Black Jets

B-2, F-117, SR-71 & U-2R
David Donald, General Editor
AIRtime Publishing, 2003
ISBN 1-880588-67-6
Hardbound, 256 Pages
Available from Specialty Press for $34.95

Reviewed By Chris Banyai-Riepl

Subtitled 'The Development and Operation of America's Most Secret Warplanes', this book takes a look at the Northrop Grumman B-2, the Lockheed Martin F-117, the Lockheed A-12, YF-12, and SR-71, and the Lockheed Martin U-2R/S, all of which have been closely guarded secrets of the American military. This book separates the four types into sections, each of which does an excellent job of detailing the aircraft.

Each section combines a thorough and well-researched text with plenty of quality photos. The text covers concept, development, construction, and operations, providing a meticulous description of each aircraft. The photos illustrate each type from early beginnings to active duty and are accompanied by color artwork and sections documenting various unique markings worn by the types. Being secretive aircraft, all of these types had sparse markings are unique artwork was a rarity, but those that did carry something are depicted here.

For those of you who are familiar with the Wings of Fame, World Air Power Journal, and International Air Power Review series, the format presented here will be quite familiar. In fact, the four sections are verbatim copies from these publications, with the only visible difference being the reduction of the fold-out illustration to fit two pages instead of four. If you have all four issues with these aircraft in them, there is nothing new in this bound compilation, but if you have only one or two, then this is a welcome addition to your library.

My thanks to Specialty Press for the review copy. Visit their website for ordering information for this and other great titles.