Skunk Works by Ben R. Rich, Leo Janos (1996, Paperback)

My husband has read this book several times - He lent his copy to a friend & lost it - Got this replacement & he is already reading it again

Here is the story behind the development of the three greatest spy planes in history. You also gain some insight on the character of the two great designers of these aircraft. There is some declassified information that makes this a great book for the armchair pilot.

This book gives insight into one of the nation's most revered engineering and test facility for the US govnt. The men involved worked on then top secret activities such as the F117, the U2, and the SR71 Blackbird.
Great read whether you are technically inclined or not. I bought this book this year as a Christmas gift and the receiver was thrilled. I loved it!!

I Absolutely LOVED this book. Not only is it full of technical information about the Skunk works operation, but it is presented in a way that even the moderately curious could understand and be drawn in by this book.

It is definitely a book for those who have always loved fighter jets and warbirds since their childhood, and it serves as a good window into a very secretive world. This book reveals the technological marvels of it's time and it amazes the reader at the amount of accomplishments the Skunk Works had during their time.

It also provides an insight into management ideals that were once used in such an exclusive market. It describes things with different perspectives than the beuracratic norms that have plagued society today and poses some alternatives (in the final chapters) to these short comings.

I would recomend this book to anyone who is curious about this world of aviation and engineering and technology. It is also very alluring and is difficult to put down because it is so well written that it doesn't bore you. It's a story about people's lives, more than just numbers and math.

If you are thinking about it, stop and buy it!