Book reviews

Thought I’d offer some reviews on the three newest books in my ever-expanding collection (search the archives, it’s posted in there somewhere).

First up, Jim Goodall and Jay Miller’s collaborative effort on, you guessed it, the SR-71 Blackbird family. The latest Aerofax title, this one is good Goodall and Miller do a great job, with a TON of new and previously undisclosed information. Some of the new stuff: the proposed A-12CB Navy version, hot to modify an SR-71 into an inflight-refueling tanker, and a lot of sensor info. Where they really score is the detail with which they cover the FISH, KINGFISH, and the A-1 through A-11 designs that led up to the A-12. Lots of great photos as well, including some rare shots of the second SR-71B, 61-7957. Lots of appendices detailing individual airframe histories, specifications, and personnel involved with the original OXCART program at Area 51. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Next, got a copy of In Detail & Scale Volume 13, on the F-106. The D&S series is great for modelers, as it focuses more on detail photos and drawings and less on tons of factual info. I picked it up for info on the F-106/AIM-4 combo to supplement what I have in an issue of Wings of Fame. Not too much new info to be found here, but I was suitably impressed as it is the only place I have ever seen a photo of an F-106 weapon bay fully loaded with 4 AIM-4’s and an AIR-2. If you’re into the F-106, a great book.

Last but definitely not least, I FINALLY got a copy of Phantom: Spirit In The Skies by Airtime. Got the new edition with the info from one of the last World Air Power Journal volumes (which I have all 40 of anyway) among other new info that was included (since I couldn’t get ahold of the earlier edition, I’m not sure what else is new). Learned a lot reading this book. Did you know there was both a VG-wing F-4 proposal, as well as a Mach 3 proposal? Or that the original F4H-1 prototype never flew with a second seat installed (the rear cokpit was full of test equipment), becoming the first, last, and only single-seat Phantom? The amount of info in this book is astounding, and is recommended for both Vietnam buffs as well as Phantom Phreaks. Oh, and there’s a picture of a Bitburg-based F-4E launching with 4 AIM-4D’s underwing. Definitely recommended.

SOC

“Peace through kinetic solutions”