Customer Reviews

Strike from the Sea: U.S. Navy Attack Aircraft from Skyraider to Super Hornet, 1948-Present

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This is wonderfully comprehensive and well written history of U. S. Navy attack aircraft and aviation over the past 60 years. The evolution of all the significant first-line planes and those that didn't quite make the grade and those that simply never left the drawing board is all presented in extremely readable and interesting fashion by Mr. Thomason. The quality and uniqueness of the photos and illustrations is excellent. The explanations of the differences, improvements, development of the aircraft and their weaponry is the best on the subject I've ever seen. A truly exceptional aviation volume, well above the usual offering. It expertly handles a complicated subject with great skill and accuracy. A fascinating and unique book, which I would unhesitatingly recommend to anyone interested in the subject matter. Additionally, Amazon is offering it at a very attractive price.

Just as good as "U.S. Naval Air Superiority", Thomason's previous book. Lots of insight into the development of modern strike aircraft, and plenty of information about the blind alleys (A2U Attack Cutlass, for example). Also a lot of information about the little-known money pit/procurement disaster, the General Dynamics A-12. Excellent pictures and first-rate text. Authorative and informative; highly recommended.

The book is thorough, comprehensive, very well written, accurate. A "must-have" for any one interested in carrier aviation.

I hesitate to write a review at this point, as I haven't finished it yet, but.........this is good. Very, very good. Enough background information to satisfy almost anyone. A perfect companion to his US Naval Air Superiority, but covering a longer time period.
You get the feeling that the work that went into this meant something, and the results are worth it. A touch of humour in what could be a dry subject in other hands. Also obvious personal knowledge of the people who were involved.
Production stanadrds are high, most photos I haven't seen published prior to this, and the side excursions into related (non attack) aircraft and or problems illuminate the subject. Having read many books over the years, every page tells me something I hadn't known before.
What's he going to write next?

I first encountered Thomason's work in the books he wrote in the Ginter Naval Fighters series. Impressed with what I read there I was led to his equally impressive book "US Naval Air Superiority" and to the present book.

Thomason really delivers. His text and captions are very informative. The illustrations are well chosen and there are numerous charts and graphs which complement the text brilliantly. Altogether a well produced product.

Despite the subtitle coverage is fairly complete from World War II forward. Not only are the familiar aircraft covered but coverage is given to failed types such as the North American A2J and Douglas A2D, projects like the Vought A2U, and losing proposals for the various competitions. Also, alternatives to manned strike aircraft like pilotless drones and cruise missiles are discussed.

Most interesting is degree to which delivery of nuclear weapons dictated the design of various aircraft. It was well known that aircraft such as the AJ, A3D, and A3J were designed with this in mind but it was a major consideration for the A4D and A2F as well.

Thomason discusses all the technical, tactical, strategic, economic, and political elements which went into the choices made. There is literally something new to be learned on every page even for the long time enthusiast.

Thomason also has a very comfortable writing style with wonderful touches of wry, understated humor. He is a delight to read.

Highly recommended. I hope there are more books in the pipeline.

This is an excellent book, with helpful illustrations and well-thought out commentary on the development of naval air power, in particular strike/attack aircraft, since the end of World War II. The discussions of the political/developmental climate in Washington during the 1980s, which lead to the current F/A-18E/F and JSF air wing concept is very well done.

I strongly recommend this book.