U.S. Warplanes - Set of 6

The B-1 Lancer

Designed as a long-range nuclear bomber, the B-1 bomber was meant to protect the United States from the Cold War threat of the Soviet Union. Instead, it became the butt of comedian's jokes for its huge price tag and mechanical problems. Fourteen years after the first Lancer was delivered to the Air Force, the plane proved its critics wrong over the skies of Iraq in 1998.

The B-2 Spirit

After the terrorist attacks of September 11,2001, six B-2 bombers took off from Whiteman Air Force Base. Their mission was to fly halfway around the world and hit ground targets in Afghanistan. Aside from being the longest combat mission in the history of aviation, this mission ushered in a new age of modern warfare. For the first time, the U.S. Air Force had a bomber that combined long range, a large payload, near-precision weapons,and stealth.

The B-52 Stratofortress

Affectionately known as Buffs (Big Ugly Fat Fellows) by those who fly them, the B-52 has been in constant use for half a century. This workhorse of the United States Air Force, which has been active in U.S. military strikes against Afghanistan, has had a colorful history that is unlike that of most other well-known warplanes.

The C-130 Hercules

Described as lumbering, the C-130 Hercules transport plane is not much to look at. Like its mythical Greek namesake, however, the Herc is incredibly strong. Able to carry troops, equipment, jeeps, and tanks to the front lines of the world's hotspots, the C-130 makes rapid deployment of the armed forces possible. It can also serve as a gunship, a flying gas station, and an emergency room. In the civilian world, the Herc is valuable in fighting forest fires and delivering humanitarian relief supplies.

The F/A-18 Hornet

In 1973, the United States Air Force asked aircraft companies to design a new, lightweight fighter aircraft. The result was the F/A-18 Hornet. The Hornet entered regular military service in 1983 and made its first war appearance in 1991 in the Gulf War. Since then, Hornets have been involved in actions in Bosnia-Herzegovina and have stayed in the Persian Gulf to prevent Iraqi aggression. The Hornet has proved to be valuable in fighting terrorists in Afghanistan.

The F-14 Tomcat

Born in the darkest days of the Cold War and designed to combat the menace of the Soviet Union, the F-14 Tomcat's mission has changed dramatically over the years–to patrol U.S. airspace for possible passenger jets hijacked by terrorists and to attack terrorist hideouts in the caves of Afghanistan. Adrian Gardner tells the fascinating story of the Tomcat's evolving role in a rapidly changing world. At the book's heart is a nuts-and-bolts description of the plane, its instruments, weapons, and capabilities, and the efforts made over the years to upgrade the mighty Tomcat and maintain its status as a state-of-the-art warplane.