Number 86 in Osprey's "Aces" series covers those men who became aces flying the P-37/Hawk 75 or at least achieved some of their victories flying the type. It was a plane that was flown by both Allies and Axis air forces, being particularly successful in the hands of the French and the Finns.

Though prominent on the cover, no American pilot scored more than 2 confirmed kills flying the P-36 and no Commonwealth pilot scored more than one. The Finns were quite successful with the aircraft, but it was the French who achieved the lion's share of the victories with nearly 40 pilots achieving ace status while flying the type.

Osprey has chosen several people to author this edition, each with their areas of expertise in French, Finnish and British aviation. Included are super stories and photographs of the pilots and their planes. As you would expect, there are also a goodly number of color profiles to go along with things. In the back of the book are tables of the various aces as well as some who scored victories with the P-36 without reaching ace status. A set of well done line drawings of the various types of P-36 are also part of the package.

In all, a fine book on the subject and the first to have been published covering Hawk 75 aces. One that will delight the aviation enthusiast.

March 2009

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