Skunk Works by Ben R. Rich & Leo Janos

Skunk Works by Ben R. Rich & Leo Janos
A Personal Memoir of My Years at Lockheed

Skunk Works is the riveting true story of America’s most secret and successful aerospace operation, told for the first time by Ben Rich, who led the legendary Skunk Works at Lockheed for nearly two decades. This high-stakes memoir captures the incredible feats of engineering, cold war confrontations, and Gulf War air combat, all taking place inside the windowless Skunk Works hangar in Burbank, California.

From the groundbreaking development of the U-2 spy plane, which soared above the Soviet Union to capture critical intelligence, to the creation of the SR-71 Blackbird—a plane that flew faster than a bullet at three times the speed of sound—Skunk Works recounts some of the most remarkable aviation triumphs of the twentieth century. Rich also highlights the F-117 Stealth fighter, a revolutionary aircraft that changed the course of modern air combat with its radar-evading capabilities.

Rich’s firsthand account is filled with personal anecdotes and vivid, firsthand narratives from CIA and Air Force pilots who risked their lives on classified missions. Skunk Works is not just a memoir but a tribute to the genius, dedication, and patriotism of the men and women who redefined aviation in the relentless pursuit of air superiority.

Why You’ll Love This Book:

• A fascinating look inside the world of America’s most secretive and innovative aerospace operation
• Told by Ben Rich, a pioneering leader in aviation engineering, and filled with personal insights
• Chronicles the development of iconic aircraft such as the U-2 spy plane, SR-71 Blackbird, and F-117 Stealth fighter
• Offers firsthand accounts from pilots and engineers involved in classified cold war and Gulf War missions
• Perfect for readers interested in military history, aviation, and engineering feats
• A captivating memoir that celebrates the ingenuity and patriotism behind America’s aerospace advancements

Skunk Works by Ben R. Rich & Leo Janos is an inspiring and thrilling tribute to the remarkable individuals who redefined air combat and forever changed the field of aviation.