The latest in Specialty Press' new books is one on an aircraft that is a favorite of many, the huge Conbair B-36. This was probably America's first true Intercontinental bomber and was specifically designed to bomb targets over trans-oceanic distances. Of course, air to air refueling has now made the need to carry all that fuel unnecessary, but the B-36 was designed and built before that was an option.

This book is the story of the B-36 and all of the different variants, weapons systems and special projects that were associated with the aircraft. It is also the story of Convair's Fort Worth plant where all of the B-36s were built and modified.

It starts with a color section of photos of the B-36 and some of the variations on the theme, like the B-60. It then goes into a history of aviation in Fort Worth, including the construction of what was then a huge factory next to Lake Worth and abutting what is now Carswell AFB. The next section is dedicated to the development of the B-36 itself. This chapter is a long one as it covers the different variants of the aircraft as well as its production history and many modifications. The third section looks at the technology that went into the aircraft. Everything from engines to armament to electronic systems is in this section.

The book then moves on to the operation of the B-36 at various bases around the world and how it was used as the tip of the nuclear spear. The B-36 had what was really a rather short life span as aircraft go with its operational career lasting only about a decade before it was determined that the plane was obsolete and had been replaced by faster aircraft (the B-52). It took little time for the fleet to be scrapped once the decision was made.

There are several appendices that cover projects related to the B-36. These include the story of the C-99, B-60, the NB-36 atomic powered aircraft test bed, the development of track landing gear, and the VDT engine system. It also has a section on various missiles that were linked to the B-36 as a carrying aircraft including Rascal, Navaho and Skybolt. Of course, we couldn't leave out the parasite fighter project and that is included as well as the tip tow project and other interesting concepts associated to the aircraft.

 This all makes for a most fascinating book and one of the best yet on the B-36. If you are a fan of the aircraft or just like an exceptionally well written and illustrated book, then this one is a must have. Buy with confidence that you are getting the best.

March 2010

Review book courtesy of Specialty Press, where you can order your copy of this and many other superb aviation and modeling books. Visit their website at the link above or call them at 1-800-895-4585

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