Modern Military Aircraft

Military aviation technology has developed enormously since the end of the Cold War, with new stealth aircraft and airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft augmenting the classic multirole fighters, strategic bombers and assault helicopters of the 1980s and 1990s. Modern Military Aircraft features 50 of the greatest aircraft of the last 30 years, divided into type: fighters, bombers and strike aircraft, transport and reconnaissance and helicopters. Discover the F-15 Strike Eagle tactical fighter, which with a top speed of Mach 2.5 (1800mph), is one of the fastest jets of the modern era; find out about Russia’s Kamov Ka-50 ‘Black Shark’ attack helicopter, with its characteristic coaxial contra- rotating rotor system and heavy-duty armament of S-8 rockets, autocannon, gun pods and bombs; explore China’s Shaanxi Y-9 and its state-of-the-art missile detection and identification abilities; and wonder at the latest USAF F-35 Lightning II stealth platform, perhaps the most capable multirole air superiority and strike aircraft in service today. Each entry includes a brief description of the type’s development and history, a detailed artwork, key features and specifications. Packed with more than 200 artworks and photographs, Modern Military Aircraft is an exciting guide for military historians and aviation enthusiasts.