Graham Simons

On my first day working at British Aerospace back in 1985 I saw a photograph of an amazing giant aircraft on the wall of my boss’s office and asked what it was. Over the next year or so he would tell me stories about “The Brab” and the legacy she left behind.

I remained fascinated by the Brabazon during my aerospace career, even rescuing one of her old technical manuals from a dumpster (it still sits on the bookcase in our living room)and since I’ve kept a look out for a good book covering her often neglected story.

As far as I’m aware this is the only one to date focused on the aircraft, a proposed “Ocean Liner of the Skies.” At just 123 pages it’s a slim volume that is focused largely on the technical details of her construction and if you’re into that aspect of aviation history it’s well documented here. Unfortunately the story of why she was commissioned, and ultimately scrapped is not really examined in any depth.

(Frustratingly the book also doesn’t include a bibliography or notes on cited references for those interested in learning more.)… (mais)