Xtreme Aircraft

This title brings readers the history and excitement of the world's attempts at creating aircraft that are part plane and part spaceship. From NASA's space shuttles to Britain's Skylon to Virgin Galactic's Unity, readers learn the developments of the past that have led to the possibility of everyday travelers going where only highly trained astronauts have gone before. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. A&D Xtreme is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

Pilots take their skills to the next level in aircraft that perform aerobatic maneuvers. Readers fly along with some of today's most famous planes and pilots as they perform loops, rolls, spins, and more. The thrills and dangers of these aircraft are explored in riveting detail.

Who needs an engine to fly? Readers learn the many designs of today's gliders and the pilots who take to the skies for free flight. Descriptions of sports adventures including hang gliding and paragliding add to the excitement and danger found in some of today's most amazing gliders. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. A&D Xtreme is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

The special designs and challenges of fire and rescue aircraft, along with the unique skills of their pilots, are emphasized in full-color, dramatic photos. Readers fight fires in fixed-wing planes and specially designed helicopters carrying thousands of gallons of water or chemicals. They ride along on rescues that take on altitude, wind, snow, rain, fog, and more to bring injured people to safety.

Some planes fly with alternative forms of power. Electric motors, which may run on solar cells or batteries, are bringing the aviation industry closer to zero emissions and noiseless travel. Kids learn the benefits and challenges of electric aircraft and the newest and coolest futuristic aircraft flying today.

Readers learn that some pilots fly with their feet on the ground. Flying without a pilot at the helm, UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) take to the skies for surveillance, search and rescue, and even artistic displays. The skills needed to pilot these planes and helicopters may already be in the hands of young readers.