On 27 August 1939, Flugkapitan Erich Warsitz became the first man to fly a jet aircraft, the Heinkel He 178 and in June of the same year he flew the first liquid-fuel rocket aircraft, the Heinkel He 176. His legendary flying skills enabled him to assist the pioneering German aircraft and engine design teams that included Wernher von Braun and Ernst Heinkel. He repeatedly risked his life extending the frontiers of aviation in speed, altitude and technology and survived many life-threatening incidents. This book is written by Erich's son who has used his father's copious notes and log books that explain vividly the then halcyon days of German aviation history. Warsitz was feted by the Reich's senior military figures such as Milch, Udet and Lucht and even Hitler keenly followed his experimental flying. Little is known of this pioneer period because of the strict secrecy which shrouded the whole project - it is a fascinating story that tells of the birth of the jet age and flight as we know it today. The book includes many unseen photographs and diagrams. AUTHOR: Lutz Warsitz now lives in Switzerland. His book was published in the German language in October 2006 and has proved a great success. A documentary film on secret aircraft that is being produced in Canada will be released world-wide, and contains an interview with Lutz in which he mentions this book. SELLING POINTS: A first hand account written by Erich Warsitz who first flew a jet powered aircraft before WWII. Many unique unseen photographs from the Reich. An intriguing insight into the German wartime aviation industry. 138 illustrations
