Customer Reviews

F-22 Raptor (Enthusiast Color Series)

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Highly recommended for those interested in modern aviation. I've followed this plane ever since I saw one of its first flights in 1990. Well written, with good photography, this book covers background and development, the YF-22 and -23 prototype competition, and the production F-22. I particularly liked the coverage of the advanced tactical fighter prosposals from other manufacturers, and the detailed differences between the prototype and production models. The book has a slightly breathless quality, as if the author couldn't wait to get it into print. Sweetman is good at that, though- check out his book "Aurora" in which he pieces together a compelling picture of the top-secret hypersonic spy plane from very little hard information. Much new technology to cover here. There is a 1998 article on the F-22 in "Air and Space Smithsonian" that is a good complement to this book.

Bill Sweetman wrote this book back in 1997 when the F/A-22 Raptor program was still in its maturing phase, but he has collected an incredible array of technical information which he presents with exceptional clarity. The only drawback is the premature time of the book's publication date and the author's avoidance to delve into numbers and minor details. Ths book though is very interesting and gives some little known facts about modern aerial tactics and the revolutionary capabilities of F/A-22 in this field. The photos are colored, large size and excellent, although many of them are taken from the Lockheed Martin production lines instead of the air.

Extremely in-depth information on the F-22 (answered many questions of mine, like why there seemed to be notches between the control surfaces). Ample info on the avionics (generally hard to find on this aircraft), with a narrative describing their employment. Great photos of an F-22 under construction. Rare photos of the other lesser known ATF entries are shown (check out Boeing's... same intake as the X-32).

I have the hardback edition (which is basically the same as the softcover edition in content), and I highly recommend this book if you are:

1) An F-22 Raptor enthusiast/supporter/fan etc.
2) A modern aviation buff. And....
3) Interested in advanced aircraft technology.

Author Bill Sweetman has been one of my favorite aviation authors for many years now because he has a nack of writing and presenting aircrafts in narrative form. He also is one of the few aviation authors I know of that actually is present at many of the unveiling and briefings of many of today's modern military aircraft, so when he writes, he's presenting facts and/or opinions based on facts from good sources. This book is no exception.

Along with is delightful insights on the F-22, he presents many then not-so-common photos of the YF-22/F-22 and conceptual artworks. All this combined makes this book, although a little dated (1998), still a must have reference for one's aviation library.

This soft cover features abundant pictures, and indepth coverage of the technical aspects of the marvelous warplane we know as the Raptor. This is definately an enthusiast's book, with a lot of description about the Raptor's capabilities. Check it out, I it think at this price it is a bargain - I bought it at a book store at twice the price.

-Great pictures
-Light and easy to carry
-No stupid filler material that most books cram in
-Answers to the technical questions I had about the F-22 and how it operates

For many years, aviation journalist Bill Sweetman has been on the cutting edge, reporting on new aircraft even before they make their first flight. "F-22 Raptor" is no exception.

"F-22 Raptor" is the story of the development of America's new air superiority fighter. Like most Bill Sweetman books, it combines gorgeous and rare color photographs with descriptions of the technology that goes into building this new wonder plane. His facts are good, and he has a knack for discovering rare photogaphs and secret information.

Technophiles and aviation enthusiasts should not miss this wonderful little book.

A well documented read on the USAF's premier Fighter aircraft. This book documents the history of the F-22 Raptor from its inception to its deployment into frontline squadrons. A good read, although for the avid model builder more close up photos of the landing gear, weapons bays and other flight surfaces would have been nice.