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

Great book with interesting accounts of the engineering that created some of the worlds most advanced aircraft.

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.

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.

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!

I learned soooo much reading this book. I had no idea of the complexities of designing and fabricating the "Blackbird," as well as the difficulty in flying it. The people who were employed by the Skunk Works were very dedicated and deserve our thanks.

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.

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.

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.