People have been experimenting with drones for more than 150 years. During the U.S. Civil War, they tested hot air balloons loaded with explosives on timing devices. These early drones were dangerously unreliable and uncontrollable. Spies in hot air balloons proved the importance of aerial surveillance but also the risk. Technology soon caught up and made flying and spying using unmanned aircraft possible. Today, drones do more than ever before. Electric...

Supporting Marines on the ground, the AH-1W Super Cobra performs a critical function for the United States Marine Corps. Loaded with weapons and capable of quick maneuvers, the Super Cobra is unmatched in aerial combat. Struggling readers will be enamored with the information and images in this thrilling title.

When the United States Army needs to attack an enemy base, Apache helicopters are called into action. These fast, maneuverable vehicles are equipped with advanced technology to deal with any situation. This title explores the parts, weapons, and missions of Apache helicopters.

An enemy ship is spotted 30 miles away from a United States Navy aircraft carrier. Sailors scramble to the deck to get F/A-18E/F Super Hornets airborne. Streaking into the sky, the Super Hornets confront the enemy ship and force it to leave U.S. waters. In this title, students will discover the components of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and how the Navy uses the jet fighter on different missions.

Military helicopters perform a variety of missions for armed forces around the world. Some of these helicopters are capable of speeds approaching 200 miles per hour! Readers will discover the history, technology, and future of the world's fastest military helicopters.

At any given time, extreme aircraft are flying above us, transporting people, fighting wars, and keeping our world safe. This text takes readers into the world of extreme airborne machines, covering such equipment as Boeing 777, the Airbus A380, The Globemaster, and more. Readers learn what aircraft are and understand how they assist extreme task forces and the military in carrying out their duties. The text also explores the lighter side of aircraft...

Learn about the elite U.S. Army force known as the Night Stalkers by taking an inside look at how they train for, and carry out, their dangerous missions.

This exciting title shows readers how important volume is to flying a hot air balloon properly. Explore the history of the hot air balloon and learn how these eye-catching balloons fly! For hot air balloons to fly properly, passengers have to calculate the volume of the basket to see which balloon will be able to carry them. With vibrant images, easy-to-read text, simple practice problems, and clear mathematical diagrams, this title will engage readers...

Readers will learn what it takes to succeed as an air traffic controller. The book also explains the necessary educational steps, useful character traits, potential hazards, and daily job tasks related to this career. Sidebars include thought-provoking trivia. Questions in the backmatter ask for text-dependent analysis. Photos, a glossary, and additional resources are included.

"A minute-by-minute account of the only unsolved airplane hijacking in the United States uses reproductions of FBI files and investigation photographs to chronicle the events surrounding an unidentified extortionist's 1971 hijacking and disappearance."--