The true story of America's most secret and successful aerospace operation. The former head of Lockheed's Skunk Works recounts a drama of Cold War confrontation and Gulf War air combat. The book tells the story of secret aircraft from the U-2 to the Stealth Fighter.
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About the Author
Ben Rich headed the Skunk Works from 1975 until he retired in 1991. He died in 1995. Leo Janus is the author of Yeager, the acclaimed bestselling autobiography of test pilot Chuck Yeager.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
By Mr. M. A. Bowles
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback
Ben Rich and Leo Janos have crafted a book that will interest any aeronautical enthusiast. With the right amount of science and technology the history of the stealth development unfolds. The politics of the 1970's sets the scene and the main players take you into the world of black operations at Skunk works, Groom Lake, better known as Area 51. The development of the Blackbird, U2, and F104 are thrown in for good measure along with tit-bits on the Hustler, F111 and much more. I should point out here that for anyone interested in back engineering and alien technology this is not the book for you.
The authors take you from the original idea of a Russian scientist, Pyotr Ufimtsev through its development by an American Denys Overholser at the Skunk works into a general idea for a radar invisible plane. This concept is then turned into a model and eventually a prototype that has a radar signal the size of a small ball bearing! The proof of the technology came with the use of stealth aircraft during the Gulf Wars.
The cut and thrust of the politics, bureaucracy, secrecy and day to day work at the skunk works complete with its own Lockhead characters keep you entertained. The development of major projects is described to you as though you were a prospective aircraft buyer about to place an order for a job lot of F117-s. The skunk works golden rules of manufacture are discussed with you, with examples and you feel you are on a joint venture. Snapshots of life at McDonald Douglas, General Dynamics, Northrop and Rockwell are woven in for good measure.
The book is focused on the development of American aircraft and this is reflected in the attitudes and language of the authors. I felt they were trying to sell me personally whatever was in the pipeline for the next generation of bombers. I would have appreciated more supporting photographs to show more of the development of the aircraft but I guess there is only so much you can give away. Unfortunately, once you have got into the book it is over all too quickly.
I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in aircraft, radar or an engineering background.
The authors take you from the original idea of a Russian scientist, Pyotr Ufimtsev through its development by an American Denys Overholser at the Skunk works into a general idea for a radar invisible plane. This concept is then turned into a model and eventually a prototype that has a radar signal the size of a small ball bearing! The proof of the technology came with the use of stealth aircraft during the Gulf Wars.
The cut and thrust of the politics, bureaucracy, secrecy and day to day work at the skunk works complete with its own Lockhead characters keep you entertained. The development of major projects is described to you as though you were a prospective aircraft buyer about to place an order for a job lot of F117-s. The skunk works golden rules of manufacture are discussed with you, with examples and you feel you are on a joint venture. Snapshots of life at McDonald Douglas, General Dynamics, Northrop and Rockwell are woven in for good measure.
The book is focused on the development of American aircraft and this is reflected in the attitudes and language of the authors. I felt they were trying to sell me personally whatever was in the pipeline for the next generation of bombers. I would have appreciated more supporting photographs to show more of the development of the aircraft but I guess there is only so much you can give away. Unfortunately, once you have got into the book it is over all too quickly.
I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in aircraft, radar or an engineering background.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
To any one interested in engineering, creativity, aeroplanes, science or technology this is a must read on how to challenge and mostly triumph over military and government imbecility. Ben's description of the secret service conficating ball bearings because they had been classified top secret will stay with me forever as an example of how a bureaucracy can so completely miss the point.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Ben Rich describes his time at the Skunk Works, Lockheed's facility for designing and producing high performance, specialised military planes. He starts with the development of the stealth fighter, the first major project he took on after taking the reigns from the legendary Clarence "Kelly" Johnston. The technology behind the planes is described in plain language as is how the project came about and the development of the idea to a successful plane.
After this he returns to how he joined Skunk Works and other projects the Skunk Works handled, such as the U2 spy plane and the SR-71 Blackbird. These are fascinating as each of them was dealing with creating something on the edge of our technological capabilities with many difficult challenges to overcome. In explaining the operation of the Skunk Works Ben gives a passing insight as to why they were successful and able to achieve so much. It doesn't quite go so far as explaining how to set-up a similar operation rather gives pointers to areas to consider. Also described are the politics and current events of the time which place developments in perspective. It also gives background information and analysis about well known events, such as the shooting down of the first U2 plane. Throughout the book there are contributions by others involved in the project; test pilots, air force commanders, politicians and other Skunk workers.
I'd recommend this book to anyone with a passing interest in aviation or people who like a well written account of working in an innovative area pushing technology to the limits.
After this he returns to how he joined Skunk Works and other projects the Skunk Works handled, such as the U2 spy plane and the SR-71 Blackbird. These are fascinating as each of them was dealing with creating something on the edge of our technological capabilities with many difficult challenges to overcome. In explaining the operation of the Skunk Works Ben gives a passing insight as to why they were successful and able to achieve so much. It doesn't quite go so far as explaining how to set-up a similar operation rather gives pointers to areas to consider. Also described are the politics and current events of the time which place developments in perspective. It also gives background information and analysis about well known events, such as the shooting down of the first U2 plane. Throughout the book there are contributions by others involved in the project; test pilots, air force commanders, politicians and other Skunk workers.
I'd recommend this book to anyone with a passing interest in aviation or people who like a well written account of working in an innovative area pushing technology to the limits.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very interesting.
I lent this to a friend so have not actually read it yet but since he likes it it must be good.
Published 3 months ago by Triksiklist
3.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointing
Book was as much about the author and other people at Lockheed as about the aircraft, the technology and their methods. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Mustang
5.0 out of 5 stars
ACE
Bought for Christmas present, not yet read so can't comment on book contents but recipient was delighted as interested in subject.
Published 4 months ago by brown cow
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very interesting book
Interesting book which gives insight in some of the 20th century most secret planes, as well as how to run a very lean operration in the aviation industry. Read more
Published 9 months ago by klas
5.0 out of 5 stars
star book
Skunk works a v good read most revaling information from the skunk works methods of work and involvement
new ideas and solutions
new ideas and solutions
Published 9 months ago by para
5.0 out of 5 stars
fantastic peak behind the secrecy of the Skunk Works
Tremendous description of the development of aircraft such as the U2, SR71 Blackbird and F117A. The story has a fantastic flow and there are some little technical nuggets of... Read more
Published 13 months ago by Dr G
5.0 out of 5 stars
A superb account...
Having always been fascinated by the amazing technical achievements of the Skunk Works I decided to buy this book actually expecting it to be a little dry in places. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Adam
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolute Genius
I don't know a great deal about aircraft, but i know enough to have a passing interest, and to see that Ben Rich and Kelly Johnson were pioneers of aviation, and genius in their... Read more
Published 15 months ago by Snood
5.0 out of 5 stars
A thrilling ride!
What a cracking book. If only histories of technology and engineering could all be written like this. Its an absolute page turner. Read more
Published 16 months ago by George Stergios
5.0 out of 5 stars
A really good read
I don't usually post reviews - but felt compelled to do so with this book as I have enjoyed it so much. Read more
Published 16 months ago by J G JONES
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