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Stealth

The Secret Contest to Invent Invisible Aircraft

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Stealth

By: Peter Westwick
Narrated by: David de Vries
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On a moonless night in January 1991, a dozen US aircraft appeared in the skies over Baghdad. To the Iraqi air defenses, the planes seemed to come from nowhere. Each aircraft was more than 60 feet in length and with a wingspan of 40 feet, yet its radar footprint was the size of a ball bearing. Here was the first extensive combat application of Stealth technology. And it was devastating.

Radar has been in use since the 1930s and was essential to the Allies in World War II, when American investment in radar exceeded that in the Manhattan Project. The atom bomb ended the war, conventional wisdom has it, but radar won it. That experience also raised a question: could a plane be developed that was invisible to radar? That question, and the seemingly impossible feat of physics and engineering behind it, took on increasing urgency during the Cold War.

Combining nail-biting narrative, incisive explanation of the science and technology involved, and indelible portraits of unforgettable characters, kimmerses readers in the story of an innovation with revolutionary implications for modern warfare.

©2019 Peter Westwick (P)2021 Tantor Wars & Conflicts Aviation Technology Military War Air Force Science History History & Culture Armed Forces World War II Astronomy & Space Science Aeronautics & Astronautics Programming Russia
Comprehensive History • Technological Insights • Accessible Explanations • Informative Content • Broader Perspective

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This book gives the grand overview. It was effective and enlightening. A worth while investment in time.

Eye Opener

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Performance was great, writing was great. Interesting story of stealth. I don't understand why they need 15 words. it was good

Very good

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Well written and read - a good window on the technical and political aspects of military and industrial R and D. Probably most interesting to those who like to immerse themselves in things technical. In particular, the qualitative explanations of the science and technology are very well done and accessible to the interested non-engineer.

Readable and accessible

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I’ve enjoyed several books on the aerospace industry and US military innovation and investment during the Cold War and this one gave me a larger perspective on the contributions of Lockheed, Northrop, Grumman, Raytheon, Martin, etc.

I’m so proud of the Americans who were involved in this era and wish I could have coffee with these gentlemen and hear stories about their experiences firsthand but Peter Westwick has made me happy by deepening my appreciation for my American ingenuity and the individuals at the leading edge for half a century. Thank you David de Vries and Peter Westwick for this more complete treatment of Stealth technology. -Bobby L

This book added significantly to my understanding of the contributions of defense contractors other than Lockheed Skunkworks

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Chapter 8 felt completely out of place and was the most redundant piece of writing I’ve ever encountered. Otherwise it was a solid account.
The narrator pronounces “rather” as “rother”, which I’ve never before heard and hope to never hear again.

Good history, slightly repetitive

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