B-2A Spirit Units in Combat (Combat Aircraft) [Paperback]

Thomas Withington (Author), Chris Davey (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Combat Aircraft | Publication Date: July 25, 2006

The B-2A ‘Spirit’ was an aircraft conceived to fight the Cold War (1946-1991) but which has proved invaluable to both the ‘New World Order’ and more recently the ‘War on Terrorism’. The combination of low-observability, precision strike, range and payload flexibility has made the ‘Spirit’ the weapon of choice when America hits its enemies at the start of a campaign. Spirits have fired the first shots of Operation ‘Allied Force’ over Kosovo and Serbia, as well as operations ‘Enduring Freedom’ (2001-present) and ‘Iraqi Freedom’ (2003-present). Despite the tremendous cost of the aircraft – each unit is literally worth its weight in gold – the B-2 has had an impact on modern warfare which has vastly exceeded this small force of 21 bombers. Developed in utmost secrecy, the B-2’s gestation saw the use of new computer design and manufacturing techniques and ultra-modern synthetic materials making it the most revolutionary aircraft in terms of design and performance. This book examines these incredible aircraft.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is a very worthwhile addition to the story of contemporary warfare, and a good window into the use of this somewhat enigmatic stealth aircraft." -Mike McEvoy, Scale Aircraft Modelling

"Osprey's military titles are very subject-specific, allowing for a depth of focus most other general-interest surveys lack. Their latest titles are top picks military reference libraries will appreciate... Thomas Withington's B-2A Spirit Units in Combat... [is] an action-packed survey." -Midwest Book Review

About the Author

Thomas Withington is an independent defence and aviation historian based in London. His work has appeared in ‘The Financial Times’, ‘The Observer’, ‘The Guardian’ and ‘The Business’ newspapers, as well as in specialist publications such as ‘Flight International’ and ‘Global Defence Review’. He has written several video documentaries examining air power and he is a regular contributor to BBC radio and television, CNN and Channel Four news.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (July 25, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841769932
• ISBN-13: 978-1841769936
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 0.3 x 9.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #605,946 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE BEST BOOK OUT THERE ON THE B-2 SPIRIT, September 25, 2006

By 

Michael D. Rose "Ambassador for Christ" (Washington State, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: B-2A Spirit Units in Combat (Combat Aircraft) (Paperback)

There are a number of good books out on the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber - for example Bill Sweetman's INSIDE THE STEALTH BOMBER and Steve Pace's B-2 SPIRIT: The Most Capable War Machine on the Planet - but Thomas Withington's book breaks new and exciting ground by focusing on the aircraft's performance in actual combat. It's one thing to be a tremendously expense Cold War relic, but it's quite another to be a liable first strike capability in today's day and age. The combination of stealth low-observability, precision strike, long range, and payload flexibility makes the B-2 Spirit the weapon of choice at the start of hostilities. The book covers three campaigns - Allied Force, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom - and describes this aircraft's remarkable performance and some of it's short comings. This is a remarkable book packed with a lot of new information, good pictures, and great airwork. It's a must read for anyone interested in America's projection of global air power.

3.0 out of 5 stars Good book., April 22, 2010

By 

Mishka "VVS Fan" (Tucson, AZ United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: B-2A Spirit Units in Combat (Combat Aircraft) (Paperback)

Well I am not going to smack them down for not having the advertised "30 artworks" as this is a pretty dull plane, but all 21 aircraft COULD have easily been covered that is if the artist didn't die of boredom. So on to the book. Lots of color pictures that seem very dark to me with no definition in many areas. Still a good book with a great development section of the old flying wing, have blue, stealth etc. Why do we have a picture of Rumsfield in this? Anyways... for modeling, very few detail shots other than paintings and cover so don't think you will buy this and be able to count rivets or tape lines to add to your show winning B-2A model. Average book, the cheaper the better!