Using data and examples from all over the world, this book explores how the symbiotic relationships between the aircraft industry and national governments have arisen, how they influence all facets of aircraft manufacture, and what implications they have for the future. The authors outline the production patterns and markets for both civil and military aircraft, as well as government's role as agent in both these areas. They also show how the government of a nation influences the location of aircraft plants, provides the bulk of R & D funds necessary to maintain the industry's technological progress, and frequently offers an alternative form of business organization to that available in free enterprise.