 Black
Jets
B-2, F-117, SR-71 & U-2R
David Donald, General Editor
AIRtime Publishing, 2003
ISBN 1-880588-67-6
Hardbound, 256 Pages
Available from Specialty Press
for $34.95
Subtitled 'The Development and Operation of America's Most Secret Warplanes',
this book takes a look at the Northrop Grumman B-2, the Lockheed Martin
F-117, the Lockheed A-12, YF-12, and SR-71, and the Lockheed Martin U-2R/S,
all of which have been closely guarded secrets of the American military.
This book separates the four types into sections, each of which does an
excellent job of detailing the aircraft.
Each section combines a thorough and well-researched text with plenty
of quality photos. The text covers concept, development, construction,
and operations, providing a meticulous description of each aircraft. The
photos illustrate each type from early beginnings to active duty and are
accompanied by color artwork and sections documenting various unique markings
worn by the types. Being secretive aircraft, all of these types had sparse
markings are unique artwork was a rarity, but those that did carry something
are depicted here.
For those of you who are familiar with the Wings of Fame, World Air
Power Journal, and International Air Power Review series, the format presented
here will be quite familiar. In fact, the four sections are verbatim copies
from these publications, with the only visible difference being the reduction
of the fold-out illustration to fit two pages instead of four. If you
have all four issues with these aircraft in them, there is nothing new
in this bound compilation, but if you have only one or two, then this
is a welcome addition to your library.
My thanks to Specialty Press
for the review copy. Visit their website for ordering information for
this and other great titles.
|
|