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Skunk Works: A Personal Memoir of My Years at Lockheed Paperback – Illustrated, February 1, 1996

by Ben R. Rich (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 4,015 ratings
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This classic history of America's high-stakes quest to dominate the skies is "a gripping technothriller in which the technology is real" (New York Times Book Review).

 
From the development of the U-2 to the Stealth fighter, Skunk Works is the true story of America's most secret and successful aerospace operation. As recounted by Ben Rich, the operation's brilliant boss for nearly two decades, the chronicle of Lockheed's legendary Skunk Works is a drama of Cold War confrontations and Gulf War air combat, of extraordinary feats of engineering and human achievement against fantastic odds.
 

Here are up-close portraits of the maverick band of scientists and engineers who made the Skunk Works so renowned. Filled with telling personal anecdotes and high adventure, with narratives from the CIA and from Air Force pilots who flew the many classified, risky missions, this book is a riveting portrait of the most spectacular aviation triumphs of the twentieth century.

 

"Thoroughly engrossing." --Los Angeles Times Book Review
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  1. Print length
    372 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Back Bay Books
  4. Publication date
    February 1, 1996
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 1.45 x 8.25 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    9780316743006
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0316743006
  8. See all details
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Popular Highlights in this book
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Previous page
  1. Self-checking was a Skunk Works concept now in wide use in Japanese industry and called by them Total Quality Management.
    Highlighted by 562 Kindle readers
  2. Eighty percent efficiency would get the job done, so why strain resources and bust deadlines to achieve that extra 20 percent, which would cost as much as 50 percent more in overtime and delays and have little real impact on the overall performance of the aircraft itself?
    Highlighted by 557 Kindle readers
  3. Extremely difficult but specific objectives (e.g., a spy plane flying at 85,000 feet with a range of 6,000 miles) and the freedom to take risks—and fail—define the heart of a Skunk Works operation. That means hiring generalists who are more open to nonconventional approaches than narrow specialists.
    Highlighted by 487 Kindle readers
  4. The rule of thumb in the aerospace business was the more you build, the better you get at it. Our view was that efficiency was mostly the result of quality training, careful inspection, supervision, and high worker motivation.
    Highlighted by 435 Kindle readers
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Dynamite -- the true story of one of America's crown jewels." ―Tom Clancy

"Thoroughly engrossing."―Los Angeles Times

From the Back Cover

Skunk Works is the true story, told for the first time, of America's most secret and successful aerospace operation. As recounted by Ben Rich, the operation's brilliant boss for nearly two decades, the story of Lockheed's legendary Skunk Works is a high-stakes drama of cold war confrontations and Gulf War air combat, of extraordinary feats of engineering and human achievement against fantastic odds.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0316743003
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Back Bay Books; First Edition (February 1, 1996)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 372 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780316743006
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0316743006
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1.45 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 4,015 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Leo Janos

    Leo Janos

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  2. Ben R. Rich

    Ben R. Rich

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4,015 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book amazing, fascinating, and a great story. They say it provides interesting insights into big-time innovation and teamwork. Readers describe the writing quality as well-written, entertaining, and colorful. They appreciate that the technical content is explained in plain language and the jargon is kept to a minimum. Additionally, customers mention the book is entertaining and engaging.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
ReadabilityInformation qualityWriting qualityTechnical contentEnjoymentDetail
298 customers mention "Readability"298 positive0 negative

Customers find the book amazing, fascinating, and a keeper. They appreciate the excellent storytelling and attention to detail. Readers also mention the book is a great account of Skunk Works' technology development.

"...reads like a great novel. But it’s all true!" Read more

"...This book is a keeper. I'm getting a print copy." Read more

"...This is just a terrific read, especially for anyone interested in how successful organizations of any kind work, how America truly did win the Cold..." Read more

"What a great book. I have recommended it a few times and everyone who I know how read it has enjoyed it...." Read more

187 customers mention "Information quality"187 positive0 negative

Customers find the book interesting, captivating, and engaging. They say it's a deep-dive into the design and history of Lockheed's Skunk Works. Readers also mention the book captures some of the greatest times and efforts in our country's history.

"Amazing insights into big time innovation and teamwork and leadership etc. reads like a great novel. But it’s all true!" Read more

"Excellent book on the history of Lockheed's Skunk Works, written by its second chief in its history...." Read more

"...two iconic aircraft is absolutely ... well, pun intended here ... RIVETING. The narrative is exciting; how could it not be?..." Read more

"One of the most interesting and fascinating looks at intense engineering projects in aviation and how the machine works...." Read more

64 customers mention "Writing quality"58 positive6 negative

Customers find the writing quality of the book well-written, easy to read, and entertaining.

"...The authors did a flawless job of making the book easy to read while detailing history they were part of...." Read more

"...Talk about eye opening! Wow!Simply put, a great book, written so well that it reads like fiction (you know what I mean). I couldn't put it down!" Read more

"This book was extremely well written...." Read more

"...This book is well written and I highly recommend it!" Read more

45 customers mention "Technical content"42 positive3 negative

Customers find the technical content amazing and easy to read. They appreciate the jargon being kept to a minimum, the storytelling is great, and the information is well presented and organized. Readers also mention the book offers invaluable lessons for businesses aiming to remain relevant. They say it's an account of brilliant minds working together to create some of the greatest feats.

"...curve despite bureaucratic and budgetary challenges, the book offers invaluable lessons for businesses aiming to remain relevant in an ever-evolving..." Read more

"...and research done for this book is massive, and the information is well presented and organised. I read through this at full speed, didn't disappoint." Read more

"...The storytelling is great, conveying the engineering difficulty and seriousness of what needed to be accomplished without ever losing the impish,..." Read more

"...It's an easy read, the technical jargon is kept to a minimum. There was a lot more involved in developing stealth than I'd imagined." Read more

36 customers mention "Enjoyment"36 positive0 negative

Customers find the book entertaining, funny, and fascinating. They say it's a fast read for aviation buffs with touches of humor and humanity.

"...It is entertaining, informative, and a great historical account of the design and development procurement process of the 'Skunk Works'." Read more

"...An easily readable, interesting and sometime funny account of some of the greatest aircraft ever designed and the factory which consistently..." Read more

"...Written in excellent style with touches of humor and humanity. I didn't want it to end!..." Read more

"...Definitely a fun read though, interesting insights...." Read more

16 customers mention "Detail"16 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides an in-depth look at Kelly Johnson, the father of stealth aircraft. They appreciate the incredible detail and unique peek into some of the most famous planes to ever grace the skies. Readers also mention the cinematography is gorgeous and colorful.

"...It also provided an in-depth look at Kelly Johnson, the father of stealth aircraft, and the inner workings of Lockheed and their interfacing with..." Read more

"The first hand, behind the scenes, detail was really interesting. It explained why some of history happened...." Read more

"...There are also some great pictures that display the beauty of the aircraft that was built at the Skunk Works." Read more

"...Gave a great view of black projects that only a select few individuals know about...." Read more

A Must-Read Book!
5 out of 5 stars
A Must-Read Book!
If you work in the defense industry or have a fascination of military aviation, then this book is for you! The authors did a flawless job of making the book easy to read while detailing history they were part of. The book is a great account of Skunk Works' technology development and how they pulled of the amazing work that they did. One question that a reader can use as a self-assessment is, am I a Skunk Works style worker or a worker at the main plant? I personally finished the book with a greater urge to be better than my current self and aspire to be someone that Kelly Johnson and Ben Rich would be proud of. Individual take-aways will vary, but I definitely recommend reading this book! I'll bet that you will not be disappointed that you did.
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Top reviews from the United States

A Boynton
5.0 out of 5 stars Facinating!
Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2024
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Amazing insights into big time innovation and teamwork and leadership etc. reads like a great novel. But it’s all true!
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars If you like planes or top-secret stuff, this book is for YOU.
Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2024
Verified Purchase
Excellent book on the history of Lockheed's Skunk Works, written by its second chief in its history. It tells all about development of the U-2, SR-71 & F-117 airplanes.
The author even managed to describe in detail, the management and financial organization of the Skunk Works, without making it boring. Honestly, any commercial competitor, or even adversary or friendly governments, would be wise to read this and use it as a template for how to set up and run their own successful Skunk Works.
The author died decades ago, but he was remarkably prescient in his guesses as to how the next wars would be fought.
This book is a keeper. I'm getting a print copy.
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maelje
4.0 out of 5 stars Extraordinary story; great writing that could've been even better
Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2012
Verified Purchase
This is a phenomenal book, and I want to stress that the few criticisms I'm going to offer should not dissuade people from picking this up and reading it. With help from co-writer Leo Janos, Ben Rich has written a fascinating account of one of the most secretive and successful "black projects" outfits in American military history.

Lockheed's "Skunk Works" was responsible for developing the P-38, but its real fame began to build as it concentrated on spy planes during the Cold War, specifically the U2 and the SR-71 Blackbird. Rich's account of the conception, construction and deployment of these two iconic aircraft is absolutely ... well, pun intended here ... RIVETING. The narrative is exciting; how could it not be? Here you had a secretive division of a major aeronautical contractor working on planes that would change the course of world history, and this division was facing deadlines, problems with materials, difficulties in coming up with new construction methods, and on and on. The Blackbird's use of titanium alone proved a major engineering hurdle, given how difficult that metal is to work with, but Skunk Works pulled it off...and the Blackbird remains the FASTEST air-breathing aircraft ever constructed, years after its retirement!

Two brief criticisms: One, the "other voices" interludes sometimes break up the narrative flow a bit too much. But Rich being what he was -- the second leader of a highly complex organization -- would naturally feel drawn to this kind of structure, in which value is placed on multiple viewpoints. Two, and I can't believe I'm writing this: Most books, if length is a problem, suffer from being too long. With "Skunk Works," I was hoping it would last even longer. Again, though, the book's concision is indicative of its author's personality; Rich was a "get it done" kind of guy who belied the image of a greedy contractor stretching out a project for as long as possible. Skunk Works prided itself on making or even beating deadlines, and thus Rich the author wasn't going to write a bloated book.

This is just a terrific read, especially for anyone interested in how successful organizations of any kind work, how America truly did win the Cold War, and how complexity challenges people with creative minds.
20 people found this helpful
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Daniel & Amanda
5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-Read Book!
Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2024
Verified Purchase
If you work in the defense industry or have a fascination of military aviation, then this book is for you! The authors did a flawless job of making the book easy to read while detailing history they were part of. The book is a great account of Skunk Works' technology development and how they pulled of the amazing work that they did. One question that a reader can use as a self-assessment is, am I a Skunk Works style worker or a worker at the main plant? I personally finished the book with a greater urge to be better than my current self and aspire to be someone that Kelly Johnson and Ben Rich would be proud of. Individual take-aways will vary, but I definitely recommend reading this book! I'll bet that you will not be disappointed that you did.
Customer image
Daniel & Amanda
5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-Read Book!
Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2024
If you work in the defense industry or have a fascination of military aviation, then this book is for you! The authors did a flawless job of making the book easy to read while detailing history they were part of. The book is a great account of Skunk Works' technology development and how they pulled of the amazing work that they did. One question that a reader can use as a self-assessment is, am I a Skunk Works style worker or a worker at the main plant? I personally finished the book with a greater urge to be better than my current self and aspire to be someone that Kelly Johnson and Ben Rich would be proud of. Individual take-aways will vary, but I definitely recommend reading this book! I'll bet that you will not be disappointed that you did.
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One person found this helpful
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Danny
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome
Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2024
Verified Purchase
What a great book. I have recommended it a few times and everyone who I know how read it has enjoyed it. The book nonchalantly explains how Area 51 was created, and then goes on to explain in pretty good depth the challenges involved in creating some of the most advanced aircraft in history. Read it. It's a good one.
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Pete S
5.0 out of 5 stars incredible
Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2024
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One of the most interesting and fascinating looks at intense engineering projects in aviation and how the machine works. Filled with intrigue and mind blowing stories of technical acumen. Y these secret teams
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book About A Great Airplane
Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2024
Verified Purchase
This is a great, deep-dive book with many insights into the design and development process of one of the most amazing airplanes ever built. Ben Rich uses 'Other Voices' throughout the book bringing in thoughts from others along the way about the role they played. It is entertaining, informative, and a great historical account of the design and development procurement process of the 'Skunk Works'.
One person found this helpful
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Tom
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Book on Aviations Greatest Developments!
Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2024
Verified Purchase
Skunk Work's by Ben Rich was a personal insight on Americas most secretive company from the beginning with Kelly Johnson to the end with Ben Rich. Kelly spent most of his career making dozens of planes and Ben captures the changes in the military industrial complex, red tape, and over-expenditures of the complex programs that exist today that would only allow him to develop a few aircraft that are known to exist. Captivating and a must read to have an insight on todays modern programs and how the government acquires new assets in aviation.
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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adam deschenes
5.0 out of 5 stars a great book for the plane lover
Reviewed in Canada on August 28, 2024
Verified Purchase
the type of book that you start and finish quick because you want to know what next in the history
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Rodolfo Fernandes
5.0 out of 5 stars Nota 10
Reviewed in Brazil on January 8, 2024
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Excelente livro.
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willow
5.0 out of 5 stars awesome
Reviewed in Germany on November 2, 2024
Verified Purchase
havent read the full book yet but so far its been very great and ive already learned about some cool aircraft like the lockheed have blue, so if you like secret american jet projects youll love this book
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Sebastiao Barata
5.0 out of 5 stars If you like airplanes you need to read this book.
Reviewed in Spain on October 28, 2024
Verified Purchase
This is a must read for someone that likes airplanes.
This insightful book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of some of the United States' most iconic aircraft. It demystifies complex engineering concepts, explaining in clear terms why these designs were so groundbreaking and how a dedicated team of innovators pushed the boundaries of what was possible.
Whether you're an engineer or someone who avoids math at all costs, "Skunk Works" is a captivating read. It's a must-read for anyone interested in American history, as it tells a story that should be known by all.

Who should read it? Anyone with a curiosity about history, defense, or the aerospace industry.
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Matthias Wanovits
5.0 out of 5 stars A piece of history
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 24, 2024
Verified Purchase
You might have heard of a lot of famous fighter jets over time. This is the story behind them
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