'Well illustrated throughout, this hardback volume will be of special interest to those interested in aero engine development over the decades...'

Helicopter International - HeliData, 3rd May 2023

Decher really hits his stride when he gets into jet engines. There are some excellent discussions about the challenges the early jet-engine designers faced, along with descriptions of the key differences between radial- and axial-flow compressors.

Air & Space Power History

This book tells the story of the development of the aero engines, and the people behind them. The author is an aeronautical engineer who has presented this publication in layman’s terms so it can be understood without complication. He has started with the earliest propeller driven engines from the beginning of the 20th Century up until the present day, talking about the aircraft, associated engines, and persons behind these. A gallery of photographs of some of the main and well-known personnel, along with the engines and associated aircraft. The book has 8 main chapters and includes a small appendix describing how jet engines work. Also included are Abbreviations, Objectives (of the book), a bibliography and the index. It is an interesting and thorough history well worth reading.

IPMS Keighley

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The Society of Model and Experimental Engineers Journal, April 2021

Since the pioneering age, aeronautical progress has been marked by the evolution of engines and often, behind a successful airplane, there is an equally valid engine. The volume in question manages to make the reader appreciate precisely this aspect, focusing on civil airplanes (especially American ones, actually) and underlining the main evolutionary stages of the engines, relating them to the period and to the requirements of carriers and cell manufacturers . It is a fascinating journey, traced with remarkable skill and style by the author, aeronautical engineer and university professor, son of a member of the Junkers team who in 1942 developed the Jumo 004 turbojet of the Me 262. We start with a hint due to the pioneers of flight, first of all the Wrights, to then venture into the duel of in-line engines vs. radials of the 1920s and 1930s and reach the revolution of the Second World War, with the appearance of the first jet engines. We proceed with the swan song of the mighty post-war radials to reach the present day, with enlightening reflections on the often stormy relationships between the key characters belonging to the opposing sides of manufacturers and airlines and the increasingly unpredictable current market. The agile text also explains the rudiments of aerodynamics and cell / engine integration and is enriched with beautiful illustrations that allow the reader to appreciate the particularities of these technological masterpieces.

See the full Italian review here

Marco De Montis

The one subject in aviation history to rarely appear in a single volume is that of the essential power plant. This new book under the expanding Air World imprint provides a comprehensive guide to the development of aircraft engines from the first propeller planes to jet aircraft – Most Highly Recommended.

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Firetrench

This book will be enjoyed by the enthusiast looking for more in-depth information on their subject and I would also recommend it to first year university students studying aeronautics or similar to give them a good starting level in propulsion.

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Flight Line Book Review

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. I love all things airplanes so I was thrilled to get such an in-depth book about airliners. While I did not read it page for page, there is a plethora of information in here and I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy.

NetGalley, Tara Hutson

The clear and authoritative text explains the basics of aerodynamics too and the interesting aspects of structure/engine integration. A good selection of photographs and schemes integrate a really well produced book.

JP4, May 2020 - reviewed by Marco De Montis