years, seeing as versions of this book have been being brought out since the 1960s.… (mehr)