The F-104, known as “the missile with a man in it” is a sterling example of US cold war aircraft design. Designed to intercept incoming Soviet bombers the F-104 had great speed at the expense of range and the addition of wingtip tanks came at the expense of armament. Frontline USAF service was not that lengthy, although they did serve in Vietnam. The F-104 did serve a long time with the National Guard. Foreign Service is where the F-104 was used in the greatest numbers and the longest time. License built in Europe and Japan there was a long history of service in these various air forces.

Mr. Bowman’s book is broken down into 11 chapters, covering from development to the post military service Starfighters display team. The book is an easy, enjoyable read with many pilot’s stories to bring firsthand accounts of flying the F-104 to the reader.

Dr. David C Nicolle is a British historian specializing in the military history of the Middle-Ages, with special interest in the Middle East and Arab countries. After working for BBC Arabic Service, he obtained his MA at SOAS, University of London, followed by a PhD at the University of Edinburgh. He then lectured in art history at Yarmouk University in Irbid, Jordan. Dr. Nicolle has published over 100 books about warfare ranging from Roman times to the 20th century, mostly as sole author. He also co-authored the ‘Arab MiGs’ series of books which covered the history of the Arab air forces at war with Israel from 1955 to 1973. Furthermore, he has appeared in several TV documentaries, and has published numerous articles in specialized press. This is his first instalment for Helion’s @War series.

History

The Yakovlev Yak-1 series design work began in the late thirties, with the first flight taking place in 1939. Production started in the same year, and by 1941, these planes were beginning to be issued to Soviet Air Force fighter squadrons. The type went through a considerable amount of development, resulting in the Yak-7, Yak-9 and later the Yak-3. At first designated I-16, the Yak-1 was upgraded in several ways, including replacing the faired in canopy with a version allowing the pilot to see directly behind him. Some units modified their aircraft, using what was known as the Shinkarenkov Modification, which was later incorporated into all Yak production aircraft. These modified fighters were known unofficially as Yak-1b. Later, the Yak-1M was produced, differing from earlier models only in new exhaust stacks, reposition navigation lights, and a revised oil cooler intake under the nose.

History

This book covers the development of bombers from the beginning of World War II, showing how the advances in technology resulted in better performing aircraft, especially due to more powerful reciprocating engines and the introduction of jet power plants. The earliest development of jet engines occurred in Germany, and they were the first to introduce operational jet fighters and bombers towards the end of the war, although they did not appear in sufficient numbers to make any difference in the outcome. However, the British and Americans also developed jet fighters, and the end of the war, and subsequent occupation of German facilities by advancing American, British, and Soviet forces resulted in a tremendous transfer of German technology to the Allied Powers, the result being an acceleration of the development of jet fighters and bombers in the U.S., Britain, and the Soviet Union.

Background

Mission

The primary mission of the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter is to conduct day or night personnel recovery operations into hostile environments to recover isolated personnel during war. The HH-60G is also tasked to perform military operations other than war, including civil search and rescue, medical evacuation, disaster response, humanitarian assistance, security cooperation/aviation advisory, NASA space flight support, and rescue command and control.

Features

The Pave Hawk is a highly modified version of the Army Black Hawk helicopter which features an upgraded communications and navigation suite that includes integrated inertial navigation/global positioning/Doppler navigation systems, satellite communications, secure voice, and Have Quick communications.