Military Engineering in Action

Fighter planes were made famous by the movie Top Gun, but they were first used during World War I and have become a standard symbol for the military. Through first-hand interviews, readers learn about the development and evolution of fighter planes, when and how they are used, and what it's like to be the pilots who fly them and the engineers who fix them.

The military uses helicopters for many reasons. Each chopper is designed for its specific purpose: transporting goods and troops, sending rockets and missiles at the enemy, or some combination thereof. Readers learn about the different kinds of military helicopters from the men and women who use them every day.

The trail to find Osama bin Laden was uncovered by human and satellite intelligence, and the raid that killed him was directed by a fleet of intelligence-collecting satellites over Pakistan. Even though we can't see them, satellites play a large role in reconnaissance and defense support. Students will learn about the rockets that launch satellites, how satellites are used, and how the military uses secret space planes and test vehicles that are ready to spy from space or engage in any possible space wars. Full color photographs, fact boxes, and comprehensive coverage of the history of the U.S. satellite program fill out this timely volume.

What is bioterrorism and how can the United States prepare and defend itself from this threat? Readers will learn about the history of biological warfare and terrorism-from ancient to medieval to modern times. Stories of a salmonella cult attack, a smallpox outbreak war game to test the nation's readiness for a biological attack, and biosecurity breaches in Tokyo describe some of the nation's experiences with biological warfare. Through informative text, full-color photos, and fact boxes, this book details US Army training against bioweapons, the future of biosecurity, and the prevention of bioweapon proliferation in the global community.

Cyber technology and counterterrorism are a hot topic today, and this book details how criminals, terrorists, and enemy governments attempt to use technology against the United States. How can we counter this threat? What training is our military and government using to prevent and/or repel cyberattacks? Students will learn about the cyber warriors who protect our nation's information networks. Historical accounts include narrative about the codebreakers during World War II. Full-color photos, engaging text, fact boxes, and information about how to prepare for a career in cybersecurity in the military round out this new title.

Although armored tanks have been in use since World War II, they have undergone changes in recent years. Used all over the world, the armored tank has become a standard military weapon. Readers learn how they work, what they do, and why they are so effective from the soldiers who operate them.

Students will meet a modern-day drone pilot and learn about the combat missions he performs. They will read about the history of UAVs, such as the use of pilotless balloons during the Civil War, and how these unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, are used in military operations today. Full-color photos highlight the technology behind drones and fact boxes detail how to prepare for a career as a UAV pilot.

Armored, weaponized, and able to navigate different terrains, the Humvee has been used by the U.S. military since the 1970s and continues to be a standard vehicle used in military operations. Soldiers in the field tell readers what it's like to operate Humvees in the field, and introduce them to the newest military vehicle, the MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected).

GPS technology is used in everything from car satellite systems to iPhones to FitBits. How does GPS actually work? Who takes care of the vast constellation of satellites that are needed to make these systems work? Enhanced with full-color photos and fact boxes, this book showcases current military technology and tools, historical accounts leading to today's global systems, and tips to prepare for a career in the military.

Firing Hellfire missiles in Afghanistan, launching Tomahawk cruise missiles from a destroyer, or manning the underground launch control panel for nuclear warheads is all part of America's military missile program. This book takes readers to the front lines, explaining the innovation, development, and use of precision-guided smart weapons, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and nuclear deterrence. They will learn about the dawn of the missile age and how the armed forces use these weapons. Fact boxes give detailed specs about the weapons and an inside look at military training.