AMERICAN SECRET PROJECTS: Fighters & Interceptors 1945-1978

Throughout aviation history there have been many aircraft designs that have, for whatever reason, failed to progress beyond the drawing board. Indeed, the aircraft that have taken to the skies represent, ultimately only a relatively small percentage of those planned.

Among the most successful titles produced by Midland Publishing over the years have been the volumes in the ‘Secret Projects’ series. These books, which examine in depth many of the designs that never got beyond the drawing board, have found a resonance with aviation modellers and historians alike. Individual titles have sold in large numbers and many have been reprinted on several occasions.

This latest addition to the ‘Secret Projects’ series is the first to cover US aircraft designs. Compiled by Tony Buttler, who has been researching the subject for many years, the book examines the great variety of US fighter designs between the end of World War 2 and the period immediately after the withdrawal from Vietnam. Amongst topics covered are the immediate postwar designs of subsonic aircraft for both the USAF and USN, US supersonic designs, the US Vertical Take Off and Landing programme and the competitions that led ultimately to the development of such iconic aircraft as the F-14 Tomcat.

Profusely illustrated throughout and comprehensive in its coverage, the material assembled is unique and will gives many insights into the way US fighter design evolved during these years.