United States Military Aviation - General & Miscellaneous, United States - Naval History, Piloting & Flight Instruction, United States Navy, Military Aviation - General & Miscellaneous

Testing Top Guns: United States Air Force and Navy Test and Evaluation Squadrons

Name: Testing Top Guns: United States Air Force and Navy Test and Evaluation Squadrons
Author: Jamie Hunter
ISBN: 9781857802320

by Jamie Hunter

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Overview

This unusual and interesting title explores a fascinating area of contemporary military aviation. The US military is constantly testing and evaluating some of the most advanced aviation systems in the world to prepare them for front-line service. At test bases such as Edwards and Eglin, a host of interesting aircraft types are flown and tested to the limit. The US Navy test bases at Patuxent River, China Lake, and Point Mugu have similar functions. The units based at these locations undertake some of the most taxing flying in the world. Their aircraft carry a fascinating array of ordnance, equipment, and color schemes. These squadrons boast some unique aircraft and rich histories. Testing Top Guns examines the background and history of flight testing in the United States and then portrays some of the incredible aircraft that have been used in these programs in recent times and the famous test pilots who flew them who have helped shape aviation history. The book is heavily illustrated with high-quality images, including air-to-air views. This title will appeal to all those with an interest in the cutting edge of military aviation. Its many superb color images will be a source of inspiration for aviation modelers.

Synopsis

This book brings readers an inside look at the intense testing involved in the development of the U.S. military’s most advanced aircraft and weapons. Featured in detail are the O/A-10A Thunderbolt II, F-22A Raptor, F-117A Nighthawk, F-14B Tomcat, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and many others. These aircraft carry a fascinating array of ordnance, equipment, and color schemes, which come to life in this book’s stunning array of color photos, many of them air to air. With very little having been published on the constant efforts to test and push current and future systems to the limit, this book offers military aviation enthusiasts a rare and exciting glance into a mostly hidden world.

About the Author, Jamie Hunter

Jamie Hunter is a British aviation journalist and photographer who is a regular contributor to Aircraft Illustrated and a number of other aviation magazines.