AH-64D Apache Longbow

Gr 4–8—Using clipped sentences that are nonetheless detail heavy, these portraits of currently active U.S. war craft will rivet both casual and avid fans. Hamilton makes only brief references to particular missions or theaters of service, focusing instead on each aircraft's history, unique features, typical weaponry, electronic systems, and engines. One or more large color photos on every spread either show the craft in flight or zoom in on cockpits and other specifics. Along with setting the featured machines in historical context (noting, for instance, that the F-35 Lightning II is designed to replace the F-16 and F/A-18), Hamilton describes several variant models of each aircraft. "Xtreme Fact" text boxes include fascinating and unusual facts such as the B-2 Spirit's actual cost ($2.1 billion each, including research and development).