Aeronautical Research in Germany From Lilienthal until Today

From the pioneering glider flights of Otto Lilienthal (1891) to the advanced avionics of today’s Airbus passenger jets, aeronautical research in Germany has been at the forefront of the birth and advancement of aeronautics. On the occasion of the centennial commemoration of the Wright Brother’s first powered flight (December 1903), this English-language edition of Aeronautical Research in Germany recounts and celebrates the considerable contributions made in Germany to the invention and ongoing development of aircraft.

Featuring hundreds of historic photos and non-technical language, this comprehensive and scholarly account will interest historians, engineers, and, also, all serious airplane devotees. Through individual contributions by 35 aeronautical experts, it covers in fascinating detail the milestones of the first 100 years of aeronautical research in Germany, within the broader context of the scientific, political, and industrial milieus. This richly illustrated and authoritative volume constitutes a most timely and substantial overview of the crucial contributions to the foundation and advancement of aeronautics made by German scientists and engineers.

Aeronautical Research and Technology.- Aeronautical Research Comes into Being During the Time of the Empire.- The Difficult Situation of Aeronautical Research and the Aeronautical Industry During the Weimar Republic, 1919–1932.- The High Rating of Aeronautical Research During the Third Reich.- The Reconstruction of German Aeronautical Research after 1945.- From the Beginning to the End of World War Two.- Aerodynamics — the Key to Successful Flight.- Aeroengines — Performance and Speed Increase as Impetus for Development.- Flight Mechanical Stability and Control.- Lightweight Construction — a Prerequisite for Flight.- Aeroelasticity — The Interaction of the Elastic Aircraft Structure with Aerodynamic Forces.- First Helicopters and Rotor Systems.- Rescue and Safety.- Transfer of German Aeronautical Knowledge After 1945.- Research Results of the Period After 1945.- Aerodynamics — from Near-Sonic to Hypersonic Flight.- Propulsion Technology — Economic and Ecological Challenge.- Flying Qualities, Instable Flight, Avionics, Cockpit, Sensorics.- Ultra-Lightweight Construction — From Metal to Fibre Structures.- Aeroelasticity — New Challenges and Problems.- Advances in Helicopter Rotor Technology.- Large-scale Facilities to Test Safety, Reliability and Environmental Compatibility.- The Significance of Aeronautical Research in Germany — Nationally and Internationally.- Conclusions and Perspectives Inventors, Researchers, Entrepreneurs and State in their Various Roles.- Milestones.- Development of Staff.- Conversion of Units.- Abbreviations.- Sources of Illustrations.- Biographical Sketches of Outstanding Persons.- Main Authors.- Advisors, Contributors, Coordinators.- Name Index.