Let me start this one off by stating that there are publishing houses who produce a lot of books and hope that some of them are good. There are others who don't publish that many each year, but every one they do produce is a quality product that you can count on being the best. Such it is with Specialty Press. Their latest book on the XF/XR-12 and the XF-11 is an prime example.

To the eyes of many, the Republic Rainbow is the epitome of sleekness in a large, piston engine aircraft. I know it has always been a favorite of mine. It just exudes speed and was the sexiest thing in the air during the late 1940s. Designed to be a long range reconnaissance aircraft that was able to develop its film in flight for dissemination immediately upon landing, it was to be equipped with the full range of cameras then in use by the USAAF and later the USAF. The aircraft was fully pressurized and able to operate at 40,000 feet where its sheer speed was enough to keep it out of the clutches of any enemy fighters that might be sent up against it. It was perfect and exactly what was needed. Two problems. One was that the war was over before the prototype flew and the other was that everyone had 'jet fever' and this one was powered by reciprocating engines. Despite that, the new USAF still wanted the plane, but it wasn't to be as it was less expensive to convert B-50 bombers to the role than to buy a few, more expensive aircraft.

Republic felt that they had a winner and were planning on airliner versions. They even had contracts to Pan Am and American Airlines, but the lack of a military buy, and the glut of ex-USAAF C-54s and the upcoming DC-6s were enough to make an expensive, albeit much faster airliner something that the airlines just could not afford and this option died in mockup. One prototype crashed and the other was expended as a target so nothing remains of this beautiful aircraft but memories.

The XF-11 story is included in this book as it was a competitor to the XF-12 for the contract. However, the aircraft was really too small to perform the duties required and thanks to its designer and builder, Howard Hughes, the loss of the first prototype on its first flight killed any chances it had. The second prototype, however, was used for years as a test bird and hack before it was finally broken up after sitting for years.

Artist and author Mike Machat does his usual superlative job of telling the story of these two aircraft as well as the lasting legacy of aerial reconnaissance that made these first purpose-built recce birds so important in the scheme of things. Even though I knew the outcome, I was still hoping that things would turn out well for Republic while reading the book. It is that good. Filled with quality photos, some in color and some rather rare, there are also some excellent color profiles of what might have been along with the story of these two rare birds. It is a book that is the best of Specialty Press and one that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I am sure that you will as well and most highly recommend it to you.

June 2011

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.