Radical Wings and Wind Tunnels
Advanced Concepts Tested at NASA Langley

by Joseph R. Chambers
and Mark A. Chambers

Specialty Press

Reviewed by Mick Evans

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This hard cover and glossy publication is printed in A4 format by Speciality Press of the USA. 

The book covers the flight testing and wind tunnel testing of advanced concepts at NASA Langley from the 1920s until the present day. The author is Joseph R. Chambers, who worked as an aeronautical engineer, for 36 years, and Mark A. Chambers who is a free lance aerospace writer and NASA contractor.

NASA’s Langley Research Centre is located Hampton Virginia and was first opened in July 1917.  It has played a key role in the development of both military and civilian aircraft since its inception over 90 years ago.

The book contains 160 pages with over 66 colour and 224 black and white photographs.

Throughout the book there are some great photographs of many of the X planes. The text offers much useful insight into the famous lifting bodies, the X-24A, M2-F3 and the Northrop HL-10.  The book contains a good description of the use of the various wind tunnels in use at Langley.  This includes the full scale tunnel, 20 foot vertical spin tunnel and the free flight tunnel.  One of my favourites is the Vought XF5U-1 Flying Pancake.  Good detail is provided for its development from the V-73 through to the XF5U-1.  The final chapter is dedicated to the new millennium and this chapter covers such aircraft as the blended wing body airliner, X-48 scramjet, X-48, and the Mars airplane.

In summary, this is a very good book detailing the history of aircraft testing at NASA Langley, and in particular some very radical aircraft wing designs.

This book is a great addition to anyone’s library and in particular any person who is interested in Radical Wings, Advanced Concepts and in particular wind tunnel testing.

The book is available from Specialty Press www.specialtypress.com or (USA) 1-800-895-4585 for US$34.95 and US$6.95 postage and handling (continental USA) international buyers should seek international shipping and handling prior to purchase.