U.S. Naval Air Superiority
Development of Shipborne Jet Fighters 1943 - 1962

by Tommy H. Thomason

Specialty Press

Reviewed by Mick Evans

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This publication is a hard cover book and is a full colour glossy publication printed in a large wide format Speciality Press of the USA.  The publication covers the intersection of changing technologies (aerodynamics and power plants), politics, and the evolution of the ships and shipborne operations for jets fighters during the period that shaped today’s modern Navy.

The book contains 276 pages with over 100 colour and 200 black and white photographs.

Throughout the book there are some great photographs of Panthers, XF-1D Phantom, Fury, Banshee, Pirate, Skynight, Skystreak, Skyrocket, Fireball, Cougar, Cutlass, Demon, Sea Dart, Skyray, Corsair, Crusader, F4 Phantom and Tiger.  The book provides a good description of the development of aircraft carriers, in particular the approach and landing systems.  One interesting topic covered is the flex deck.  This is a landing concept where the aircraft has no undercarriage and lands on its belly on a landing area that is a rubber mat suspended on shock absorbers or inflatable bags.  The system incorporates the standard arrester wire system.

Overall this is a very good book detailing the shipborne jet fighter development years.

The book is authored by Tommy H. Thomason who worked as a flight test engineer, manager, and executive in the aerospace industry for almost 40 years, including two years as a flight test engineer on the F-4 Phantom.  He has flown more than 3000 hours in 60 different aircraft.

This book is a great addition to anyone’s library and in particular any person who is interested in the early years of US Navy jet aircraft and carrier development.

Recommended.