Ernest M Snowden

This richly illustrated volume explores the F8U Crusader's storied role in Cold War and Vietnam-era naval aviation, from setting speed records to earning its reputation as the "Last of the Gunfighters." With unmatched dogfighting performance and a legacy spanning over four decades, the Crusader remains a standout in the history of carrier-based aircraft.Building upon the expertise of the authors and...

Building on the expertise of the authors and historians of the Naval Institute Press, the Naval History Special Editions are designed to offer studies of the key vessels, battles, and events of armed conflict.In 1942, half the aircraft spotted on an American carrier were SBD Dauntless dive bombers. From Coral Sea to Midway, they tipped over into near-vertical dives and...