Northrop F-89 Scorpion: A Photo Chronicle (Schiffer Military History)

Excellent book on the development, history, variants, and usage of the F-89 Scorpion. Highly recommended book at a very reasonable price.

The Scorpion has been neglected for a very long time, which is ashame because of its importance in the defense of the USA, and the step to creating better performing aircraft for that role. the majority of the photos are black and white, which is fine because of the time in the 20th Century. There are color photos too that shows you the unique color schemes and pride that each squadron had, adding to Esprite d'corps. If you have an interest of the early jets of the USAF this is a nice book to add to your collection.

Comprehensive review of the old F-89 with some beautiful color pictures.A+++++++++++++++

Great detail of early USAF jet.

As we get further away from the 50s-60s fewer people, even aviation buffs, will have first hand memories of the Scorpion.When I was a kid growing up on air bases, the 89s were already old and used only by Air National Guard squadrons who were waiting for something a bit newer, with more performance and capability, to come along.Still I liked them. Yes, they were underpowered and I'm sure their electronics/radar left a great deal to be desired, but the aircraft had the look of something that wouldn't let you down.The Air Force's first purpose built radar interceptor (the F-94 beat it into service because it was based on the available F-80/T-33 airframe) the '89 laid the foundation for later NORAD operations with the advanced F-101Bs, F-102s and 106s. More surprisingly, it had a long operational life lasing in diminishing numbers) into the late 60s, whereas many other military jets (in the US and abroad) were lucky to see 10 years service.The book starts off with a quick review of the requirement that prompted Northrop to build a follow on to their semi-famous P-61, while also looking at the competition (the F-87 the failure of which closed the famous Curtiss company's doors forever).Most of the book is divided into sections that detail the operational use by Air Force and Air Guard units, with a entire chapter devoted to its use in Alaska and Greenland. Training units and test aircraft are also featured as are a look at some of the survivors.There are some dry official history-style passages on the units, but the heart of the book is the great selection of color and B&W photos.It's fun book, I still look through it on occasion to remember those days when men trusted their lives to early jets and electronics with technology not far removed from WWII.

I flew 1100 hours in the F-89 and have a small informal collection about this unique aircraft that I've accumulated over the years. This book is the tops in its class and I would recommend it. I have flown in the "nuke" bird, 53-2457, which is now on display at the Montana ANG facility in Great Falls, Montana. Good job.

Ottimo book fotografico per storici e modellisti