Oversized and magnificently illustrated, this book by historians and active duty and retired officers will be cherished by aviators and the countless others who have been inspired by the feats of U.S. naval aviation. 500 photos, 300 in color.

Less than five years after naval aviation led the forces that defeated Imperial Japan that very organization was in serious trouble. The force had been drastically reduced and, despite the Korean War, growing sentiment supported by no less than the chairman of the Joint Chiefs argued that the new Air Force could do anything naval aviation might be required to do. Meanwhile, the naval aviation mishap rate soared. The very survival of naval aviation was at stake. It took fifty years to turn this around. Today, in spite of hot wars, cold wars, contingencies, and peacetime operations in support of friends and allies, the Navy and Marine Corps accident rate is at least as good as that of the Air Force, and it approaches that of commercial aviation. Gear Up, Mishaps Down explains that this accomplishment was achieved through dedicated and professional leadership, a focus on lessons learned from mishaps and near-mishaps, a willingness to learn from other enterprises, and by better leadership, training, maintenance, supply and more.

Naval aviation is the most demanding flight environment in the world and this book shows why that is true. From World War II F6F Hellcats to F-18 Hornets, this book presents the incredible world of aircraft carrier mishaps and accidents using dramatic still photos and photo sequences taken directly from the flight deck itself. Includes dramatic ramp strikes, wave-offs, cold cats and more.

Published to coincide with the centennial celebration of U.S. Navy Aviation, this book chronicles Navy aviation from its earliest days, before the Navy’s first aircraft carrier joined the fleet, through the modern jet era marked by the introduction of the F-18 Hornet. It tells how naval aviation got its start, profiles its pioneers, and explains the early bureaucracy that fostered and sometimes inhibited its growth. The book then turns to the refinement of carrier aviation doctrine and tactics and the rapid development of aircraft and carriers, highlighting the transition from propeller-driven aircraft to swept wing jets in the period after WW II. Land-based Navy aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft and rigid airships, and balloons are also considered in this sweeping tribute.

An epic picture book commemorating 100 years of Naval Aviation, Fly Navy! Captures the pinnacle achievements that demonstrate how far the Navy has progressed over the last century. Aviation photographer and author Erik Hildebrandt chronicles all systems serving in naval aviation with never before seen photography and through the words of those brave individuals who have had the privilege to serve. The results of this effort will culminate in a grand, coffee-table style book that will be released in January 2011 at the official US Navy Centennial observance ceremonies in San Diego. With sections on each of the current aviation communities in the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, this book is certain to be the ultimate collection of modern and historic aircraft imagery ever assembled.

"Edited by Barry Ketley; Colour artwork by David Howley; Badges by Mark Rolfe; Maps by Steve Longland; Design by Hikoki Publications; Printed in Great Britain by Hillmans, Frome, Somerset"--T.p. verso.

'United States Navy Aircraft since 1911' has been completely revised and updated and, like the earlier editions, will become the standard reference work covering all the aircraft of the US Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

"The Naval Aviation Guide has long been essential reading for those earning their wings of gold as well as a convenient reference source for old hands and a useful introduction for those considering a career in naval aviation. Every major facet of naval aviation is treated here, from its origins and development to its organizational relationships and working parts, including Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Reserve aviation." "This fifth edition, revised by longtime naval flight officer and former magazine editor Lt. Cdr. Richard R. Burgess, retains the basic format of the previous edition but updates the text to reflect the changes that have occurred over the past decade."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved