This is the story of the Naval Air Development Unit (NADU) that operated at Naval Air Station South Weymouth, Massachusetts between 1953 and 1961. NADU was a little-known regular Navy command that provided flight testing support for secret military R&D projects associated with the MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Office of Naval Research, Naval Research Laboratory, Air Force Cambridge Research Center, MITRE Corporation, and similar organizations. Perhaps the most important project that NADU was involved with was the pioneering computerized Semi-Automatic Ground Environment or "SAGE" air defense system. Though largely forgotten today, NADU had one of the most diverse fleets of aircraft in the Navy. NADU operated jet fighters, radar picket aircraft, anti-submarine aircraft, transports, and blimps. This 571 page book is a comprehensive illustrated history of NADU, telling its complete story for the first time ever using detailed narrative, 405 illustrations, and personal... More > remembrances from NADU veterans.< Less
You must be logged in to post a review.
Please log in
2
People Reviewed This Item
By Marc Frattasio
May 15, 2012
This is an excellent book about a nearly forgotten part of naval aviation history that will be appreciated by anybody who is interested in military technology, naval aviation, or Naval Air Station South Weymouth. It is very informative, filled with interesting photos, and has a lot of really nice first-person stories from veterans who were involved in NADU. I highly recommend it.
John has done an excellent job in researching the history of NADU. As one of the first members of NADU, I find his research very thorough. The anecdotes and memories he collected from former members are just great, bringing back many of my memorable days with NADU.
