Specialty Press has long been known for providing high quality books that are both informative and interesting to read. This is one of their photo books that covers a much beloved portion of USAF history, when the threat was from Soviet bombers and there was a need for interceptors.

So this one basically looks at the aircraft and units of the Air Defense Command along with a history of the ADC. This book covers it all. From a very minor beginning where P-61s, P-51s and P-47s were America's defense against Soviet Tu-4s to the huge build-up of units that reached their peak in 1957 to the demise of the ADC and its incorporation into TAC.

It starts with the beginning of the ADC in early 1946 while still with the USAAF. At this time, the P-61 was the best around for the purpose, though it was unable to reach the altitudes needed to bring down Soviet Tu-4s. Nevertheless, it was something and was soon joined by F-82s and other prop types when the new USAF was formed in 1947. Soon Jets came into service and many were assigned to the ADC, including the F-80, F-84 as well as purpose built interceptors, the F-89 and F-94s. With the F-86 came a better aircraft that was soon developed into the F-86D, probably the most widely used interceptor ADC ever had.

When the Century series came into being, it was the F-101B, F-102A, F-104A/C and F-106A that took on the challenges of air defense. The F-100 was never assigned to ADC. In the end, it was the Convair deltas and the F-101B that were around with the demise of ADC in 1980. As a note, the only F-4 unit assigned to ADC was the 57 FIS in Iceland. The book does not cover ANG units nor the F-15 units that were assigned to what was by then, ADTAC. Just because a unit was a FIS (Fighter Interceptor Squadron), does not mean it was assigned to ADC, though it may have performed the same functions.

As you'd expect, the book is chock full of photos of the planes used during this time. I do believe that just about every unit is covered in some way or another. The photos are superb and are sure to inspire. You can add this title to a large list of excellent books from Specialty Press. Needless to say, it is most highly recommended.

July 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.