Skunk Works: A Personal Memoir of My Years at Lockheed

Great read. Good history of Stealth Aircraft. The author provides extensive background development of the US Air Force stealth technology for the F117 & B1 bombers.

Great read,in-depth explanation,personal narrative, and what it was like to have been part of the skunk work’s production team, must read.

Recommend this book to anyone who as an interest in aircraft and/or military strategy. Have been enamored with the Black bird since seeing one on display at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska years ago. Have read several books about thr SR-71 and was aware of the Skunk Works who built it and never realized how it came about and it's amazing performance. Even the history of the U -2 was a revelation along with the F-117 stealth fighter. My only reason for taking off a star was the ending chapters. Everything prior was uplifting, but the ending was depressing. Not about the writers, it's the reality of our waste of time and money in the inefficiency of government and military. Unfortunately, when the sad truth of waste is revealed, it's depressing! ,

Great historical read for any engineer or aspiring one.

Skunk works is the true story behind the coolest, high tech, top secret, aerospace engineering division operated by the Lockheed Martin corporation. Forged by legendary U. Michigan alumnus Kelly Johnson, the Skunk Works has created the coolest planes of recent memory, including the SR-71 Blackbird (currently visible on the flight deck of the Intrepid Aircraft Carrier in NYC), the F117A Stealth Fighter, and the U2 spy plane. The F22 Raptor and the Joint Strike Fighter are also creations of the Skunk Works, but are not covered in this autobiography written by the successor to Kelly Johnson, Ben Rich. This quick read is well worth your while for a couple of reasons. First, the stories behind the creation of these planes is very interesting. For example, the Skunk Works engineers found the mathematical key to the stealth design buried within an obscure physics journal originally published in Russian. Oddly, the Russians military never capitalized on the principle, despite urgings from the article's Russian author. Furthermore, when the stealth plane was first designed and kept in a secret hanger infested with some bats, the bats couldn't detect the plane with their "sonar-like" sense, and they ended up crashing into it. The book also makes for excellent military and therefore world history. Accomplishments of the U2 spy plane and the F117-A Stealth Fighter are covered in depth and literally changed the course of world events during the Cold War, the Vietnam War, the Korean War, the Gulf War, and other skirmishes. Many interesting, behind the scenes (formerly classified?) missions are also revealed in this book. Ben Rich also speculates on the future types of planes currently on the minds of engineers at the Skunk Works, and the implications will change how wars are fought in the future. For readers who liked this book, NOVA recently published a video on the creation of the Joint Strike Fighter, a contract fought over between the Skunk Works and the Phantom Works of Boeing. These do all fighters are amazing, and this video is definately worth watching for those who enjoyed "Skunk Works."

Equal parts deep insights into how to run real innovation, and just plain thrill. A joy to read and read again

One of the best books on U.S. military innovation through the eyes of Lockheed Skunk Works.

This is an amazing, absorbing read. The memoir of the head of Lockheed during the period that oversaw critical spy and stealth planes is at turns jaw-dropping and hilarious. Okay, so I'm a bit nerdy--when I saw the SR-71 Blackbird sitting on the grass in Florida, I was tempted to touch the giant bird. It's just that cool. Reading some of the technical details just ratcheted up my awe for this engineering marvel. Okay, maybe that's not your choice of book. But it would be a great gift for engineers and nerds of all types. You know, like the uncle who knows the details about every plane at the airport. It's PG-13 for occasional mild swearing. This would also be great for business owners, especially those involved in manufacturing--or inventors!

Fascinating story about one of the greatest R&D and Innovation center of the 20th century - The Skunk Works. You will know in detail how the U2, SR-71 Blackbird, F-117 Nighthawk planes and the D-21 drone was designed, developed, manufactured, tested and flown across the world. You will also get a peak into the bureaucratic hurdles encountered, the bureaucratic support that came on, the difference of opinions between Airforce and Navy and CIA. The different hierarchy of Strategic Air Command and The Tactical Air Command. You will know what it takes to build great planes crisscrossing through all these obstacles, unavoidable bureaucratic paper work, auditors, reviewers and the congress. A must read for any aviation enthusiast! The great Kelly Johnson would have said - "Ben, God dammit! This is one hell of a book - Good job"

great book, great flawless condition

El libro habla de la historia de los desarrolladores de la tecnologia sigilo , muy bueno y recomendado al cien

Very informative of an important time on history. Easy read.

This is a must read for someone that likes airplanes. This insightful book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of some of the United States' most iconic aircraft. It demystifies complex engineering concepts, explaining in clear terms why these designs were so groundbreaking and how a dedicated team of innovators pushed the boundaries of what was possible. Whether you're an engineer or someone who avoids math at all costs, "Skunk Works" is a captivating read. It's a must-read for anyone interested in American history, as it tells a story that should be known by all. Who should read it? Anyone with a curiosity about history, defense, or the aerospace industry.