Have Blue and the F-117A: Evolution of the "Stealth Fighter" (AIAA Education) [Paperback]

David C. Aronstein (Author), Albert C. Piccirillo (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1997 | ISBN-10: 1563472457 | ISBN-13: 978-1563472459

This text documents the history, observations and lessons learned from the development and acquisition of the first very-low-observable combat aircraft. The book is a case study of the high-payoff, low-profile strike fighter development effort (code-named "Have Blue" and "Senior Trend"). Most of the material presented in the book was once highly classified information. The Have Blue stealth technology demonstrator aircraft had its genesis in 1974 with studies of Soviet radar-guided air defence systems. In 1978, the Air Force initiated full-scale development of the F-117A under the Senior Trend programme, which aimed to create a weapon system capable of highly-survivable precision attacks against an enemy's high-value targets. In 1991, the aircraft played a key role in the air campaign against Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. The book describes the clear vision, strong leadership and teamwork, rapid-responsive decision making and keen focus on achieving an operational capability which marked the project. Also discussed are potential applications of the strategies used in the project to today's acquisition environment.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dr. David C. Aronstein is a principal aerospace engineer at ANSER in Arlington, Virginia, where he provides senior technical support to such programs as the Joint Strike Fighter and F-22 air superiority fighter.

Mr. Albert C. Piccirillo is a principal aerospace engineer and a manager of the Joint Technology Division at ANSER, where he leads technical and analytical efforts on advanced weapons systems, including the Joint Strike Fighter.

Product Details

• Paperback: 305 pages
• Publisher: Amer Inst of Aeronautics & (October 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563472457
• ISBN-13: 978-1563472459
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,289,076 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very competent overview of the program, September 5, 2010

By 

Ronald L. Constable - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Have Blue and the F-117A: Evolution of the "Stealth Fighter" (AIAA Education) (Paperback)

This book was done by two senior members of the AF stealth community, who were given full access to the program's early contractual paperwork, reports, etc. They have done an most admirable job digging the relevant facts out of the paperwork, and making useful comparisons to other programs. Having been a contractor engineering lead on this program for the 4 years the F-117 was truly created (1978-1982) I can testify that it accurately reflects the nature of the program and the important roles of various individuals to the extent that my knowledge permits. The book is intended, however, for professionals in the field, and won't exactly be a thrilling read for those who aren't interested in a lot of programmatic details.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book on the F-117A available, January 20, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Have Blue and the F-117A: Evolution of the "Stealth Fighter" (AIAA Education) (Paperback)

The book gives you insight straight from the engineers that worked on the prodject. A must for anyone who is interested in the story and development of the F-117A

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This is a good book on the development of Nighthawk, February 23, 2007

By 

Benjamin Yee (Columbia, MD United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Have Blue and the F-117A: Evolution of the "Stealth Fighter" (AIAA Education) (Paperback)

This book while seemingly very dry was actually interesting. I liked that there was a programatics/managerial look at the development of the airplane. There is also lots of development history and stuff.