How did Tom Clancy Know???

[speed150mph]

I just finished reading red storm rising by Tom Clancy and I am absolutely astounded by what this man knew and wrote. He published this book in 1986, and included information about the most modern weapons of the time when they were new and I imagine top secret. And it was information from both sides. Examples include information on the perry class frigate Rueben James, which was commissioned mere months before the book was published. He talks about their gas turbine engines, their speed, their sonars and sensors. He talks about the speed of the T-80 tank, and capabilities of the sa-11 missile system. He mentions briefly the Akula class sub which was launched by the soviets a couple years earlier.

It just perplexes me how much Tom knew, and looking back now how perfectly accurate his details were, for someone who apperantly never served in uniform according to his bio on his site. And given that he never had the internet. I am a young buck who was born in the 90's so I have no clue if or how all this information was available. Can anyone tell me?

Btw I loved red storm rising, and suggested it to a bunch of friends, and am making missions for myself in dangerous waters. Best war book I've read yet