The latest from AirDoc is this edition on the USAFE Aardvarks, or the F-111. In reality, this book is more than just that limited title as it covers the full history of the F-111 from development to retirement. There is also an extensive technical description of the aircraft, that I'm sure enthusiasts and modelers alike will enjoy.

The book opens with a history of the F-111 from its initial inception through the cancelled F-111B program and into the different variants. This includes a bit larger look at the FB-111A bomber version and its eventual conversion to the F-111G once the B-1B came into service. The only export type, the F-111C for the RAAF, gets a bit extra coverage as not only are they the recipients of many of the short-lived-in-the-USAF F-111G, but also are still operating the type.

It is the later variants, the F-111E and F-111F that spent much of their service life in the UK at Upper Heyford and Lakenheath. These two wings along with the Upper Heyford based EF-111A aircraft are what makes up the last third of the book. The F-111 in combat past the initial deployment to Vietnam with F-111As,  was primarily based in the UK with 'Eldorado Canyon' and later 'Desert Storm'. It was the conclusion of this latter adventure that saw the closing of the UK bases and the moving of remaining assets to Canon AFB in New Mexico. The standard F-111s were gone in mid 1996, leaving the EF-111A to soldier on for two more years before final retirement in 1998.

The book is written in both German and English. It is full of superb photos taken from a variety of sources that show the F-111 in all its different guises and unit markings. One thing I should mention is that the publishers have decided to put background images or colors in with areas of the write-up that are devoid of images. I personally find these to be difficult to read through and wish that they were not included. I realize that a full page of little but writing isn't visually stimulating, but I'd rather be able to easily read something and find this sort of thing to be very distracting.

Aside from that one comment, I found this to be fascinating reading. The images themselves are great fodder for those wanting to build models. It is a book that all enthusiasts will want on their shelves.

March 2007

My thanks to AirDoc for the review book. You can find these at your local hobby shop and if not, ask them to order them for you. You can also order direct by e-mailing them at www.airdoc.eu

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