The God Machine: From Boomerangs to Black Hawks: The Story of the Helicopter

by James R. Chiles

Book Overview

From transforming the ways of war to offering godlike views of inaccessible spots, revolutionizing rescues worldwide, and providing some of our most-watched TV moments--including the cloud of newscopters that trailed O. J. Simpson's Bronco--the helicopter is far more capable than early inventors expected. Now James Chiles profiles the many helicoptrians who contributed to the development of this amazing machine, and pays tribute to the selfless heroism...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0553383523
• ISBN13: 9780553383522
• Release Date: September 2008
• Publisher: Bantam
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.3" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

A Book to Uplift Your Knowledge

From humankind's early aspirations to fly by flapping wings of wax and feathers to the roar and flap-flap-flap of today's sophisticated helicopters in war, civilian transport, construction, logging, mercy flights and search and rescue, Jim Chiles pens a sophisticated and entertaining history of "The God Machine." All of the technical matter necessary to understand choppers, how they developed and how they fly, comes clearly and easily to the non-mechanical readers as well to helicopter engineers, thanks to Chiles' skilled exposition and his deep research into the wingless mechanisms we often see in daily life, news reports, and adventure films. "The God Machine" promises to add value to any library, including those in homes where parents leave good books out to tempt offspring into reading and therefore expanding their mental life. In short, "The God Machine" is a fact book for all, a worthy read on a fascinating subject, a book that uplifts your knowledge and raises your awareness of one of humanity's engineering marvels.

The complete story of the Helicopter

Mr. Chiles has produced one of the finest books on a very intergal part of our society. I know how important the helicopter is as I flew many hours in them while in Vietnam as a 19 year old Airborne Infantryman working for a Long Range Patrol Team, 1966 & 1967. Mr. Chiles' research was very thorough as he provides background and insight into this amazing piece of aeronautical wizadry. I for one am very impressed and appreciative of Mr. Chiles approach to the subject as the helicopter has changed so many aspects of our lives. Good book, one to own and well worth the time to read. Thank you Mr. Chiles for all the hard work.