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Skunk Works: A Personal Memoir of My Years of Lockheed Kindle Edition

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 4,073 ratings

This classic history of America's high-stakes quest to dominate the skies is "a gripping technothriller in which the technology is real" (New York Times Book Review).


From the development of the U-2 to the Stealth fighter,
Skunk Works is the true story of America's most secret and successful aerospace operation. As recounted by Ben Rich, the operation's brilliant boss for nearly two decades, the chronicle of Lockheed's legendary Skunk Works is a drama of Cold War confrontations and Gulf War air combat, of extraordinary feats of engineering and human achievement against fantastic odds. Here are up-close portraits of the maverick band of scientists and engineers who made the Skunk Works so renowned. Filled with telling personal anecdotes and high adventure, with narratives from the CIA and from Air Force pilots who flew the many classified, risky missions, this book is a riveting portrait of the most spectacular aviation triumphs of the twentieth century.


"Thoroughly engrossing." --Los Angeles Times Book Review
Popular Highlights in this book

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Lockheed's Advanced Development Project has set standards for the aerospace industry for half a century. Under its presiding genius, Clarence "Kelly" Johnson, the Skunk Works produced America's first jet fighter, the world's most successful spy plane (U-2), the first three-times-the-speed-of-sound surveillance aircraft and the F-117A stealth fighter. Rich was Johnson's right-hand man and succeeded him as director in 1975, retiring in 1990. In an entertaining style, the authors describe Johnson's tyrannical managerial style, his thorny but productive relationship with the Air Force and the stealth-technology breakthrough that revolutionized military aviation. Writing with freelancer Jonas, Rich also recounts Skunk Works' failures, including experiments with liquid hydrogen as a propellant and spy-drone flights over China's remote nuclear test facilities. He has much to say about the Defense Department bureaucracy and warns, "Everyone in the defense industry knows that bureaucratic regulations, controls, and paperwork are at critical mass... and... in danger of destroying the entire system." This is a significant book for those interested in aerospace research and development. Photos.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Since its inception in 1943, the Skunk Works has been one of the most top-secret military contractors. Now that the Cold War has ended, its story is uncloaked by former chief Rich, now retired. Using a small number of expert employees, the Skunk Works built technologically advanced aircraft that were disavowed by the government and its users, the Air Force and the CIA, for years after the aircraft were operational. The Skunk Works built notable planes such as the P-80 (the first operational jet fighter), U-2 (the high-altitude spy plane), and F-117A (the Stealth fighter). The story of Stealth's development is most interesting not only in the design, building, and testing but also in its origina in a Russian scientist's paper on aeronautics. There are first-person accounts of some of the missions flown by pilots and notes from many government officials. Highly recommended.
William A. McIntyre, New Hampshire Technical Coll. Lib., Nashua
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00A2DIW3C
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Little, Brown and Company; 1st edition (February 26, 2013)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 26, 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 8032 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 418 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 4,073 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4,073 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book fascinating and engaging. It provides insightful information about the design and development process of one of the most amazing aircrafts. Readers describe it as a great read for engineering-inclined people, history buffs, and CIA enthusiasts. They appreciate the humor and inspirational content. The book is described as profound and educational.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

390 customers mention "Readability"379 positive11 negative

Customers enjoy the book's engaging content and first-person account of Lockheed's Skunk Works. They find it fascinating and excellent, with interesting details about engineering. The book is described as a standout business book that highlights the importance of ingenuity. Readers also appreciate the detailed history and history surrounding the U-2 high altitude fighter.

"...reads like a great novel. But it’s all true!" Read more

"Excellent book on the history of Lockheed's Skunk Works, written by its second chief in its history...." Read more

"...This is just a terrific read, especially for anyone interested in how successful organizations of any kind work, how America truly did win the Cold..." Read more

"...The authors did a flawless job of making the book easy to read while detailing history they were part of...." Read more

205 customers mention "Insight"205 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and informative. It provides an insightful account of Skunk Works' technology development and how they pulled it off. Readers praise the book as a worthwhile read, not just for technical enthusiasts.

"Amazing insights into big time innovation and teamwork and leadership etc. reads like a great novel. But it’s all true!" Read more

"...The book is a great account of Skunk Works' technology development and how they pulled of the amazing work that they did...." Read more

"...Read it. It's a good one." Read more

"This is a great, deep-dive book with many insights into the design and development process of one of the most amazing airplanes ever built...." Read more

115 customers mention "Design"112 positive3 negative

Customers find the book provides insights into the design and development process of one of the most amazing, high-tech aerospace projects. They appreciate the details and complexity of the engineering challenges. The book is a great read for engineering enthusiasts, history buffs, and others interested in management. The storytelling conveys the engineering difficulty and seriousness of what needed to be done.

"...how America truly did win the Cold War, and how complexity challenges people with creative minds." Read more

"...explains how Area 51 was created, and then goes on to explain in pretty good depth the challenges involved in creating some of the most advanced..." Read more

"One of the most interesting and fascinating looks at intense engineering projects in aviation and how the machine works...." Read more

"This is a great, deep-dive book with many insights into the design and development process of one of the most amazing airplanes ever built...." Read more

43 customers mention "Intelligence"43 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's intelligence. They find it provides insightful descriptions of top-secret projects and products, as well as a look into the world of top-secret aerospace engineering. The book provides a personal account of the development of stealth technology and has all the elements of a great spy story.

"Skunk Work's by Ben Rich was a personal insight on Americas most secretive company from the beginning with Kelly Johnson to the end with Ben Rich...." Read more

"...IT talks about the organization that built the planes (Skunk Works division of Lockheed), and the challenges that it faced in doing so...." Read more

"...In addition he has many outside sources from the military and government who give their opinions and perspectives on the various projects, from..." Read more

"Skunk works is the true story behind the coolest, high tech, top secret, aerospace engineering division operated by the Lockheed Martin corporation...." Read more

24 customers mention "Humor"24 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They find it entertaining and informative, with anecdotes that make them laugh. Readers appreciate the extra quips from insiders and outsiders. The book is described as a great adventure and introduction to a popular boy toy.

"...It is entertaining, informative, and a great historical account of the design and development procurement process of the 'Skunk Works'." Read more

"...An easily readable, interesting and sometime funny account of some of the greatest aircraft ever designed and the factory which consistently..." Read more

"...Written in excellent style with touches of humor and humanity. I didn't want it to end!..." Read more

"...Definitely a fun read though, interesting insights...." Read more

20 customers mention "Inspirational content"20 positive0 negative

Customers find the book inspiring and educational. They describe it as a profound, gutsy read that draws them into their world. The story is thrilling with its brilliance and pioneer spirit.

"...The book also server as an inspirational read for every executive in the technology field with the ambition to move the company from "average" or "..." Read more

"When you read this book, you get a very good sense of the work atmosphere at Skunk Works: diligence, engineering excellence, zeal, and character...." Read more

"...of the F-117, this book is about leadership, teamwork and dedication. SIMPLY AMAZING, A MUST READ!" Read more

"...The storytelling is great, conveying the engineering difficulty and seriousness of what needed to be accomplished without ever losing the impish,..." Read more

16 customers mention "Military relevance"16 positive0 negative

Customers find the book relevant for those interested in military aircraft and creative development. It provides personal accounts from pilots, air force personnel, and high-ranking government officials. Readers appreciate the stellar advanced military R&D and legendary engineers and pilots' achievements. Overall, it is a great resource about a national resource.

"...of advanced aircraft development but a masterclass in innovation, leadership, and adaptability...." Read more

"...The book also makes for excellent military and therefore world history...." Read more

"...as well as personal observations by actual pilots and high government officials, regarding the efficacy and impact of these revolutionary aircraft...." Read more

"...Rich story, with interesting first hand accounts from pilots, air force personnel, and highly placed government officials...." Read more

16 customers mention "Performance"16 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's performance. They find it well-written and a great look into one of the greatest US programs. The decisions and outcomes are fantastic, and the Skunk Works is a legendary program.

"...of Skunk Works' technology development and how they pulled of the amazing work that they did...." Read more

"...'s experiences and his descriptions of the decisions and their outcomes is fantastic...." Read more

"...I think it was well written and did justice to one of the greatest USA aviation stories...." Read more

"...Through the eyes of Ben Rich, we get a first look at how things operated. Kelly Johnson was intuitively connected with every aspect of design...." Read more

A Must-Read Book!
5 out of 5 stars
A Must-Read Book!
If you work in the defense industry or have a fascination of military aviation, then this book is for you! The authors did a flawless job of making the book easy to read while detailing history they were part of. The book is a great account of Skunk Works' technology development and how they pulled of the amazing work that they did. One question that a reader can use as a self-assessment is, am I a Skunk Works style worker or a worker at the main plant? I personally finished the book with a greater urge to be better than my current self and aspire to be someone that Kelly Johnson and Ben Rich would be proud of. Individual take-aways will vary, but I definitely recommend reading this book! I'll bet that you will not be disappointed that you did.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2024
    Amazing insights into big time innovation and teamwork and leadership etc. reads like a great novel. But it’s all true!
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2024
    What a great book. I have recommended it a few times and everyone who I know how read it has enjoyed it. The book nonchalantly explains how Area 51 was created, and then goes on to explain in pretty good depth the challenges involved in creating some of the most advanced aircraft in history. Read it. It's a good one.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2007
    Skunk Works is the inside story of an organization that has developed some of the most secret and most interesting pieces of aviation technology in modern history.

    The author Ben Rich was the head of the Lockheed Skunk Works from 1975 to 1990 and prior to that occupied various positions in the organization for many years including second in command to the originator of the Skunk Works Kelly Johnson. Skunk Works is all about that organization as seen through the eyes of Ben Rich and he saw most everything while he was there.

    The book starts off in Rich's later years as head of the Skunk Works with the development of the F-117 and the origins of stealth technology (essentially the ability to avoid detection by modern radar systems, the holy grail of military aviation supremacy). After we get the inside story on the F-117 and its development Rich takes us back to earlier projects such as the U2 and the absolutely tremendous Blackbird or SR-71 which even today ranks as one of the most incredible planes ever developed.

    While most of the book is devoted to the history of these various projects there is some examination by Rich of the organizational system used by the Skunk Works and how its efficiencies were leveraged. Some of this information seems a bit dated, but that is not unexpected given that the book was published in 1994. Still, there are some interesting points that Rich makes in this section regarding the consolidation of companies within the aircraft industry.

    Rich's inside knowledge of the trials and tribulations of being on the cutting edge of aviation technology makes for terrific reading. In addition he has many outside sources from the military and government who give their opinions and perspectives on the various projects, from test pilots to secretaries of defense. These anecdotes and asides add a lot to the book and really back up the perspective that Rich gives on the Skunk Works organization as one that innovates beyond all others in its industry.
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2024
    If you work in the defense industry or have a fascination of military aviation, then this book is for you! The authors did a flawless job of making the book easy to read while detailing history they were part of. The book is a great account of Skunk Works' technology development and how they pulled of the amazing work that they did. One question that a reader can use as a self-assessment is, am I a Skunk Works style worker or a worker at the main plant? I personally finished the book with a greater urge to be better than my current self and aspire to be someone that Kelly Johnson and Ben Rich would be proud of. Individual take-aways will vary, but I definitely recommend reading this book! I'll bet that you will not be disappointed that you did.
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-Read Book!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2024
    If you work in the defense industry or have a fascination of military aviation, then this book is for you! The authors did a flawless job of making the book easy to read while detailing history they were part of. The book is a great account of Skunk Works' technology development and how they pulled of the amazing work that they did. One question that a reader can use as a self-assessment is, am I a Skunk Works style worker or a worker at the main plant? I personally finished the book with a greater urge to be better than my current self and aspire to be someone that Kelly Johnson and Ben Rich would be proud of. Individual take-aways will vary, but I definitely recommend reading this book! I'll bet that you will not be disappointed that you did.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Customer image
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2024
    Despite all that Janos and Rich include in this story of the Skunk Works one can’t help but wonder what was left out due to security reasons. Their story will make the reader stop and wonder where this country would be if it weren’t for people like those who worked so diligently at the Skunk Works. Were it not for the engineers, people on the line and test pilots the R and D that went on to develop the aircraft that causes our chests to swell might never have been designed. I could rehash Rich’s story, but trust me when I say half the fun is discovering how the entire crew at Skunk Works was able to do what they did despite the government and the squabbles between the the armed forces. Giving only a hint of what’s in store for the reader I will say only: P 38, U2, Black Bird and Stealth. All appeared much earlier than you might think.
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2024
    This is a great, deep-dive book with many insights into the design and development process of one of the most amazing airplanes ever built. Ben Rich uses 'Other Voices' throughout the book bringing in thoughts from others along the way about the role they played. It is entertaining, informative, and a great historical account of the design and development procurement process of the 'Skunk Works'.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2024
    Skunk Work's by Ben Rich was a personal insight on Americas most secretive company from the beginning with Kelly Johnson to the end with Ben Rich. Kelly spent most of his career making dozens of planes and Ben captures the changes in the military industrial complex, red tape, and over-expenditures of the complex programs that exist today that would only allow him to develop a few aircraft that are known to exist. Captivating and a must read to have an insight on todays modern programs and how the government acquires new assets in aviation.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2024
    Excellent book on the history of Lockheed's Skunk Works, written by its second chief in its history. It tells all about development of the U-2, SR-71 & F-117 airplanes.
    The author even managed to describe in detail, the management and financial organization of the Skunk Works, without making it boring. Honestly, any commercial competitor, or even adversary or friendly governments, would be wise to read this and use it as a template for how to set up and run their own successful Skunk Works.
    The author died decades ago, but he was remarkably prescient in his guesses as to how the next wars would be fought.
    This book is a keeper. I'm getting a print copy.

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • adam deschenes
    5.0 out of 5 stars a great book for the plane lover
    Reviewed in Canada on August 28, 2024
    the type of book that you start and finish quick because you want to know what next in the history
  • Rodolfo Fernandes
    5.0 out of 5 stars Nota 10
    Reviewed in Brazil on January 8, 2024
    Excelente livro.
  • RC
    5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful Read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 24, 2024
    This is a great book and I would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in Skunkworks. You will be left amazed reading into the stories behind some of the greatest engineering innovations of all time.
  • willow
    5.0 out of 5 stars awesome
    Reviewed in Germany on November 2, 2024
    havent read the full book yet but so far its been very great and ive already learned about some cool aircraft like the lockheed have blue, so if you like secret american jet projects youll love this book
  • Sebastiao Barata
    5.0 out of 5 stars If you like airplanes you need to read this book.
    Reviewed in Spain on October 28, 2024
    This is a must read for someone that likes airplanes.
    This insightful book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of some of the United States' most iconic aircraft. It demystifies complex engineering concepts, explaining in clear terms why these designs were so groundbreaking and how a dedicated team of innovators pushed the boundaries of what was possible.
    Whether you're an engineer or someone who avoids math at all costs, "Skunk Works" is a captivating read. It's a must-read for anyone interested in American history, as it tells a story that should be known by all.

    Who should read it? Anyone with a curiosity about history, defense, or the aerospace industry.

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