Nuts and Bolts

by Bill Yenne

Zeroing in on the crux of the American military-industrial complex at a critical moment, The American Aircraft Factory in World War II documents the production of fighters and bombers by legendary aircraft manufacturers at dozens of new or converted factories across the U.S. Illustrated with 175 period photographs—including 50 rare color photos never before seen in print—The American Aircraft Factory in World War II conveys the incredible acceleration of aviation technology that took place during this period. Author Bill Yenne considers the various prewar governmental acts that got the ball rolling, as well as the notable gender shift that occurred on factory floors. He also describes the construction of megafactories like Willow Run, factory-design considerations, and the postwar conversion back to peacetime production.  Learn More

by Graeme Douglas

The B-17 served in every World War II combat zone but is best known for daylight strategic bombing of German industrial targets. B-17s from the Eighth Air Force participated in countless missions from bases in England. Because of their long-range capability, formations of Flying Fortresses often flew into battle without fighter escort, relying on their own defensive capabilities. Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress Manual offers a unique perspective on what it takes to restore and operate a B-17 Flying Fortress, as well as a wonderful insight into the engineering and construction of this remarkable airplane. Containing 250 photos and diagrams, this new book provides a stunning visual tour of one of the most famous aircraft to ever take to the air.  Learn More

by David Baker

The NASA Space Shuttle Owners’ Workshop Manual explores the shuttle’s design, construction, and use and provides detailed information about the technical attention required before and after a mission. This manual contains a full explanation of the operation of its systems for life support, electrical power production, cooling, propulsion, flight control, communications, landing, and avionics. More than 250 photographs and technical illustrations complement the authoritative text, giving insight into this marvel of space-age technology.  Learn More

Allied Fighters 1939-1945
by Chris Chant

Illustrated with detailed four-color artworks of Allied fighter aircraft and their markings with exhaustive captions and specifications, Allied Fighters 1939–45 (The Essential Identification Guide series) is the definitive study of the equipment and organization of the Allies’ fighter units throughout the war. Organized by theatre of operations, the book describes in depth the various units that were fighting on the front at key points in the war and describes the models of aircraft in service with each unit along with their individual and squadron markings.  Learn More

Allied Bombers 1939-1945
by Chris Chant

Illustrated with detailed artworks of Allied bomber aircraft and their markings with exhaustive captions and specifications, Allied Bombers 1939-45 (The Essential Identification Guide series) is the definitive study of the equipment and organization of the Allies bomber units throughout the war. Organized by theatre of operations, the book describes in depth the various units that were fighting on the front at key points in the war and describes the models of aircraft in service with each unit along with their individual and squadron markings.  Learn More

Vintage Aircraft Nose Art
by Gary Valant

Here is an unprecendented collection of the unique art that graced military aircraft in World War II and the Korean War. Applied by amateurs or professional artists like Vargas and Brinkman, the art typically featured alluring women whose charms belied the deadly cargo the crew hoped to deliver to its targets. Hundreds of examples are shown in a combination of archival photos from the wars and current photos of artwork in museum collections. Fully captioned with aircraft type and unit assignment.  Learn More

F-15 Eagle at War
by Tyson V. Rininger

F-15 Eagle at War, featuring the spectacular aerial photography of author Tyson V. Rininger, follows the design, manufacture, and performance of the F-15 from its first appearance through its service in various Cold War and contemporary conflicts.  The book profiles each model and upgrade in technology up to the F-15C, D, and E models that served in the Persian Gulf, where they claimed 36 of 39 Air Force victories in air-to-air combat.  It is a fitting and thoroughly fascinating tribute to this celebrated aircraft and icon of the U.S. Air Force.  Learn More

F-100 Super Sabre at War
Thomas E. Gardner 

The first supersonic fighter in not just America but the world, the F-100 Super Sabre marked a real revolution in aircraft design. A celebration of this truly remarkable fighter, F-100 Super Sabre highlights the many firsts in a long and distinguished career: The Super Sabre preceded the Soviet Unions Mig-19 into the supersonic arena by as much as five months. It was the first operational jet fighter to exceed Mach I in level flight. And in its heyday the F-100 set a raft of speed and altitude records. This is a fitting tribute to the fighter nicknamed "Hundert" or more affectionately, "The Hun"--an aircraft loved by nearly everyone who flew or tended her and respected by all.  Learn More

F6F Hellcat at War
by Cory Graff

This lavishly illustrated book offers a thrilling look at the Hellcat at war--from its first action in September 1943, when fighters off the USS Independence shot down a spying seaplane, to its service with the British Fleet Air Arm and its part in the invasion of Southern France.  By detailing the Hellcat’s design and development, telling its pilots’ war stories, and tracing the aircraft’s adventures through the end of World War II, author Cory Graff has assembled a fitting and fascinating tribute to a fighter plane whose performance in a few short years remains unmatched in the annals of naval warfare.  Learn More

Warbirds
by Max Haynes

A photographic history spanning a century of innovation in military aviation, Warbirds features forty of America’s greatest combat aircraft from World War I to the modern era. This astonishing collection captures the “greatest generation” of warbirds—the restored B-17s, B-24s, P-38s, P-47s, P-51s, transports, trainers, bombers, and fighters—close-up at rest or flashing in action by a premier air-to-air aviation photographer. Each of the 250 photographs, 200 in color, is accompanied by detailed information on the pictured aircraft, its pilot, crew, and unique history, making this volume the ultimate resource on combat aircraft in the twentieth century.  Learn More