Osprey's Latest Air Vanguard Titles
By Chris Banyai-Riepl
Martin B-26 Marauder
Air Vanguard 4
Author: Martyn Chorlton
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-78096-605-2
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 64
Branded a dangerous plane to fly, the Martin B-26 Marauder was never given a fair shake, both during the war and in the history books afterwards. This title in the new Air Vanguard series helps to break away from that mold, providing a detailed look at the Marauder, both in design and construction and in the operational record. The B-26 saw service around the globe, including the Pacific, the Mediterranean, and over Europe. It flew in the forces of the RAF, SAAF, and Free French Air Force, and before the war was done, over 5,000 Marauders were built.
USAF McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II
Air Vanguard 7
Author: Peter Davies
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-78096-608-3
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 64
An icon of Cold War fighter technology, the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II was one of the world's most popular fighter aircraft during the 1960s and 1970s. Designed for both the USAF and USN, the F-4 also saw extensive service throughout the world, on nearly every continent. The Phantom also saw extensive combat, with American examples fighting in the skies over Vietnam, while the Middle East saw action by Israeli and Iranian F-4s. This book in the new Air Vanguard series provides a solid overview of this versatile Cold War aircraft, from its development to operations to its final days as a drone.
Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot
Air Vanguard 9
Author: Alexander Mladenov
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-78200-359-5
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 64
The Russians have a long history with dedicated close air support aircraft, and indeed the most produced monoplane of the Second World War was just such an aircraft (the famous Il-2). Moving into the jet age, the Russian equivalent is the Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot, an aircraft capable of an incredible payload and high durability. The Su-25 has seen combat in at least 40 different conflicts, and operates in air forces around the world in South America, Africa, Asia, and Europe. This title in the new Air Vanguard series sheds some light on the development, construction, and operational history of the Su-25, and complements that history with plenty of drawings and photographs showing all aspects of the Frogfoot.
General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark
Air Vanguard 10
Author: Peter Davies
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-78096-611-3
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 64
The F-111 had a rough beginning, with challenging inter-service requirements and one-size-fits-all design goals. After those rough teething troubles, though, the F-111 went on to prove itself a capable aircraft, first over the skies of Vietnam and later over North Africa and the Middle East. Originally designed for a long-range, low altitude nuclear strike fighter, the F-111 never engaged in the nuclear role, but proved itself repeatedly in the conventional bombing role. Later in life, the design was modified to become the Air Force's electronic warfare EF-111. This title documents the convoluted history of the F-111, from its development in the 1960s to its retirement forty years later. This long history is quite extensive, so this book can only provide the highlights of the F-111's career, but it does that well with a solid introduction to the aircraft.
Curtiss P-40 Snub-Nosed Kittyhawks and Warhawks
Air Vanguard 11
Author: Carl Molesworth
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-78096-912-1
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 64
The rapid evolution of aviation during the Second World War led to many aircraft designs undergoing significant changes. The Curtiss P-40 was such an aircraft, with the early P-40B/C getting a redesigned nose to take advantage of a more powerful engine. The later P-40D through N saw extensive service around the world, with over 11,000 built. This latest title in the Air Vanguard series looks at these later P-40s equipped with either the Allison V-1710 or Packard Merlin engine, covering US, British, and Soviet service. Also covered are the wartime experimental extensions of the P-40 airframe, such as the P-40Q.
For those looking for a solid introduction to an aircraft type, the New Vanguard series offers an excellent synopsis that covers both development and operational history. My thanks to Osprey Publishing for the review copies.