Prophets of War


Book Description

An exposé of forefront military contractor Lockheed Martin discusses its power and influence while tracing the company's billion-dollar growth and presence in every aspect of American life.




75 years of the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works


Book Description

The Lockheed Martin Skunk Works was founded in the summer of 1943 to develop a jet-powered high-altitude interceptor for the USAAF, and ever since it has been at the forefront of technological development in the world of aviation. From the XP-80 to the U-2, SR-71, F-117, F-22 and now the F-35, the Skunk Works team has designed aircraft that are the pinnacle of innovation and performance. 75 years of the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works takes us through the history of this legendary facility from its foundation at the height of World War II under the talented engineer, Clarence “Kelly” Johnson, through to the present day. Illustrated with over a thousand photographs and drawings, it details the 46 unclassified programmes developed by the Skunk Works, following them through prototype build-up, first flight and, if they reached the frontline, operational service.




Innovation with Purpose


Book Description




Skunk Works


Book Description

This classic history of America's high-stakes quest to dominate the skies is "a gripping technothriller in which the technology is real" (New York Times Book Review). From the development of the U-2 to the Stealth fighter, Skunk Works is the true story of America's most secret and successful aerospace operation. As recounted by Ben Rich, the operation's brilliant boss for nearly two decades, the chronicle of Lockheed's legendary Skunk Works is a drama of Cold War confrontations and Gulf War air combat, of extraordinary feats of engineering and human achievement against fantastic odds. Here are up-close portraits of the maverick band of scientists and engineers who made the Skunk Works so renowned. Filled with telling personal anecdotes and high adventure, with narratives from the CIA and from Air Force pilots who flew the many classified, risky missions, this book is a riveting portrait of the most spectacular aviation triumphs of the twentieth century. "Thoroughly engrossing." --Los Angeles Times Book Review




Beyond the Horizons


Book Description

Explores the many factors that led Lockheed from near bankruptcy in the 1930s to become one of the most successful and innovative aerospace corporations in the world




The Projects of Skunk Works


Book Description

The stories behind more than 50 secret projects undertaken by the famed Lockheed Martin Skunk Works on behalf of the US Armed Forces, DARPA, and the CIA - all illustrated with official Skunk Works photography and commissioned artworks. Hatched in June 1943 after a special request of the US Army Air Forces to develop a turbojet-powered fighter to counter growing German threats, Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works has gone on to develop remarkable aeronautical and space technologies, including stealth. Some have made it into production, while others never quite made it off drafting boards and computer screens, but proved fascinating nonetheless. This generously illustrated history tackles Skunk Works programs ranging from jet fighters and jet engines to missiles and rockets, helicopters, research aircraft, airships, unmanned aerial vehicles and recon drones, and even the seagoing stealth ship Sea Shadow - more than 50 in all. Author Steve Pace examines the historical context which led government organizations to approach the Skunk Works, as well as the technologies and projects developed there (often on a handshake and unburdened by bureaucracies), and the anecdotes and legends associated with each program. Pace includes official Skunk Works photography of the projects taken both at its headquarters and at test facilities such as Area 51. In addition, commissioned color artworks help further illustrate many of these projects featured herein. In addition to profiling legendary aircraft like the F-80, F-94, F-104, U-2, SR-71, F-117, and F-35, Pace takes on more obscure projects from the past as well as those still to come, such as the hypersonic SR-72 and High Speed Strike Weapon, and even offers a peak into what the future might hold with the proposed TR-X.




Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works


Book Description

The first and only official history of the worlds most famous advanced aircraft design bureau youve been waiting for! In a major pulling back of the veil of secrecy, official histories of such noteworthy products as the U-2, A-12, D-21, SR-71 and F-117 are finally brought to light, authentically described by the company and the men who designed and built them. Lists all production quantities, serial numbers, build numbers, significant personalities and technical data. Exceptional!




Ultimate Fighter


Book Description

Ultimate Fighter tells how a series of little-known technology programs coalesced into a 3,000-airplane plan - the F-35 joint strike fighter (JSF). As one of the first major aircraft programs to start from scratch in the era of information technology, the JSF virtually flies itself, while the pilot manages the mission with the help of very acute high-resolution sensors and displays. The F-35 is one of the biggest single military projects in history - but it was born as a compromise between the needs of three U.S. services in the budget-strapped post-Cold War era. Author Bill Sweetman chronicles the high stakes competition between two aviation giants, Lockheed Martin and Boeing, to build the Joint Strike Fighter - the next generation fighter jet.




The Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules


Book Description

The most versatile military transport aircraft ever built, the C-130 Hercules has been in continuous production for more than half a century and has seen service with more than 50 different air forces around the world. No other aircraft has shown such continuous durability and her adaptability has ensured that the Hercules in all her many manifestations is the ultimate success story of aviation and military design. Originating in the 1950's when the USAF needed an aircraft with heavy cargo lifting ability, troop-carrying capacity, and the ability to operate safely from the most primitive of runways, the Hercules has appeared wherever there has been a crisis, war, or emergency. In combat, no matter whether in tropical jungle, desert landing strips, or almost-impassable terrain, the C-130's homely and familiar profile has arterialized where she was most needed. From the icy wastes of Antarctica to the earthquake-stricken island of Haiti in January 2010, the aircraft has arrived on the scene laden with medical and emergency supplies, aid teams, and heavy lifting gear. This is the full story of the Hercules and a faithful record of all her exploits over half-a-century, in her many guises, from gunship in Vietnam, to flying hospital in Arabia, and is fully illustrated with many original color and black-and-white photographs. All Hercules types and many foreign air forces and civilian operators are covered, including their varied uses and multiple roles. This complete aircraft history also contains a type listing, details of sub-contractors, exhibits and museums, together with color aircraft profiles which combine to make The Lockheed Martin Hercules essential reading for the aviation enthusiast or historian.




Ethics at Work


Book Description

A fascinating assessment of the ethics program at Lockheed Martin, one of the world's largest defense contractors.