The Great Book of Fighters (Hardcover)

Without a doubt the most comprehensive illustrated volume on fighter aircraft ever published! This first comprehensive encyclopedia of the fighter genus is the product of years of painstaking research to describe the development of every fighter type flown up to the beginning of 2001 anywhere in the world. Unrivalled in scope among published references, The Great Book of Fighters features rare historical photographs, meticulously executed arrangement drawings, and over 450 beautiful color profile artworks of aircraft in operational markings. Large-scale cutaway drawings reveal internal structure in minute detail of more than 80 of the world's most significant fighters. From the birth of the type during World War I to the latest stealthy, sophisticated machines now being flight-tested for service with tomorrow's air forces - the famous, the notorious, and the virtually unknown are gathered together in this sensational volume complete with development histories and production details. Filled with more than 4,000 illustrations, including 2,340 photographs and 1,200 general arrangement drawings. An essential reference for every enthusiast's bookshelf.