The book, The Cutting Edge represents a pictorial study of modern United States naval aviation as seen through the eyes of navy pilot and author C. J. "Heater" Heatley III.  Heater's keen photographic eye, his experience as a naval aviator and his access to the subject material all combine to make "The Cutting Edge" one of the most interesting books available on naval aviation.  Along with the outstanding high-resolution aircraft photographs, "The Cutting Edge" includes interviews with attack, fighter, anti-submarine, electronic countermeasure and helicopter pilots.  Candid accounts of a "Topgun" instructor flying against his students in mock dogfights, an SH-3 pilot matching his wits against a submarine commanding officer and an "air boss" directing 400 men & 40 aircraft on the deck of an aircraft carrier highlight the clockwork precision and many split second decisions demanded of all contemporary naval aviators.  The reference sections of "The Cutting Edge" contains three-view line drawings of the following aircraft: 1) F-14 Tomcat; 2) F/A-18 Hornet; 3) A-7 Corsair; 4) A-4 Skyhawk' 5) F-5E/F Tiger II; 6) A-6E Intruder; 7) A-3 Skywarrior; 8) E-2C Hawkeye; 9) S-3A Viking; 10) SH-3 Sea King and 11) H-46 Sea Knight.  In addition to a brief summary, facts reviewed for each aircraft are as follows: 1) Primary Function; 2) Primary Contractor; 3) Powerplant / manufacturer; 4) Horsepower; 5) Dimensions; 6) Speed; 7) Ceiling; 8) Range; 9) Maximum takeoff weight and 10) Crew.  In addition to an informative narrative, "The Cutting Edge" includes approximately 116 high-resolution color photographs most taken in the air.  This book is 152 pages, is in overall excellent condition and has a dust cover that only grades in good condition.  The author and photographer is C.J. Heatley III with United States Senator Jake Garn (foreword).  Edition published in 1986.