Specialty Press

U.S. Naval Air Superiority: Development of Shipborne Jet Fighters 1943-1962

by  Tommy H. Thomason

Reviewed By  Ed Kinney, IPMS# 2989

MSRP: $44.95 ISBN 10: 1580071104 ISBN 13: 9781580071109 Review copy courtesy of Specialty Press (www.specialtypress.com) Hard bound with 276 pages jam packed with hundreds of photos (both black and white and color). This book comes as close as anything I have seen printed covering the early days and the transition years of Naval Carrier Aircraft. In addition to over 300 photos, there are 50 technical drawings. The author, Tommy Thomason, was employed as a flight test engineer and manager in the aerospace industry with a career spanning more than 40 years. The text runs the gamut from the start of the beginning of the jet era, the Navy's requirements, problems and the solving of them and the opportunities that they presented. It will take you through initial squadron developments and requirements that soon led to a second generation of aircraft for trial in combat as well as the R&D for aerodynamic changes and weaponry. A chapter also deals with disappointments born from overreaching. The learning curve covers a broad spectrum of initially underpowered aircraft (Demon, Cutlass, Fireball, Pirate, etc) and walks you through the move successful designs (Fury, Banshee, Crusader and Phantom II). Another chapter deals with the evolution of the carriers themselves. As these shipboard fighters approached supersonic speeds, the needs and requirements were constantly changing as these birds approach Mach 2. Thomason concisely takes you through this period and ties it all together in a well written summary and epilogue. From a personal standpoint, the subject of this book has been a favorite of mine for many years and I am truly pleased to be able to review it. This book may be ordered by calling Specialty Press at 800-895-4585 or by visiting www.specialtypress.com. A $ 6.95 shipping and handling fee is added to each order. Sincere thanks to Marie Norton at Specialty Press for the review sample. Mostly highly recommended.

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