Strike Eagle: Flying the F-15E in the Gulf War [Paperback]

William L. Smallwood (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1998

Taking readers into the cockpit of the U.S. Air Force's F-15E, the pilot-author of Warthog: Flying the A-10 in the Gulf War recounts the all-too-human experiences of war in the skies over Baghdad.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

This latest addition to the Persian Gulf War literature focuses on the 48 F-15E Strike Eagles that fought over Iraq and the men who flew them. The Strike Eagle, a two-seat attack version of the F-15 interceptor, was barely combat qualified when the war began, and those manning them had to cope with inexperience, spotty leadership, bureaucratic rigidity in higher command, the fatigue of two or three missions per day, and formidable Iraqi ground defenses. Both planes and crews acquitted themselves well, though; among other achievements, they became the backbone of the "Scud-busting" so crucial to keeping Israel out of the war. This thorough, readable account of state-of-the-art warfare is based on extensive interviews as well as documents and will be exceptionally worthwhile reading for those interested in aviation and the Persian Gulf War. Roland Green --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

- "Strike Eagle is an aviation book for non-aviators and aviators alike. It is a good war story-a good flying story-a great book! . . . I've read many books about the Gulf War-this is the best yet." -The Pentagon's Friday Review of Defense Literature --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Potomac Books Inc. (January 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1574881221
• ISBN-13: 978-1574881226
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,442,673 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brutally realistic account of life in the Strike Eagle!, August 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Strike Eagle: Flying the F-15E in the Gulf War (Paperback)

As a former F-15E WSO in the 336TFS depicted in this book, I can say with absolute confidence that this is a totally accurate account of the Strike Eagle in Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Mr. Smallwood took great pains to interview as many of us that flew the aircraft as was humanly possible and he has MORE facts than the Air Force in terms of the leadership problems and difficulties in fielding a new aircraft with new crewmember in a combat situation. This book brought back laughs, sobs and the very smell of being in the jet! He described instances that I was involved in as if he were standing there when it happened. If you ever looked at the F-15E and wondered what it would be like; read this book! It is very accurate and reflects the emotions of going off to "war" and being in combat. All of us that flew the aircraft salute Bill Smallwood for his insight and commitment to accuracy.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!, April 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Strike Eagle: Flying the F-15E in the Gulf War (Paperback)

This is an unbelievably enjoying book. It really shows that the fighter pilot role is not easy. An excellent supplement to this book is the combat sim Janes F-15. As you can gain the terminology that will translate both ways. Also you will understand the F-15E's complicated radar, and the load put on the pilots

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Strike Eagle: A Brilliant Book, February 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Strike Eagle: Flying the F-15E in the Gulf War (Paperback)

This book has brought me hours of enjoyment as I have read it three times. It is hard to get enough of the real-world action that this book delivers. I would recommend it as an addition to anyone's library.