The Cambridge aerospace dictionary /

Journalist Gunston is the author of more than 375 published books. He has contributed much to the history of aviation, especially in his publications on WW II engines and aircraft. The gold standard of aero-related reference works was the Aeronautical Dictionary (1959) by Frank Davis Adams, produced by the US Government Printing Office. This had diagrams, equations, and explanations of physical concepts and devices. One could learn much about the field of aeronautical engineering by reading this dictionary. Gunston's dictionary does not follow this tradition. It features primarily one-sentence definitions with no diagrams or illustrations. This second edition (1st ed., CH, Dec'04, 42-1942) adds almost 15,000 acronyms to an already extensive list. Many definitions may be confusing to all but aerospace professionals, e.g., "Gradient wind--Along isobars with velocity exactly balancing pressure gradient; equilibrium between force directed towards region of low pressure and centrifugal forces." The dictionary has many unique entries and covers a wide range of technologies. Readers who are confused by the proliferation of unknown acronyms will find it useful. It will be of most value to aerospace professionals and contractors. Summing Up: Recommended. Civilian and military aerospace practitioners. A. M. Strauss Vanderbilt University