{"product_id":"topgun-the-us-navy-fighter-weapons-school-fifty-years-of-excellence-9780764360145","title":"Topgun: The US Navy Fighter Weapons School: Fifty Years of Excellence","description":"This book provides a unique, illustrated history of the US Navy Fighter Weapons School's 50-year history. Currently located at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada, TOPGUN was formed in late 1968 at Naval Air Station Miramar, California, to create a graduate-level course in fighter tactics for Navy pilots deploying to Vietnam. Before TOPGUN, Navy F-4 Phantom II fighter crews in Vietnam managed only a 2.5:1 kill ratio versus Soviet-built MiG-17 and MiG-21 fighters: after TOPGUN formed, the community tallied a 12.5:1 kill ratio. Since then, TOPGUN has become the standard-bearer of Navy fighter and strike fighter tactics and training and is recognized worldwide as a center of excellence. \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eTOPGUN's tactics and pilot training are explained, as well as changes and developments throughout the years to the present day.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eAll aircraft flown at TOPGUN since its founding are shown.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eA-4 Skyhawk\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eT-38A\/B Talon\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eF-5E\/F Tiger II\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eF-16N Viper\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eF-14A Tomcat\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eF\/A-18 Hornet\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eF-16A\/B Falcon\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eF\/A-18E\/F Super Hornet\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003eBrad Elward has written on military aviation topics since 1997. He has authored articles on TOPGUN for \u003cem\u003eThe Hook\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eCombat Aircraft\u003c\/em\u003e magazines and has published 11 aviation books and over 50 aviation articles. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eElward, Brad:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e - A retired appellate attorney, Brad Elward has written on military aviation topics since 1997. He has authored articles on TOPGUN for \u003cem\u003eThe Hook\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eCombat Aircraft\u003c\/em\u003e magazines and has published 11 aviation books and over 50 aviation articles.","brand":"Schiffer Publishing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50510633730322,"sku":"9780764360145","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_256c1df8-0636-47d0-b8ab-4d115be7a32a.jpg?v=1730930974","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/topgun-the-us-navy-fighter-weapons-school-fifty-years-of-excellence-9780764360145","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}