Rating: 
Summary: Stealth & its precursors
Review: A wonderful story of Mr. Rich's experiences at the Skunk Works both as director and as an engineer under Kelly Johnson. Mr. Rich's respect for Kelly Johnson is obvious, but Mr. Rich also describes his strong disagreements with Johnson, particularly the conflict over building the Stealth fighter. This is the book that I had always hoped would be written about the Skunk Works ever since I first saw an SR-71.
Rating:
Summary: blockbuster story of innovation in business and engineering
Review: Absolutely superb book. An inspirational story ofamazing engineering feats and innovative business practices. An amazing glimpse at a secret organization that has been crucial to America's survival. No wonder Tom Clancy loved this book.
Rating:
Summary: Aerospace, Management, Problem solving - all in one...
Review: After hearing and reading about this book so much, I had to check it out in person. Ben Rich was the head of Lockheed's Skunk Works for over 15 years in the 70's and 80's. This is the story of the work he has done there on some of the most advanced, original and... cool flying (and sometimes floating) machines ever. "Skunk Works" is a great book for anyone interested in the Aerospace industry or in methods of management. While exposing the cold war's best kept secrets, Rich outlines his philosophy of managing people and projects, and problem solving. The stories of the birth of the U-2 F-117a, the SR-71 and the Stealth boat are told alongside the development of the "Skunk Works" - all are a work of art.
Rating:
Summary: SKUNK WORKS: Top-secret facility or my local lube shop?
Review: An excellent, engrossing book that unfortunately gives us the impression that the Skunk Works complex was similar to an industrial-strength version of Big O Tires. The complexities of making aircraft, namely the F-117A, are never given due justice. The planes could have just as well have been cars; and the engineers auto mechanics. The book is a bit simplistic, though crammed with historical data, good restructuring of events, Cold War lore, and a number of coyly disguised descriptions of a "secret base", the infamous Area 51. Nevertheless, a must-read book.
Rating: 
Summary: The man speaks the truth
Review: As a guy who has talked to the people that Rich worked with, from U-2 pilots to Air Force officers who have budgetary control over black projects, this book truly is for real. He takes a highly technical topic and breaks it down so any layman can truly appreciate the skill of the men who ran the Skunkworks. Go ahead, folks. Dig in and learn why American ingenuity and know-how will dominate the world. Aerospace engineers can finally step out from behind the curtain and take their bow.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent read!
Review: As one who is neither engineer, military personnel or mathemetician, I was intrigued by this book. The writing style, the perspectives contributed by others throughout -- and the story itself is fascinating. A combination of military detail, spy and black ops intrigue and aerospace history. A must read for those who want to see who and what it was that made this country great.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting insider account of skunk works history. Excellen
Review: Aviation history from the men who were making it. A great insider account of developing some of the US' greatest aircraft. Also gives behind the scenes info on the Gary Powers U2 incident as well as other event. Covers the development of the F-117, U2, SR-71, and B-2. On top of that it offers input from Generals in the Armed forces, high ranking CIA officials, and pilots. Well worth reading.
Rating:
Summary: This is a fascinating tape. ISBN: 0736631089
Review: Ben R. Rich does such a good job of describing the events and people that were involved in the U-2, the stealth fighter, and the Blackbird, that you feel you are on the team. You get to find the problems and help solve them with unique (sometimes-simpler) solutions. And it is over way too soon. This makes you wonder what they are up to today?
Rating:
Summary: superb
Review: Ben Rich started off as a bright new engineer at Lockheed Martin. He never imagined that taking a job under the famously fearsome Kelly Johnson would lead to a career that took him to the top of the aerospace defense industry. He has an interesting story to tell and does so with style. We catch a glimpse into the inner-workings of the United States defense industry. It's a spellbinding tale about legendary airplanes interlaced with amusing anecdotes. Being an engineer in the defense industry myself, I heartily recommend this book to engineers and anybody else interested in technology.
Rating:
Summary: Story of the Skunk Works told with style
Review: Ben Rich started off as a bright new engineer at Lockheed Martin. He never imagined that taking a job under the famously fearsome Kelly Johnson would lead to a career that took him to the top of the aerospace defense industry. He has an interesting story to tell and does so with style. We catch a glimpse into the inner-workings of the United States defense industry. It's a spellbinding tale about legendary airplanes interlaced with amusing anecdotes. Being an engineer in the defense industry myself, I heartily recommend this book to engineers and anybody else interested in technology.
| 
