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Summary: A Legendary book on a legendary time in aerospace
Review: I am currently a Mechanical Engineering student (hoping to find a niche in the aerospace industry), therefore I found this book absolutely surreal. Ben Rich and Kelly Johnson were revolutionaries in the aeronautical field, as they never allowed excessive government interference, therefore only the best products were produced. The technological advancements described in the book are nothing short of astounding. Rich's work on the inlet of the SR-71 is considered revolutionary even today, and the author really does not give himself enough credit. Once I picked this book up, it was impossible for me to put it down. After reading it, all I can do is salute the greatness of the individuals who played such a pivotal role in international defense, and can hope to match their competence someday.
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Summary: Dive in!!
Review: I bought this book for my husband who is an avid fan of aeronautics. Then I picked it up out of boredom one day and could not put it down. The enormous effect of technology on the world is revealed in Skunk Works and is quite impressive. Even if you're not interested in aeronautics the history of the US that is revealed in this book is very interesting as are the ideas presented about the future of the country. Future managers will also learn a lesson, or two, here.
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Summary: Fascinating book!
Review: I couldn't put this book down. It is well written and so interesting that all other work got put on hold while I finished it.
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Summary: Ben Rich seems very impressed with Ben Rich
Review: I found the interesting events at the "Skunk Works" were overshadowed by how impressed the author was that "he" beat all the odds. The book seems to be Ben Rich's carefully drawn out case as to why he ran the Works better than Kelly Johnson. I am sure both were great men but I am more interested in the aggregate of talent and how different people truly contributed.
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Summary: Wonderful Book
Review: I just love books like this. I think it stems from the fact that I always wanted to be a jet pilot. The book takes a look at the secret domain of the black projects the military has funded in relation to intelligence gathering and stealth aircraft over the past 35 years. The books focus is on the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works facility and the great aircraft they have developed and put out during the cold war. The most interesting parts of he book for me were the development of the SR 71, the testing of the aircraft and the uniqueness of the aircraft. I also enjoyed the descriptions of what the U2 can do. All in all this is a very informative and well-written account of some of the most exciting aircraft the U.S. has created and used in military operations. The details flow very well and do not bog the book down with too much technical speak. If you were interested in aircraft or the U.S. military then I would suggest you buy this book.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Book
Review: I just love books like this. I think it stems from the fact that I always wanted to be a jet pilot. The book takes a look at the secret domain of the black projects the military has funded in relation to intelligence gathering and stealth aircraft over the past 35 years. The books focus is on the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works facility and the great aircraft they have developed and put out during the cold war. The most interesting parts of he book for me were the development of the SR 71, the testing of the aircraft and the uniqueness of the aircraft. I also enjoyed the descriptions of what the U2 can do. All in all this is a very informative and well-written account of some of the most exciting aircraft the U.S. has created and used in military operations. The details flow very well and do not bog the book down with too much technical speak. If you were interested in aircraft or the U.S. military then I would suggest you buy this book.
Rating: 
Summary: A rich account of aerospace industry during the Cold War
Review: I picked this book up after having read Don DeLillo's Libra, which pictures the protagonist, Lee Harvey Oswald, at a USAF base in Atsugi, Japan during his military service. The U2 spy plane that was based there definitely adds to the aura of mystery and fatefulness that pervades the whole of DeLillo's excellent novel and aroused my curiosity. Rich's account of the Skunk Works' history entirely satisfied my interest in this mysterious airplane. The book can be read in different ways: as a thrilling account of the Cold War, a captivating portrait of the complex and brilliant designer Kelly Johnson, and as a treatise on corporate innovation, cutting edge management methods and industry-government relationships. I found the book to be exceedingly well written, with just the right dosage of technical details, humour, personal anecdotes and historical drama. The integration of 'other voices' from test pilots, high level policy makers and air force top brass complements Rich's narrative nicely and helps in modulating the sometimes breathless pace. An excellent book. I enjoyed it a lot.
Rating:
Summary: Engrossing true story
Review: I'm not particularly an avid reader of military history books or contemporary history books in general, but after a coworker described this book, curiosity got the better of me and I bought it. I'm glad I did. Ben R. Rich joined the legendary 'Skunk Works' as a young engineer, worked on some of the most secretive military projects in recent history, and later ended up taking over management of Skunk Works. As a result, perhaps no one else in the world has as much first hand knowledge of these projects, and no one else is better positioned to chronicle some of America's military crown jewels. Rich (and Janos) have crafted a unique book that gives Ben Rich story, with interesting first hand accounts from pilots, air force personnel, and highly placed government officials. Rich covers the struggles encountered while building various classified aircraft: the U2, SR-71 BlackBird, the stealth fighter, the stealth boat, among others. He also lightly delves into the darker side of the defense industry: politics, waste, and bureaucracy. An amazing read, and highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Engrossing true story
Review: I'm not particularly an avid reader of military history books or contemporary history books in general, but after a coworker described this book, curiosity got the better of me and I bought it. I'm glad I did. Ben R. Rich joined the legendary 'Skunk Works' as a young engineer, worked on some of the most secretive military projects in recent history, and later ended up taking over management of Skunk Works. As a result, perhaps no one else in the world has as much first hand knowledge of these projects, and no one else is better positioned to chronicle some of America's military crown jewels. Rich (and Janos) have crafted a unique book that gives Ben Rich story, with interesting first hand accounts from pilots, air force personnel, and highly placed government officials. Rich covers the struggles encountered while building various classified aircraft: the U2, SR-71 BlackBird, the stealth fighter, the stealth boat, among others. He also lightly delves into the darker side of the defense industry: politics, waste, and bureaucracy. An amazing read, and highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Reality check!
Review: If the title alone does not evoke some curiosity, the lucrative writng skills that Ben R. Rich and Leo Janos display are sure to get you interested. As a former member of Special Operations Command and a proud veteran, I found it interesting to note how the authors showed the capabilities that our nation's technology has attained in a short manner of time. The authors clearly state what the facts are without eliminating the once held "top secret" information to their readers. Once read, reality will sadly sink in to the minds of the readers. However, if the authors made some gesture to the younger generation then the book would receive a five star rating. In retrospect, one might find it essential to actually be a participant in the military to appreciate the full content of the book as well as the authors intentions.
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