Author Dan Hampton, a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, describes his time flying F-16 fighter jets, "Vipers," in over 150 combat missions. Discusses his training, missions, fellow pilots, and time in the Iraq War, Kosovo conflict, and first Gulf War.
Presents an introduction to the F-16 Fighting Falcon, a fighter aircraft flown by the U.S. Air Force, discussing its maneuverability, high-tech systems, speed capabilities, and firepower.
From 1986 to 2006, Lt. Col. Dan Hampton was a leading member of the Wild Weasels, the elite Air Force fighter squadrons whose mission is recognized as the most dangerous job in modern air combat. Weasels are the first planes sent into a war zone, flying deep behind enemy lines purposely seeking to draw fire from surface-to-air missiles and artillery. They must skillfully evade being shot down--and then return to destroy the threats, thereby making the skies safe for everyone else to follow. Today these vital missions are more hazardous than direct air-to-air engagement with enemy aircraft. Hampton's record number of strikes on high-value targets make him the most lethal F-16 Wild Weasel pilot in American history. Hampton spearheaded the 2003 invasion of Iraq, leading the first flight of fighters over the border en route to strike Baghdad. In the war that followed, he earned three Distinguished Flying Crosses with Valor. With manned missions rapidly giving way to remote-controlled UAV drones, Viper Pilot may be the last memoir by a true hero of the skies.--From publisher description.
Discusses the history of fighter planes, describes different types of airplanes used by the military, tells stories of fighter planes and their crews in action, and looks at what it takes to become a military fighter pilot.
