Steve Davies Libri

Officially called the Fighting Falcon by the USAF (a name loathed by pilots and ground crews), the F-16 is popularly referred to as the "Viper". First introduced into service with the USAF in 1978, the F-16 is a successful all-weather multi-role jet fighter of which more than 4,500 have been built and exported to 25 countries worldwide. It remains in service more than 30 years later. The Viper incorporates a number of innovative design features that include a frameless bubble canopy for better visibility, pilot's side-mounted control stick for ease of control when manoeuvring, a seat reclined 30 degrees to reduce the effect of g-forces on the pilot, and the first use of a relaxed static stability/fly-by-wire flight control system that makes the Viper a highly agile aircraft. At the 'business end' the F-16 has an internal M61 Vulcan cannon and eleven weapon-mounting stations.

Throughout its 34-year Cold War career with the USAF and CIA, the top secret Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird spy plane was the world's fastest and highest-flying operational manned aircraft. Dedicated to strategic reconnaissance, the Blackbird was so fast that no other aircraft could catch it. The co-authors are world authorities on the Blackbird and give rare insights into the secret world of the SR-71, its genesis, construction and anatomy (including its use of stealth technology), and its operation and maintenance in peace and war.

The eight-engine Boeing B-52 Stratofortress jet was the USA's first long- range, swept-wing heavy bomber. It began life as an intercontinental, high- altitude Cold War nuclear bomber. In this title, the author recalls its history, gets up close to look under the skin of B-52, and talks to the flight crews and maintainers of this legendary aircraft.

F-15 Eagle vyráběný firmou Boeing (dříve McDonnell Douglas) je americký stíhací letoun určený k vybojování a udržení vzdušné nadvlády.

Die A-10 Thunderbolt II ist ein absolutes Ausnahmeflugzeug und in dieser Form einmalig auf der Welt. Sie wurde ursprünglich für den Einsatz auf dem europäischen Gefechtsfeld entworfen. Ihre Hauptwaffe, die monströse siebenläufige Revolverkanone, Kal. 30 mm, verschießt unfassbare 65 Schuss pro Sekunde. Kein Wunder, dass die A-10 als »Panzerknacker« gilt und für genau diese Rolle auch gebaut wurde. Bis heute ist das Flugzeug im Einsatz, denn es gibt schlicht nichts, das der A-10 das Wasser reichen kann. Steve Davies beschreibt die ganze Geschichte des »Warzenschweins«, von der Entwicklung, über die Technik bis hin zum Einsatz.