Aircraft in American Literature

[andyo2000]

I'm currently trying to do a report on "The Symbiotic Relationship Between Aircraft and American Literature". Literature means fiction, so I can't use most of what I have on airplanes and the like. Therefore, if anyone has any American books, fiction, about aircraft or that are heavily influence by aircraft, please reply with the title and author, if available.

Sorry, but it has to be American books; although there are so many more books that aren't, I have to draw the line somewhere. Oh, and symbiotic means that the two things mentioned (aircraft and American literature) could not live without the other.

Thank you.

[simon]

Although I haven't read all of his books, "Vixen Zero Three" and "Dragon" by Clive Cussler broadly fit the bill since in each case an aircraft features prominently in the story line, whether it's enough to count as symbiotic is possibly open to individual interpretation though.

As for others, that's a bit tricky since I broadly try to stay away from fiction myself and I don't know whether Frederick E Smith is/was an American author, however if he is (Having read a couple of his books that seems doubtful), both the "633 Squadron" series and "A Killing for the Hawks" are definites. Even if not they are quite good reads in their own rights...

[GregP]

Richard Herman has a series of novels out about politics and flying the A-10 in dicey situations.

There are many others and I'll have a look-see and get back to you.

[GregP]

Also check out Dale Brown. His series of novels are definitely fiction, but all involve Air Force aircraft, mostly bombers.

[andyo2000]

Thank you very much to both of you; the info is already helping me in my research.

[GregP]

Some things I have noticed.

In Richard Harman's novels, the A-10 is depicted pretty much as it is in reality. That is, the best corner speeds, weights, max speeds, and effectiveness of the gun are pretty real. Switchology as described is real.

In Dale Brown's novels, he concentrates mostly on bombers that have been modified for stealth and have newer engines, avionics, weapons, and other elctronics that are not real. They also team up with other airborne and ground-borne resources to get the job done in ways that are not currently known to exist, but may well be there by now or be in development.

So, Dale's novels are about mythological aircraft and made-up political situations. Good reading for us aircraft freaks. Richard's are more about real capabilities and deployment in a force too small for the job in theaters that are unpopular, with little to no support from the home country. Also good reading, but of a different kind from Dale Brown.