If you liked the 'Little Joe' presentation that Rocket.Aero provided on its initial CD, then you'll like this one. It covers the North American F-107A, an aircraft that was in competition with the Republic F-105A for the USAF's next nuclear capable attack aircraft. Thanks to several missteps by North American, it lost out to the F-105, but is still considered by many, including your reviewer, to be a really cool aircraft.

The DVD itself is divided into three major sections. One is a USAF film on the development and first flight of the aircraft. It is in full color and provides the kind of detail into just how a prototype aircraft was tested prior to its first flight. Most of us think it is a case of 'kick the tires, light the fires and go', but that is not the case at all. Though primitive by today's standards, this portion provides an interesting look into how things used to be done and how much they've progressed.

The second involves two sets of silent film. One is on the loading and unloading of a 'special store' dummy on the F-107. The other is about a half hour or so of images of the F-107 taking off, landing and maneuvering in flight. By itself, it is interesting, but lacking something. Even some background music would be an improvement. What the developers of the CD have done, is to provide an option: They've given us a voice over for this section with an interview with Phil 'Bondo' Brandt. In this part, there are discussions of Phil's background, a bit of additional info on the F-107A and Phil's modeling philosophy. I find it quite interesting that we have both come to the same conclusions on the use of a number of modeling materials. A most interesting and informative discussion. I'll have to add to their list of kits of the F-107 the Maintrack 1/72 X-planes vacuform that is very nicely done.

The final section is one on still photos. The vast majority seem to have come from the movies with only a few black and whites being new.

Overall, this is a super DVD. The subject is esoteric enough to be quite interesting and the film is put together well. If you are a real space enthusiast or just interested in things a bit out of the norm, then this is for you.

Review DVD courtesy of Rocket.Aero. Order yours direct

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