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Skunk Works: A Personal Memoir of My Years at Lockheed Paperback – Illustrated, February 1, 1996

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 4,153 ratings

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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
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Dynamite -- the true story of one of America's crown jewels." ―Tom Clancy

"Thoroughly engrossing."―
Los Angeles Times

From the Back Cover

Skunk Works is the true story, told for the first time, of America's most secret and successful aerospace operation. As recounted by Ben Rich, the operation's brilliant boss for nearly two decades, the story of Lockheed's legendary Skunk Works is a high-stakes drama of cold war confrontations and Gulf War air combat, of extraordinary feats of engineering and human achievement against fantastic odds.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0316743003
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Back Bay Books; First Edition (February 1, 1996)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 372 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780316743006
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0316743006
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1.45 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 4,153 ratings

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4.7 out of 5 stars
4,153 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book fascinating and absorbing. They appreciate the insights into design and development processes. The book provides valuable information about intelligence and top-secret projects. Readers describe it as entertaining with funny anecdotes. Customers find the content inspiring, profound, and gutsy.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

393 customers mention "Readability"382 positive11 negative

Customers find the book fascinating and absorbing. They say it's an excellent account of the history of Lockheed's Skunk Works, written by its second chief in 1950. Readers appreciate the details and insights into the power of American ingenuity provided by the story. The book is described as a standout business book that highlights the importance of ingenuity and the power of a company.

"...Through a combination of great leadership and unincumbered work flows they fostered legendary engineering and build quality...." Read more

"This is an amazing, absorbing read...." Read more

"...of being on the cutting edge of aviation technology makes for terrific reading...." Read more

"What a great book. I have recommended it a few times and everyone who I know how read it has enjoyed it...." Read more

212 customers mention "Insight"212 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.

"...The Skunk works was/is responsible for some of the greatest military technology ever created...." Read more

"...It's PG-13 for occasional mild swearing. This would also be great for business owners, especially those involved in manufacturing--or inventors!" Read more

"...that has developed some of the most secret and most interesting pieces of aviation technology in modern history...." Read more

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

116 customers mention "Design"113 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.

"...of great leadership and unincumbered work flows they fostered legendary engineering and build quality...." 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

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

"...It is now resplendantly displayed in our Spirit of Freedom Hanger with all kinds of SR-71 artifacts and information (including sound) and raised off..." 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.

"...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 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

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

25 customers mention "Humor"25 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.

"...oversaw critical spy and stealth planes is at turns jaw-dropping and hilarious...." Read more

"...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

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 "Leadership"16 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides insights into leadership styles and management. They appreciate the personal observations by pilots, engineers, and government officials. The book also offers insights into business, managing innovative projects, and human nature.

"...Through a combination of great leadership and unincumbered work flows they fostered legendary engineering and build quality...." Read more

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

"...read, not just for the technical nuggets but also for a view on management styles, including that of Rich's predecessor and mentor Kelly..." 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 January 16, 2025
    Kelly Johnson created something unique in all the world, and Ben Rich successfully continued the legacy and philosophy. Sadly, I think the time for this type of free-spirited and autonomous organization has passed.

    The Skunk works was/is responsible for some of the greatest military technology ever created. Most of what they built was years or decades ahead of its time. Through a combination of great leadership and unincumbered work flows they fostered legendary engineering and build quality. Sadly, I think the days of this type of independence and a single-minded quest for excellence are no more. Political selfishness and misguided priorities have likely made the Skunk Works just another bloated and tightly controlled contractor. This book tells the highly interesting story of what was once possible in a different time, and a different country. Recommended for anyone interested in the greatest mid-century aircraft technology and the people responsible. Ben Rich tells a good story and was a remarkable visionary.
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2024
    This is an amazing, absorbing read. The memoir of the head of Lockheed during the period that oversaw critical spy and stealth planes is at turns jaw-dropping and hilarious. Okay, so I'm a bit nerdy--when I saw the SR-71 Blackbird sitting on the grass in Florida, I was tempted to touch the giant bird. It's just that cool. Reading some of the technical details just ratcheted up my awe for this engineering marvel.

    Okay, maybe that's not your choice of book. But it would be a great gift for engineers and nerds of all types. You know, like the uncle who knows the details about every plane at the airport. It's PG-13 for occasional mild swearing. This would also be great for business owners, especially those involved in manufacturing--or inventors!
  • 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.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • 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 January 2, 2025
    It is sad that the world is a terribly bad neighborhood that forces our great minds and resources do the work of war.
    This book reads like a novel. Fascinating.
  • 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
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  • 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.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2025
    Really good- the insights in the final chapters are scary as they are what we are facing now.

Top reviews from other countries

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  • 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.
  • Aurel
    5.0 out of 5 stars Super livre
    Reviewed in France on February 16, 2025
    Super livre
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 26, 2025
    Waited a year for this book to be delivered despite first printing in 1994, 30 years ago! Actually forgot about it. Fascinating book, couldn’t put it down.
  • 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