Illustrated A-Z catalogs of over 300 fighters and bombers, from the pioneering days of air fighting in World War I through to the powerful, high-speed jet aircraft of the present day. Describes all the truly classic aircraft, such as the Spitfire, Messerschmitt Bf109, Heinkel He111, F-14 Tomcat, MiGs, B-52 Stratofortress and B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. Features guides to the history of fighters and bombers, their technology and role in major conflicts around the world, including the first fighter aces, early bombing raids, Blitzkrieg, the Battle of Britain, the Dambusters, the Cold War, the Falklands and the Gulf Wars. Specification boxes for each aircraft provide at-a-glance information about their country of origin, first flight, power, armament, size, weights and performance. Includes a glossary explaining key aviation terms and abbreviations Book jacket.