A recent posting, using illustrations from a 1945 issue of "Les Ailes," prompted my renewed search, here. I have often tried to search for more information on the history or indexes for the obscure French publication, "Les Ailes." Other than the occassional odd single issue on Ebay, it is very seldom encountered. The publication started after WWI, in 23 June 1921. Because it was a large Folio size and printed on acidic newsprint, it is hard to imagine unbound, unprotected issues surviving, intact. Years ago I found 13 of these large bound volumes including all issues from #1 to #811, for 1921- through Dec, 1936, plus an additional volume of #916-#961 for the complete year of 1939. (Incredible dwgs and reports of obscure aircraft) The special feature of these issues were the great many, highly technical reports, dwgs and 3-views of new aircraft designs, world-wide but Heavily French), including many proposed, or experimental aircraft. Being well-bound, they have been protected from air and light, and have somehow, survived in mostly good condition. But extensive handling and laying on scanners would seem quite risky.
I keep trying, but cannot find much (on the Internet)in the way of descriptions, indexes, history, reviews, of this very rare publication. In fact this is the only set I've seen in past 42 years, including many visits to aviation libraries, government libraries and archives, all over the World. I imagine they would be in Musee de L'Air archives? I would like to find out more about them, Especially if some Index exists somewhere. Any help would be appreciated.
I keep trying, but cannot find much (on the Internet)in the way of descriptions, indexes, history, reviews, of this very rare publication. In fact this is the only set I've seen in past 42 years, including many visits to aviation libraries, government libraries and archives, all over the World. I imagine they would be in Musee de L'Air archives? I would like to find out more about them, Especially if some Index exists somewhere. Any help would be appreciated.