World War II was neither fought, nor won, entirely by aircraft. But the introduction of advanced aerial technology that began in the late 1930s came of age during the landmark conflict, transforming the landscape of war forever. By the end of WWII, the United States alone had amassed a fleet of 300,000 planes—from fighters to scouts to bombers—spread across the Air Force, Navy, and Marines. This book includes 30 historic examples. Understanding

...

Introduces the U-2 Spy Planes, their missions, equipment, weapons, and use in the military.

Introduces the F-16 Fighting Falcons, their missions, equipment, weapons, and use in the military.

Discusses the AV-8B Harrier, its uses, engine, weapons, and future in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Introduces the EA-6B Prowlers, their missions, equipment, and use in the military as radar jamming escorts to other aircraft.

Introduces the AC-130H Gunships, their specifications, weapons, missions, and future in the Air Force.

Introduces the F-15 Eagles, their specifications, weapons, missions, and future in the Air Force.

Discusses the design and weapons of three models of the F-14 Tomcat fighter jet and how they were used by the Navy.

Describes the history, weapons, equipment, and use by the Air Force of the B-52 bomber, nicknamed the "Big Ugly Fat Fellow" (BUFF) by flight crews because of its size and appearance.