The latest in Osprey's Air Combat series covers the F-15C Eagle. Still the premier USAF fighter, the Eagle has seen considerable combat in the various hot spot wars over the years, mostly Iraq and Yugoslavia. It was during the first Gulf War of 1991 that they had their greatest success against the fleeing forces of Saddam Hussein. It was in this arena that the vast percentage of air to air victories were scored, mostly by aircraft home-based at Eglin AFB. Later in the decade, Lakenheath-based Eagles were able to test their prowess against the MiG-29s of the Yugoslavian Air Force.

As is pretty typical of the Osprey titles, author Steve Davies begins with a background and history of the F-15 in order to set the stage. He then goes into the events surrounding the Saudi Air Force's success against Iraqi Mirage F.1s early in the Gulf War. This war takes up the vast majority of the rest of the book with page after page of the sort of combat stories that we all love to read about.

This is followed by a chapter on the war in the Balkans and Eagle successes in that theater. A section is also devoted to the problems of 'blue on blue' or friendly fire. Eagles were prominent in the accidental shooting down of two Army UH-60 helicopters and that story is given its due as well.

Throughout the book are photos of the men and aircraft involved as well as many pages of excellent profiles, something that Osprey books are renown. The appendices include a full table of victories and a set of three view drawings of the Eagle.

Overall, an excellent book on modern air combat and one that is particularly easy to read. Highly recommended.

Available in bookstores and hobbystores, everywhere, through Osprey Direct (866 620 6941; info@ospreydirectUSA.com) or at http://www.ospreypublishing.com/.

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