Model Aircraft Aerodynamics

View other editions of Model Aircraft Aerodynamics.
View books by Martin Simons.

Clear explanations, yet in depth and an interesting read - Rated
Well this book covers two interests of mine. Firstly Aerodynamics which is a career related interest and secondly aircraft modelling which is one of my hobbies.

I was actually recommended the text whilst studying Aerodynamics at university. The aerodynamics lecturer suggested the book saying it was nice and clear, and relates with full size aircraft which we were concerned with. It couldn't have been a better recommendation. I usually tend to read factual books purely as reference, i.e. just concentrate on the areas I am concerned with. However this book is written in such a way that is easy and interesting enough to read the entire book page by page.

I have found often the book has proved useful when I have been reading more complicated text. If there is a section I get confused with in another text, I tend to use the Martin Simon's book to get a clearer explanation of a particular issue which helps me tackle the more in depth problems.

Regarding what the book was intended for originally, people interested in model aircraft. It's great. Although my primary interest is model cars I have a number of different model aircraft also. As the author has been so clear with his explanations it's not overly challenging for anyone. The author has provided technical sections but also says what can be ignored on several parts, so those not wishing to get technical need not worry. Understanding the aerodynamics of the aircraft helps no end when building and flying models. So as a modeller I would also recommend fellow modellers, in fact urge them, to read this great book. It's great value here on Amazon too!

Digestable theory - Rated
Aerodynamics has always been of interest to me & this is not the first book on the subject that I have read. This is, however, the first book that I have found sufficiently clear that I didn't need to keep re-reading sections in order to understand it. The author has a clear writing style that makes the subject highly digestable. The wealth of diagrams illustrate the text for improved comprehension.

For those who want a simple understanding - that is more than well catered for. For those who want all the mathematics - you won't be disappointed. If you are into model design - this will be an asset. If you are instructing student pilots - it will help you to avoid making the proverbial "ass" of yourself - indeed, my old (full-scale) instructor had better keep off the stalling & spinning characteristics of the Grumman AA5B ;-)

This book has left me with a clear understanding of the strenghts and weaknesses of different wing forms, aircraft stability issues and propensity to stall or recover from such amongst many other aspects. Indeed, I am now far better equipped to build models and also to pilot models or full-scale aircraft. This book has helped me to understand why some aircraft fly better than others - and some pilots, for that matter.

This book is NOT essential reading for all modellers - you need to be keen to keep with it as it is a technical text. You can have a lot of fun flying without all the theory. But it might just make you a better modeller &/or pilot.

Great first book on aerodynamics - Rated
This was the first book I read on the subject whilst at school, and I now have a career in aerodynamics. It is an excellent starting point for those interested in aerodynamics and aircraft design.

One of the classics on the subject - Rated
A superb book that has gone through many revisions, but remains true to its original concepts. If you are interested in model aircraft aerodynamics, and want explanations that are (a) right and (b) well and simply explained, then get this book. There are others as good, but few if any better; and some definitely worse!