The Airborne Forces Experimental Establishment: The Development of British Airborne Technology 1940-1950

Description

The evolution of British airborne warfare cannot be fully appreciated without reference to the technological development required to convert the detail contained in the doctrine and concept into operational reality. Airborne Forces Experimental Establishment is a detailed investigation of the British technological investment in an airborne capability and analyses whether the new technology was justifiable, or indeed, entirely achievable. The book combines the detail contained in the original policy documentation for airborne warfare and the subsequent technological investigations to determine whether sufficient strategic requirement had been demonstrated and how policy impacted upon the research programme. Without clear research parameters technological investment could not achieve maximum efficiency and consequent military effectiveness. The allocation of resources was a crucial factor in the technological development and the fact that aircraft suitability and availability remained unresolved throughout the duration of the war would suggest that the development of airborne forces was much less of a strategic priority for the British than has previously been suggested. Ultimately, despite the creation of a dedicated research institution in 1942 (Airborne Forces Experimental Establishment), and the development of specialist hardware such as the assault glider, the British did not possess the material resources required for the large-scale deployment of airborne troops. Analysis of the technology has revealed that the development of airborne warfare was as much for the purpose of psychological warfare and British morale as it was for offensive operations.

Dr Tim Jenkins has worked extensively in the field of historic aircraft preservation and restoration and has a primary research interest in the history of science and technology relating to aviation. Tim is a heritage professional with experience of large-scale capital conservation and restoration projects in the museums sector. Airborne Forces Experimental Establishment is the culmination of research into the technological development of British airborne warfare during the Second World War and immediate post war period. It is the first work by the author on the subject and combines research interests in technology, manufacturing twentieth century conflict and the wartime economy. Dr Jenkins graduated with a Ph.D in History from University of Birmingham and currently holds visiting professorship in History & Archaeology at the University of Chester.

This book illuminates a subject which has received only occasional or passing study. * Society of Friends of the National Army Museum *