If you are a fan of modern American fast jets, then author Steve Davies has put together a book that I know you will like.

The aircraft covered in these 240 pages are all those which have part or all of their mission as ground attack. This includes the F-15E, F-16G/CJ, F-18 C/D/E/F, F-22A and the F-35A. With the exception of the last, these are all pretty much in the current US inventory and except for the last two, have been heavily involved in the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and now the conflict in Libya.

After an introduction and explanation of what a modern war jet has to be, the book goes into each majo0r airframe type. It covers the reason for being for the aircraft, its electronics and weapons suite, and the unit history of many of these planes. There are sections on the combat record of each type, which is still blank for the F-22A as it has yet to be deployed to a war area (probably due to the cost of each plane) and the F-35A as it has yet to complete operational testing. It ends in speculation as to the continuation of manned aircraft in the attack regime, where nowadays, most aircraft are shot down and most pilot lives are lost.

The information given in each section is well done and show that this book is not aimed at the hard core enthusiast, but more to the general aircraft fan. The printing is relatively large, making each section quite easy to read. There are also a plethora of images, many of them covering both pages and several other being carried across the 'ditch'. Most of the images come from the author and are truly well done and dramatic at the same time.

The book closes with several appendices, including a nice one that explains the various acronyms used in the book. One cannot cover modern aircraft without using a lot of jargon and it is nice to have this explained to those not familiar with it.

It is a superb book for those who want to learn more about each type, but don't want to be overwhelmed with stats. The pilot stories add a lot of spice to the book and the large number of photos add some great eye candy. It is a great addition to the library of a jet fanatic and one I can highly recommend to those wanting to learn more about the subject.

May 2011

Thanks to Steve Davies and Osprey Publishing for providing the review book. For more on the complete line of Osprey books, visit www.ospreypublishing.com or contact them at Osprey Direct, PO Box 140, Wellingborough, Northants, NN8 2FA, UK. In the US, it is Osprey Direct at 44-02 23rd St, Suite 219, Long Island City, NY 11101., where you can get a catalogue of available books.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.