2-636-885 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Method of refuelling aircraft devised by Sir Alan Cobham, c1936 (c1937). Alan John Cobham (1894-1973) was an English aviation pioneer. In 1921 he made a 5000 mile air tour of Europe, visiting 17 cities in 3 weeks. Cobham developed a method of refuelling aircraft whilst in the air, greatly increasing the distance of air travel. Trials stopped at the outbreak of World War II but interest was successfully revived by the RAF and the US Army Air Forces in 1945. From Wonders of World Aviation, Vol. 1, by Clarence Winchester. [The Amalgamated Press Ltd, London, c1937]