Facts, photos, stories, and specs of one hundred remarkable flying machines, from the Sopwith Camel to the 747 to the supersonic F-22 Raptor.Of all humanity's dazzling innovations, perhaps none captures our imaginations or fuels our inventive spirits as much as flight. In our quest to soar higher, faster, and farther, we've dreamed up airborne wonders that are a sight to behold—like the supersonic F-22 Raptor, stealthily soaring above the clouds, or the Boeing-Stear...

"This moving memoir about the gritty life of a military helicopter pilot fills a gap in the genre of Vietnam literature."— Foreword ReviewsIn the Vietnam War, 2,197 helicopter pilots and 2,717 crew members were killed. Black Cat 2-1 is the story of one pilot who made it home and the valiant men he served with who risked their lives for the troops on the ground. Bob Ford invites readers into the Huey helicopters he flew on more than 1,000 missions w...

The helicopter changed war forever. This book examines the range of duties helicopter pilots carried out in Vietnam, from air-lift, med-evac and fire-support to landing in high volume crossfires in 'Hot LZs'. Protected by little more than an armoured seat, operating in terrible conditions and flying long hours these brave men led hard, dangerous lives, and casualties were high. Following these pilots from initial deployment through to the deadly thrill of combat in a war zone, Vietnam vete...

A pictorial history of the legendary Lockheed spy plane, written by one of its pilots and "filled to the brim with information and revelation" ( Seattle Post Intelligencer Travel for Aircraft blog).At the height of the Cold War in 1964, President Johnson announced a new aircraft dedicated to strategic reconnaissance. The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird spy plane flew more than three-and-a-half times the speed of sound, so fast that no other aircraft could catch it...

In 1938 the US Chief of Infantry requested that the Ordnance Department develop a carbine to be used by service and support troops, artillerymen, machine-gun crews, tankers, mortar crews and other troops not needing the power of the M1 Garand rifle. The development of this new weapon was given an added impetus by Germany's successful use of airborne and glider troops early on in World War II. This caused a fear amongst US officers that troops normally considered 'behind the lines' personne...

If you're looking for a great eBook on the history of flight, read this guide to aircraft, the history of the airplane, aviation history, history of flightgear, history of flight poster and more.

The Cessna 172 is unquestionably the world's most successful light aircraft. More than 43,000 have been built since 1956, and the type is in service all over the world. For many, it defines the experience of cross-country flying with family and friends. This small volume traces the origins of the Cessna 172 and highlights the features that have made it so successful. Comprehensively illustrated, with many previously unpublished photographs, the book includes a close-up look at an individua...

A definitive technical guide to the Lockheed A-12 plus coverage of the interceptor and mother/daughter drone developments.During the early years of the Cold War, the most effective way to gather strategic intelligence about the Soviet Union and its allies was manned overflight. Lockheed's U-2 was spectacularly successful in this role, however, much to the concern of US President Eisenhower, its shape meant that it could be tracked on Russian radars. Given the highl...

The author was assigned to Viet Nam on 4 October 1968 as a C-123 co-pilot. He was a 24 year old 2nd Lieutenant recent graduate of USAF pilot training and on his first duty assignment. While there he participated in passenger flights, cargo delivery missions, air drops, and emergency resupply missions. He upgraded to aircraft commander and experienced many unique adventures in special forces camps, Phillipine Islands, and Austrailia.This book is a description of that year providing ...

Flight testing experimental and new aircraft is one of the worlds most hazardous occupations. A test pilot requires the skills of a flying ace whilst maintaining the self-control and mental discipline of a scientist. They are a rare breed, carefully selected for their experience and intelligence let alone their bravery. This book contains a series of exclusive, fascinating anecdotes written by some of the world's best, flying iconic aircraft during the extensive experimental flights that m...

The stories behind more than 50 secret projects undertaken by the famed Lockheed Martin Skunk Works on behalf of the US Armed Forces, DARPA, and the CIA - all illustrated with official Skunk Works photography and commissioned artworks.Hatched in June 1943 after a special request of the US Army Air Forces to develop a turbojet-powered fighter to counter growing German threats, Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works has gone on to develop remarkable aeronautical and space tec...

The long-range game has changed!It's been seven years since ballistics expert L.P. Brezny wrote the first edition of Gun Digest Book of Long-Range Shooting. Much has changed in the distance game in that time, and Brezny covers it all in this completely updated 2nd Edition.Inside you'll find:Best new guns going longNew calibers and loadingsBig-bore heavy-hitters for 1,000 yards and beyondThe lowdown on Rifle Golf, the hott...