The Encyclopedia of Military Aircraft

by Robert Jackson

Book Overview

Encyclopedia of Military Aircraft Hardcover This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1405424656
• ISBN13: 9781405424653
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: Parragon Publishing
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 4.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 8.8" x 11.0"

Customer Reviews

The Encyclopedia of Military Aircraft

This single volume is currently the most comprehensive work available in print. Rand McNaly did a volume several years ago, but it is unavailable. The planes presented in this volume cover both world wars, the Cold War, and the present. Each plane has a brief text explaining production and other details then either a photograph or a drwaing of what it looked like. Entries for most aircraft also include specifications on engine, armament, and other engineering information. This book is organized alphabetically by manufacturer and entries include the common and well known to the obscure. Several manufacturers presented in this book were unknown to me until I paged through the magnificent book. Military historians and airplane experts will enjoy this book. Actually anyone with an interest in military aircraft will appreciate the efforts put into this book.

Terrific!

I love this book! It has got brief description of every conceivable kind of military aircraft of the 20th century, including transport aviation! The entries contain brief creation history, all modifications and, of course, specification box. Generally there are three entries on each page, but major aircraft are described in more detail (up to 1-1.5 pages). Almost all of the 650 planes are illustrated with a color or black-and-white photo or a nice 3D drawing. Some have both. The paper and printing quality is superb, probably the best you can find. The only thing I didn't like was mediocre photos of some recent Russian aircraft (Su-24, Su-27, Mig-15). They could have found lots of terrific images of the planes currently in service if they tried. But that's OK for the price. All the data in the book is in alphabetical order by the manufacturer's name. But there's also an index in the end, it will help you search by plane name. It's a fantastic value! But if you need a more detailed information, buy Enzo Angelucci's 'Illustrated Encyclopedia...' (if you manage to find it).

Good Book!

This book features more than 650 aircrafts from World War I to present day, each with full specification and one or two pictures. Then few paragraphs telling its' history and service. Typically half to one page for each aircraft. The photographs are good, many older aircrafts have good quality photos from their time. This book covers bombers, fighters, and transports. Many obscure and cool aircrafts are here. Lots of Japanese float planes. Dornier Do 335, Kyushu J7W Shinden, Mitsubishi J8M Shusui, Yokosuka MXY7 Ohka "Baka", AIDC fighter, etc... Famous planes from Albatros D.II, Lockheed SR-71A to F-22 Raptor. Overall pretty comprehensive! Overall a solid book with good price. Highly recommended.

A complete guide.

With the inclusion of over 650 Aircraft from around the world, these planes saw combat in two world wars and numerous conflicts. This is, therefore, as complete a guide to all the world's military aircraft as one could hope to find. Of course there will always be a requirement for more extensive details on any specific aircraft type, but this book includes brief details of them all. Laid out in true encyclopedia fashion with all aircraft listed alphabetically by make and then type, the book is well supported throughout with a carefully chosen and relevant selection of either photographs or profile drawings to show each aircraft. In addition there are a small number of stunning photographs - such as the photograph of the airborne Hawker Hurricane across pages 190/91. Probably the only reference book needed for those with a general interest in the subject. NM