Richard A. Leyes

This joint publication between the National Air and Space Museum and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics chronicles the evolution of the small gas turbine engine via a comprehensive study of a major aerospace industry. Drawing on in-depth interviews with pioneers, current project engineers and company managers, engineering papers published by the manufacturers, and the tremendous document and artifact collections at the National Air and Space Museum, the book captures and memorializes small engine development from its earliest stage. Leyes and Fleming leap back nearly 50 years for a first look at small gas turbine engine development and the seven major corporations that dared to produce, market and distribute the products that contributed to major improvements and uses of a wide spectrum of aircraft. In nontechnical language, the book illustrates the broad-ranging influence of small turbines - from commercial and executive aircraft to helicopters and missiles deployed in military engagements. Detailed corporate histories and photographs paint a clear historical picture of turbine development up to the present.