Regarded as one of the great automotive engineers of the twentieth century; Ferdinand Porsche is well remembered today for his remarkable automotive designs including the Volkswagen Beetle and Auto Union Grand Prix cars. Yet there is another side to his extraordinary career; for he was an equally inventive designer of military vehicles and machinery. In this field too he excelled. Indeed the sheer versatility of his contribution is astonishing. Karl Ludvigsen’s study is the definitive guide. He tells the complete story; focusing on Porsche’s relations with the German armed forces and on the stream of advanced designs he was responsible for. Included are Austro Daimler’s pioneering aero engines; the Kübelwagen; Schwimmwagen; Type 100 Leopard tank; Ferdinand or Elefant tank destroyer and the astounding Type 205 Maus tank. He also describes Porsche’s creative work on aero engines; tank engines and even a turbojet for the V-1 flying bomb. Karl Ludvigsen’s account confirms the preeminence of Ferdinand Porsche as a brilliant and prolific engineer; one of the most remarkable of his generation.
#1648274 in Books 2015-03-19Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.40 x .90 x 6.20l; 1.20 #File Name: 1781550891240 pages
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. An insightful book about Hughes and the helicopter industryBy BarbaraSBI knew that many books and even movies have been written about Howard Hughes concerning his moviemaking; business and flying adventures but I didn't know until I read this book that he also started one of the largest helicopter manufacturing companies in the world.The book begins with a very personal "Author's Note" that is not only interesting but lays the foundation for the rest of the book. This author's story rings with authority based on his knowledge gained as a former employee and his candid observations of the company's inner workings.Hughes and a group of dedicated employees who built airplanes like the huge Spruce Goose seaplane during World War II shifted their focus at the war's end to develop the world's largest helicopter and later to produce many smaller ones. The author makes it clear that the test pilots; engineers and mechanics were really the heart and soul of the company; filling the book with numerous anecdotes; sometimes humorous; to provide an up-close sense of what was going on in the company from the 1930's to the late 1980's. I found it very informative reading about the management and financial obstacles that the company had to overcome during those years. The sixteen pages of photographs accompanying the text aided me to visualize the various helicopters and the area of the Hughes plant in Culver City. The historical accuracy presented; evidenced by the many pages of source notes provided at the end; also really impressed me.You don't need to be a history or an aviation buff to enjoy this book. The story unfolds a fascinating slice of aviation history during the last century that has not been told before.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I was an employee of Hughes Helicopters during the Apache ...By William E. GrahameI was an employee of Hughes Helicopters during the Apache development period and fondly recalled many of the stories Donald Porter so aptly described. This is a book that any Hughes employee at that time would appreciate as well as anyone interested in helicopter development programs. Howard Hughes was a one of a kind and his company's culture reflected that.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great book for the aviation hitory buff.By lohpilotGreat book written by one of Hughes engineers hired to be a field tech rep supporting the OH-6A deployment to Vietnam. The book covers history of the man Howard Hughes and his aviation manufacturing from the 1930's to the 1970's. Especially focusing in the development of several rotary wing aircraft such as the Hughes 269/300/TH-55A and the OH-6A/500 helicopters. The development of the AH-64 Apache and the competition of the Army and the Air Force; and the dealings with the OH-6A and the start of Apache programs at the government level. Lots of facts and personal type of stories woven into this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
