William Arthur Waterton Quick and the Dead

Annotation

A pilot's behind-the-scenes account of test flying with British aircraft organizations and manufacturers in the early years of the Cold War. Written from the pilot's viewpoint, with refreshing candor and honesty, this account details what really went on behind the scenes in the defense world of the 1950s. After serving in World War II, the author continued his flying career, but to his dismay, found that quality was sometimes neglected when developing aircraftleading to lives lost. Mainly centering on his work with the mighty Gloster Meteor and the Javelin interceptors, The Quick and the Dead is an astonishing report that sparked controversy upon its first publication. It was seen as a wake-up call at a time when British ingenuity and prowess were being overtaken by the Americans and Russiansand offers an astonishing insight into the history of the British aircraft industry.