19th Nov2011

Skunk Works

by Min

Stealth Fighters

Have you every wondered how ‘stealth’ thing works? Now, we take it for granted for having stealth bomber, stealth fighters, and vessels… but do you know how it works and how it started? Still, not many countries (U.S is pretty much the only one in the world) developed this technology. China has recently tested its first stealth fighter (prototype).

Stealth technology means, in short, it’s making the object to be less visible or ideally invisible under radar, sonar, or infrared and other detecting method.

Skunk Works

I kept asking questions to a friend who used to work in Lockheed Martin and he recommended this book, called ‘Skunk Works’.

For those who are interested in military stuff or fighters, this is a MUST read!

Skunk Works is about the background of the development of the first stealth fighter, F-117 (Night Hawk), and the behind story of it. It’s really fascinating and simply ‘COOL STUFF’ Period.

After I read this book, whenever people say about weird looking objects in the air, or UFO, I don’t usually believe it. I think.. ‘woo.. maybe somebody is testing a new secret project! ;) ’ Let’s say.. if anybody saw the prototype of F-117 back in 1981, I’m sure they thought that it would be UFO or something.

Book Description from Amazon

From the development of the U-2 to the Stealth fighter, the never-before-told story behind America’s high-stakes quest to dominate the skies Skunk Works is the true story of America’s most secret and successful aerospace operation. As recounted by Ben Rich, the operation’s brilliant boss for nearly two decades, the chronicle of Lockheed’s legendary Skunk Works is a drama of cold war confrontations and Gulf War air combat, of extraordinary feats of engineering and human achievement against fantastic odds. Here are up-close portraits of the maverick band of scientists and engineers who made the Skunk Works so renowned. Filled with telling personal anecdotes and high adventure, with narratives from the CIA and from Air Force pilots who flew the many classified, risky missions, this book is a riveting portrait of the most spectacular aviation triumphs of the twentieth century.

Get this Book:

Amazon.com : Skunk Works: A Personal Memoir of My Years of Lockheed

Book Depository.com (Free Shipping Worldwide) : Skunk Works

Anybody read this book yet? Please leave a comment what you think of this book!

25th Oct2011

F-22 Raptor

by Min

The Sexiest Aircraft on Earth Now!

Yes, some may disagree, but I think F-22 Raptor is the sexiest fighter on earth. Needless to say that F-22 is the most superior fighter at the moment. As a person who really wanted to work for Lockheed Martin, one of my dream is to actually see F-22 Raptor in person and watch its takeoff and maneuvers. So far, I haven’t had the chance yet, but I do hope that I can make it happen in future.

(Source: the U.S Air Force official site. www.af.mil)

You may find it weird but I like to read comprehensive reports about my favorite fighters. :-) There are so many awesome photos, videos, and so much information out there, but I found CRS Report the most reliable and comprehensive.

About CRS (Congressional Research Service) Report:

From Wikipedia…”Known as “Congress’s think tank”, is the public policy research arm of the United States Congress. As a legislative branch agency within the Library of Congress, CRS works exclusively and directly for Members of Congress, their Committees and staff on a confidential, nonpartisan basis.” More

CRS Report on F-22

Here is a report that gives a great overview/basics of F-22 Program.

Air Force F-22 Fighter Program-Background and Issues for Congress

Enjoy some of F-22 photos and videos! (Source: U.S Air Force website and Air Force Blue Tube Channel)

 

 

 

Real Time Web Analytics