Wings for the Rising Sun: A Transnational History of Japanese Aviation (Harvard East Asian Monographs)

Author provides a detailed account of the development of aeronautical technology in Japan, both purchased and indigenous. Makes me want to read more about the design process of the A6M (Zero), which produced a fighter with long range and high maneuverability at the cost of being relatively easily damaged by enemy fire. This is making the most of what you have to meet the most important performance goals, even when you can't meet all of them. This is designing a complex structure strong enough but not too strong, using only a slide rule and mechanical calculators. That takes talent.In the epilogue the author veers into nontechnical stuff that I think can be safely ignored.

Libro su un argomento poco trattato, scritto molto bene e con passione. Assolutamente consigliato

The book is well-written and has many nice illustrations. Its story starts with the launch of Japan’s first balloon (for use in the battle against the “last samurai”) and goes all the way to the rocket-powered suicide planes of WWII. The author connects the history of Japanese aviation with that of France, Germany, Britain, and the United States. I definitely recommend the book for people who are interested in the history of flight or the history of Japan’s relations with the West in times of peace and war.

Ottima sintesi di metà secolo di sviluppo aeronautico in Giappone, bibliografia di riferimento completa.