Lock & Load

by Konstam, Angus; Halberstadt, Hans; March, Peter R.; Scutts, Jerry; Marriott, Leo

• ISBN13: 9781856486347
• ISBN10: 1856486346
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2002-10-01
• Publisher: PRC Publishing

Summary

The production of weaponry and the training of forces is as essential today as it has been at any time throughout history. As events such as September 11, the conflict in the Balkans, and Iraq's invasion of Kuwait show, the freedom and security of many countries depends on being properly equipped for defense or having an ally who is. In an era when the United States is the world's only remaining superpower, and conflict and unrest are rife, America's troops are needed around the globe now more than ever. Lock & Load looks at the weapons and troops of the American armed forces today. It is filled with action-packed photography of the equipment used in recent operations and conflicts including the Gulf, Kosovo, and Afghanistan. Separate chapters look at the destructive weapons of the forces on land, sea, and in the air. The book begins with a general introduction that gives a brief history of US forces, their postwar role, and their current position. It also talks about weapons research and procurement, the strategic role of the troops, and the weapons they require to fulfill this role as well as what might possibly be coming in the future. Featuring everything from handguns to tactical missiles and the vehicles that transport and deliver them, this fascinating book shows the firepower and might of the greatest armed forces in the world today. Book jacket.

Author Biography

Angus Konstam is a well-published author who specializes in military subjects on both sides of the Atlantic. He has also worked in national and maritime museums on both sides of the Atlantic, and as an underwater archaeologist and a naval officer Jerry Scutts has been a full-time military and aviation author since 1970, having previously worked as a magazine journalist and a book series editor. To date he has written some 50 books, mainly on aviation and naval subjects Hans Halberstadt is a photographer who specializes in military photography and is the author or coauthor of over 50 books, mostly on modern military topics Simon Forty is a writer and editor who has specialized in military publishing for nearly 25 years. Over that time he has contributed to many books on warfare past and present Leo Marriott is a respected author specializing in maritime and aviation subjects. He has written over 20 books covering topics as diverse as warships, lighthouses, Nelson, Titanic, airfields and airports, airline operations, and aircraft accidents

Table of Contents

Abbreviations	6	(2)
Introduction	8	(60)
Air Weapons	68	(62)
Land Weapons	130	(62)
Naval Weapons	192	(62)
Index	254	(2)
Picture Credits	256