1934-1998 Avery. Covers O-47, NA-16/AT-6/ SNJ Texan, XB-21, NA-35, B-25/ PBJ  Mitchell, XB-28, P-51 Mustang, P-82 Twin Mustang, B-45 Tornado, F-86 Sabre,  FJ-1/-4 Fury. Complete histories, specs, production records, three-view drawings.  204 pgs., 348 B&W and 27 color photos, 11"x 8½", sfbd.

Traced here is the history of Douglas with its humble start in 1920 and its  manufacture of the first planes to fly around the world in 1924. We then follow its  long lists of firsts, to its status today as manufacturer of the F-15 Eagle and the  feared Apache helicopter gunship. This is a true celebration of the planes, the people and the pursuit of perfection that have given Douglas a distinguished place in the  history of flight. 128 pgs., 225 B&W photos, 6½"x 9¼", sfbd.

For 30 years, artist Mike Badrocke has produced cutaway drawings of Lockheed’s aeronautical break-throughs– from the Hudson bomber; to the Constellation, the ultimate piston-engined transport; to the gigantic Galaxy; to the SR-71 spyplanes; to the  new F-22 Raptor, the fighter of the 21st Century. 144 pgs., 15 color photos, 30  cutaway drawings, 10¼"x 9", hdbd.

This is the ultimate reference on all the commercial and military versions of  the Lockheed 10 Electra, Lockheed 12, Lockheed 14, Hudson, Lodestar, Learstar, PV-1 Ventura, PV-2 Harpoon, Saturn, and the many post-war civil conversions.  Preserved and civil P-38 Lightnings and P2V Neptunes are also covered. Includes  more than 7,000 aircraft histories with over 330 photos. 680 pgs., 8¼"x 11¾", hdbd.

A war time tour of restricted aircraft plants. Consists of 258 large, crisp photos taken inside U.S. aircraft plants during the war. You name it, see it being assembled: P-38s, Hellcats, B-17s, Corsairs, etc. 179 pgs., 8¾"x 11¾", sfbd.

Covers in detail the eleven fighter typers  produced during WWII. P-40, P-39, P-38, P-47, P-51, Corsair, Hellcat, Wildcat and others. Includes development, production, combat records, comparative records with  a chronology of combat, and more. 608 pgs., 1000 photos, 8½"x 11", hdbd.America's Hundred Thousand  U.S. Production Fighters of WWII Dean. Covers in detail the eleven fighter typers produced during WWII. P-40, P-39, P-38, P-47, P-51, Corsair, Hellcat, Wildcat and others. Includes development, production, combat records, comparative records with a chronology of combat, and more. 608 pgs., 1000 photos, 8½"x 11", hdbd.

The inside story of the people, the technology, and the airplanes that  weathered the storms of bankruptcy and created a profitable, prestigious and  influential aerospace company. From the Vega, the Lightning, Constellation and Hudson, to the C-130 Hercules, C-5A, the Skunk Works aircraft and the rockets and  missiles, even to the Space Shuttle. Well illustrated, 576 pgs., 6"x 9", hdbd

Book Description 
Over the last century, tanks and armored vehicles have developed into highly mobile and mightily armed vehicles common to the  inventores of nearly every army in the world. This huge, comprehensive reference provides historians and modelers with an accurate and detailed directory chock full of technical specifications, development and service histories, specially commissioned color plates, and action photography illustrating more than 150 tanks and fighting vehicles from World War I to present. The hardware is arranged chronologically within national entities that represent all the world's major armies. Readers will clearly witness the tank's development and  their performances during all of the century's major wars and minor conflicts, from the muddy battlefields of World War I to the harsh  desert campaigns of World War II, and from the "turkey shoot" in the sands of Iraq to the mountainous terrain of the Balkans.

480 pages Feb 1999

Book Description 
All fighter, bomber and ground-attack aircraft used by the air forces of World War II are featured in this comprehensive directory. An accurate and informative text outlines technical specifications for each aircraft and is complemented by superb, specially commissioned color illustrations and diagrams, as well as dramatic period photography. The more than 160 aircraft described are divided into Allied and Axis and presented alpha by manufacturer. An ideal reference for warbird fans and modelers. 

This title is currently out of print. However, you can buy it used

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0517679647/yellowairplanepr

The B-52s, B-1s and B-2s of Air Combat Command Logan. The U.S. is the only country in the world that is able to project power rapidly, precisely, and globally  anywhere in the world. Its triad of bombers can provide both nuclear and conventional deterrent operations. Photos and history that also includes an in-depth  look at the weapons, including the smart bombs and laser-guided weapons used in  the Gulf War and Middle East. 256 pgs., 780 color photos, 40 line drawings, 8½"x 11",  hdbd.

An astonishing book of true stories of America’s elite fighter pilots. From a  first landing aboard a carrier for a Tomcat pilot and test-flying the F/A-18, to  missions over the Gulf. From Miramar, Oceana, Nellis, etc. Illustrated, 326 pgs., 6"x 9", sfbd.

Book Description
The fifth volume in the Legends of the Air series, Vulcan, Boeing B-47 & B-52 examines in detail these three remarkable Cold War warriors which were aerodynamic pioneers of the era. It features around 70,000 words of text, hundreds of photographs, 48 specifically commissioned color side view drawings, technical drawings, specification and production tables, and more.

There had certainly never before been an aircraft of the design concept of the Vulcan with its incredible delta wing, aptly named the 'tin triangle'. Meanwhile across the Atlantic, Boeing had forged ahead with the then black art of high speed swept wing high altitude bomber design that culminated in the B-47 Stratojet, an aircraft that hopefully would be able to outfly the Soviet fighters of the time.

Almost before the B-47 was fully operational though its successor, the incredibly long ranging eight engined B-52 was airborne and preparing to become one of the legendary aircraft of the modern era. In fact, on present plans, this multi war veteran should still be flying in 2030, three quarters of a century after the prototype appeared!

Excerpted from Boeing B-47, B-52 and the Avro Vulcan (Legends of the Air Series Vol 5) by Stewart Wilson. Copyright © 1997. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved
The Eight Jet Wonder

In October 1948, a senior Boeing delegation arrived at Wright Field to present the definitive proposals for the XB-52 to the USAF's Col Henry 'Pete' Warden of Air Materiel Command's Wright Air Development Centre. Accompanying the Boeing men were truckloads of paperwork on the aircraft.

At the meeting which had been arranged, the Boeing people were surprised and alarmed to see that Col Warden paid their carefully prepared documentation little attention and instead asked them to come up with yet another concept based around the use of the Pratt & Whitney JT3 (J57 for military) two spool axial flow turbojet engine then under development, and as quickly as possible!

It's to the company's eternal credit that it didn't simply give the USAF the finger and storm out of the meeting. Instead, the Boeing team retired to the Van Cleve hotel in Dayton on the Thursday of the meeting, locked themselves in for the next four days and returned to Col Warden's office at Wright the following Monday morning to present him with a complete set of typed and bound documents, drawings and even - it is said - a desk top model of a completely new jet powered bomber.

The design presented to Warden was dubbed the Model 646-49 with wings swept at 35 degrees, engines beneath them in four twin pods, a maximum weight of around 330,00lb (149,700kg), a wing span of the same 185 feet (56.4m) but with greater chord and area, a maximum speed of around 565mph (910km/h) and the ability to carry a 10,000lb bomb load over a 3,100 miles (4,990km) radius.

Tremendous full-color portraits of the F-84, F-86, F-100, F-4 Phantom, F-16 and F-15E. Each aircraft is portrayed in its theater of combat: the F-84 and F-86 in Korea, the F-100 and F-4 in Vietnam, the F-16 and F-15 as dressed for their Middle East role. Captions include historical background to embellish this look at the U.S.’s  most nostalgic gunships. 180 photos, 128 pgs., 8½"x 11½", sfbd.

This title is currently out of print. However, you can buy it used now. 

The most complete photo study available of the air war in the Gulf, covers every unit that participated including French, Italian, British, and Saudi. Photos of  F-15s, F-4s, A-10s, B-52s, F-16s, F-14s, F-111s, F-117 Stealth, C5s, KC-10s,  C-141s, C-130s, KC-135s, U-2/TR-1 and many others. 160 pgs., over 750 color  photos, 9"x 12", sfbd

Shows history-making planes such as the WWII Spitfire and P-51 Mustang, the F-16  jet fighter and the Boeing 747 airliner with magnificent, large-scale graphics. See the  planes in action, as well as through diagrams showing details of design and  construction. Gives young readers exciting glimpses into 20th Century aviation  technology and the role it has played in history. Ages 8 and up. 48 pgs., 11"x 14¾", hdbd.

Tradition returns the cartoons and sexy ladies with names like "Memphis Belle" and "Maid in the USA" to the nose art on the B-52s, B-1Bs, BF-111s, F-16s and  many others. Full-color photos of gorgeous gals and far-out artwork. A good  comparison reference for the buff of WWII nose art. Hundreds of photos, 130 pgs.,  8½"x 11", sfbd.

Modern nose art from such aircraft as B-1Bs, B-52s, F-111s, C-135s,  KC-10s, fighters, etc. In most cases, the artwork has since been removed from the  aircraft, making this book an important record for the model builder and historian. 450  photos, 128 pgs., 9"x 12", sfbd.

From the late 1940s to the mid-1960s, air travel was still an  adventure, with propeller driven airliners reaching their zenith and civilian jetliners  just arriving on the scene. Revisit that golden age of air travel with this look back at  the histories and aircraft of the most notable U.S. airlines. Period photography depicts classic airliners like the Lockheed Constellation, MD DC-3, Convair 880 and  others. Memorabilia such as advertisements, route maps, timetables, dinnerware and  more complete this nostalgic look back. 192 pgs., approx. 200 color and B&W photos, 10"x 10", hdbd.

Los Angeles International Airport, 1956-76 Archer. A nostalgic trip back to the  colorful period 1956-1976 for a sampling of fine portraits of the great airliners landing,  coming over the fence, or taxiing. DC-3s, 4s, 6s, 7s, Convairs, Electras, Connies, 707s, DC-8s, Viscounts, Comets, 880s, 747s. Each presented with an interesting on-the-spot blurb. Great moments! 120 pgs., 114 photos, 11"x 9", hdbd.

Vintage photos of the bright and colorful markings of the great  propeller-driven airliners, from Ford Tri-motors of the ‘30s to the Lockheed Super  Constellations of the ‘50s. The great names: DC-3, DC-4, DC-6, Convairs, Boeings,  and many more. Propliners from Pan-Am, Northwest, American, Continental, and  dozens of other carriers. 96 pgs., 80 color illustrations, 8¼"x 9", sfbd.

Rapid developments in aviation from WWII to the early 1970s brought high-speed air travel to the public. This history of U.S. airliners' early years bridges  the propliner era, with its classic aluminum aircraft like the Lockheed Constellation and Douglas DC-3, with the dawn of early jetliners like the DC-8, Boeing 707 and Convair 880. Both modern and period photos transport you back to this heady era. 168 pgs., 200 color and B&W photos, 10"x 10", hdbd.

Based on the collections of the National Air and Space Museum, this  handsome book traces the remarkable story of the inventors and daring pilots who  turned the dream of flight into a reality. You'll thrill to the first air races and the dogfights of the World Wars, peer inside a flying boat of the 1930s, witness the  horrific explosion of the airship Hindenburg and ride in the DC-3. As you turn the  pages you'll meet barnstormers and balloonists, stunt flyers and flying aces, rocket  scientists and astronauts. 128 pgs., 350+ photos and ills., sfbd.

A full-color celebration of the great contemporary North American air  shows. Captured is the enormous variety of civilian and military aircraft from around  the world, as well as the many personalities and participants. From the early bi- and  tri-planes, to the Stearman trainers, to the WWII ear Warbirds, to the present day F-15 and F-117A fighters, any and all aircraft that fly to, and perform at, the modern  air shows are presented. 175 pgs., 200+ color photos, 9"x 12", hdbd.

This pictorial review of the Korean air war shows them all: F-51  Mustangs and F4U Corsairs, the new jets like the F-80, F-84, F-86 and T-33, even the attack aircraft and bombers such as the B-26 and B-29 are here. If you want to see the aircraft of Korea, this is the book for you! Includes 140 B&W photos, 36 color profiles, maps, squadron markings and more. 80 pgs., 8½"x 11", sfbd.

Documents the development of jet aircraft from  earliest concepts to the most powerful military and civilian aircraft of today. Large  format book provides images so big that they envelop the reader. Features the B-2,  P-51, Harrier, Me-262, Bell X-1, X-15, F-86, SR-71, Concorde, 747, F-117 and more. 150 photos, 160 pgs., 11"x 12½", hdbd.

Soviet Combat Aircraft of the Second World War : Single-Engined Fighters 
by Yefim Gordon, Dmitri Khazanov 

Book Description 
Arranged by designers, this second installment of a two-volume set includes the aircraft of such famous names as Ilyushin, Petlyakov, and Tupolev, as well as lesser-known types. Most books on the subject have been heavy on Western sources and light on firsthand  information, especially pertaining to political backgrounds, design, production, testing, and combat records.. In preparing this volume, the authors combed untapped archives in the Soviet Union to uncover a wealth of data that rewrites long held Western beliefs. The war  records of the aircraft are accompanied by comparisons to Allied and German aircraft of the period, and more than 300 rare period photographs offer an unprecedented review of these fascinating planes. Includes an introduction by renowned UK aviation journalist Bill  Gunston.

Book Description 
The famous Russian soviet aircraft design bureau is thoroughly documented in this book, which has been prepared with the cooperation of the Sukhoi bureau and with extensive access to their records and photo files. Each individual aircraft type is reviewed in detail,  including phototypes, testbeds and projects in various three view and other drawings. 

This collection of over 200 photographs brings the fascinating history of  Grumman to life. From the famed Wildcats, Hellcats, and Avengers of WWII, to the "Cats" of the '40s and '50s, the F-14s of the modern era, and even the Lunar Modules of the Apollo space program, Grumman has been an innovator. Here is a  lasting record of the company, the vision of Roy Grumman and the history of developments in U.S. Navy aircraft. 128 pgs., 6½"x 9¼", sfbd.