Century Jets: USAF Frontline Fighters of the Cold War

Flight Journal, Dec 2004

Century Jets: USAF Frontline Fighters of the Cold War by David Donald; AirTime; Publishing Inc., 120 East Ave., Norwalk, CT 06851; 288 pages; illustrated; $34,95.

When someone mentions the Century Series, many remember those six great fighters that symbolized U.S. Air Force power during the Cold War. The types are all familiar: the North American F-100 Super Sabre, McDonnell F-101 Voodoo, Convair F-102 Delta Dagger, Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, Republic F-105 Thunderchief and Convair F-106 Delta Dart.

David Donald's new book comprehensively covers each of these famous aircraft from development to final disposition. Combat uses are included where appropriate. For instance, the F-100 section includes excellent information on its Vietnam operations. The F-101 chapter includes a brief history of its predecessor, the F-88. The F-102, the first pure delta-wing fighter to enter service, has an in-depth history followed by an extensive unit breakdown, as does the sleek F-104-a product of the brilliant Kelly Johnson and the legendary Lockheed Skunk Works. The F-105 "Thud" chapter reveals its extensive use in Vietnam, and F-106 completes the examination with a nice section that shows the tail markings of all 106 operators as well as USAF Air Defense Command and Air National Guard patches.

The worldwide use of these aircraft is well documented here, too, with tremendous photos, 3-view and side-view color artwork and cutaway drawings. This book on the Century Series is easily one of the best and deserves to be on the bookshelves of those who are interested in these Cold War aircraft.