AD Flying Boats
By Chris Banyai-Riepl
Windsock Datafile 159
Author: C A Owers
Publisher: Albatros Publications
ISBN: 978-1-906798-31-4
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 32
In 1917, a small single-engined flying boat became a somewhat familiar sight at the Isle of Grain's RNAS station. The rounded hull and high mounted engine of the AD Flying Boat gave it a distinctive look, but looks could only carry it so far, and its performance on the water kept it from extensive service. Still, the type did manage to find its way into the forces of several nations around the globe, including Norway, Sweden, Japan, New Zealand, and Chile.
This latest title in the Datafile Series examines the AD Flying Boats, both from an operational standpoint and a construction view. The text does a very good job of describing the evolution of the design, from the design impetus of LtCol Linton Hope to the different engine types tested. The operational record is broken down by country, with the lion's share of coverage going to Norway and Sweden for overseas operators.
Complementing the written text, the book is packed full of photos of the AD Flying Boats, and this title is very likely the most complete photographic reference on the type. The photos include both operational overview shots as well as detail close-ups, making it ideal for the modeler. Likewise the several pages of scale drawings in the middle will help those wanting to build a model of this attractive flying boat. Finally, the usual color profiles on the back cover provide a handful of schemes that highlight the complementary markings worn on that polished wooden hull.
For those interested in early flying boats, this is a great book to add to the library. While not as popular or successful as other flying boats of the period, the AD is an attractive design that deserves some attention. My thanks to Albatros Publications for the review copy.