The History of Turkish Military Aircraft Volume 1

The History of Turkish Military Aircraft book-series charts the development of Turkish military aviation from its fragile first steps on the eve of the First World War to its current strength as one of the largest air forces in Europe. Richly illustrated with exclusive photographs and illustrations, the series provides a comprehensive account of the development of the Turkish Air Force through the aircraft it flew, including unique data on each individual machine in Turkish service.

Volume 1 opens the series with the foundation of military aviation in Turkey in the context of the Ottoman Empire’s waning years, its maturation during the First World War and subsequent near destruction after the Armistice, followed by its rebirth during the Turkish War of Independence (1919–1923). It details all 62 aircraft types flown by the Ottoman and then Turkish Air Force during this period, including thorough service histories and 49 accompanying colour profiles. This wide variety encompassed French, British, German, and Russian designs, procured and maintained as often through subterfuge and guile as by conventional means: from Nieuport 17 fighters salvaged from a stranded steamer to DFW C.V reconnaissance aircraft restored using egg white and potato starch for service in the War of Independence.

The product of decades of combined research by expert authors Ole Nikolajsen and Mehmet Halûk Sevel and generously illustrated with photography from the archives of the Turkish Air Force’s History Branch.

The History of Turkish Military Aircraft, Volume 1 will appeal to anyone interested in Turkey’s aviation heritage and the pioneer era of flight.