Elm Grove Publishing
Jeffrey D. Guidry is a private pilot, aviation historian and avid collector of military flight gear. A lifelong passion for aviation – and in particular the USAF Thunderbirds – was the impetus for this unique book. The effort involved more than 23 years of research, countless interviews, and onsite visits to Nellis AFB, Gentex Corporation (which produces the helmets) and aviation museums across the United States.
The Red Helmet
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Thunderbirds
FLIGHT HELMETS
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Jeffrey D. Guidry
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Foreword by Brig. Gen. Edward "Dan" Cherry, USAF (Retired)
The first ever book to explore the history, development and evolution of the United States Air Force Thunderbirds flight helmets, from the team's inception in 1953 to the present day. Learn the origin and meaning of the Native American Thunderbirds emblem and how this came to be the iconic image we associate with America's "Ambassadors in Blue."
Follow the detailed process of hand-crafting a modern flight helmet, and witness the meticulous designing, painting and stunning graphics that set these helmets apart.
Meet several Thunderbirds pilots through in-depth human interest interviews, and go behind the scenes at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, home of the Thunderbirds.
The book also includes hundreds of black and white and full-color photos of Thunderbirds flight helmets from the pilots who used them, as well as museums and private collections spanning 66 years.
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342-pages, large format 8.5" x 11" (215mm x 280mm) casebound hard-cover, profusely illustrated with color and b/w photographs, most of which have never been previously published.
* To order multiple copies or for overseas shipping, please email.
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