Book excerpt: In "Aerodynamic Principles of Flight Vehicles" Argyris Panaras examines the fundamentals of vortices and shock waves, aerodynamic estimation of lift and drag, airfoil theory, boundary layer control, and high-speed, high-temperature flow. Individual chapters address vortices in aerodynamics, transonic and supersonic flows, transonic/supersonic aircraft configurations, and high-supersonic/hypersonic flows, beginning with definitions and historical data, and then describing present-day status and current research challenges. Emphasis is given to flow control, to the evolution of flight vehicle shapes as flight speed has increased, and to discoveries that enabled breakthrough developments in flight. The book: examines why various equations and technologies were developed, explains major contributors in areas such as vortices and aircraft wakes, drag buildup, sonic boom, and shock wave-boundary layer interactions, among others, and helps readers apply concepts from the material to their own projects. Archival and encyclopedic, "Aerodynamic Principles of Flight Vehicles" is a superb reference for aeronautical students and professionals alike. Although most beneficial to readers with a working knowledge of aerodynamics, it is accessible to anyone with an introductory understanding of the field.