Evolution of U.S. Air Force Fighter Aircraft: Volume 2. 1946-2029 Paperback – January 16, 2026

Evolution of U.S. Air Force Fighter Aircraft Volume 2. 1946-2029Pictorial printed in Full COLOURThis series of books traces the 120-year evolution of U.S. Air Force (USAF) fighter aviation, from the acquisition of the first military aeroplane in 1909 to 2029. Volume 1 traced the trajectory of development highlights a shift from visual-range dogfighting in World War I to beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagement (Radar) in World War II. Volume 2 picks up in 1946 and continues to the current era of “systems of systems,” where manned fighters like the newly selected Boeing F-47 coordinate with autonomous unmanned aircraft. I did include some trainer aircraft if they were intended as fighters - but weren’t quite up to the task - or if they were specifically built to train fighter pilots. Book includes cutaway drawings and photo of many of the aircraft cockpits.Aircraft List Volume 2:Bell XP-83 Escort Fighter (1946)Republic F-84 Thunderjet Fighter/Bomber (1946)North American F-86 Sabre Fighter (1947)Curtiss-Wright XF-87 Blackhawk (1948)McDonnell XF-85 Goblin Parasite Fighter (1948)Northrop F-89 Scorpion Interceptor (1948)North American F-86D/K/L "Sabre Dog" All-Weather Fighter-Interceptor (1949)Lockheed F-94/YF-97 Starfire All-Weather Interceptor (1949)North American YF-93 Penetration Fighter (1950)Republic F-84F/XF-96 Thunderstreak Fighter/Bomber (1950)North American F-100 Super Sabre Fighter/Bomber (1953)Convair F-102 Delta Dagger Interceptor (1953)McDonnell F-101 Voodoo Fighter Aircraft (1954)Lockheed F-104 Starfighter Air Superiority Fighter (1954)Bell XF-109 VTOL Tiltjet Fighter (1955)Republic XF-84H Thunderscreech (1955)Republic F-105 Thunderchief Fighter/Bomber (1955)Convair F-106 Delta Dart All-Weather Fighter Interceptor (1956)North American F-107 Fighter/Bomber (1956)McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II Fighter/Bomber (1958)Lockheed YF-12 Interceptor (1963)Lockheed SR-71 Strategic Reconnaissance Aircraft (1964)General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark Multirole Aircraft (1964)McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle Air Superiority Fighter (1972)Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II (1977)General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon Multirole Fighter (1978)Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Attack Aircraft (1981)McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle Multirole Strike Fighter (1988)Lockheed F-22 Raptor Air Superiority Fighter (1997)Lockheed F-35A Lightning II Multirole Fighter (2006)Boeing F-47 Air Superiority Fighter (2029)Collaborative Combat Aircraft (2029) Read more