Once again, Flight Recorder Publications has produced a book that is unique to this reviewer's experience. This is the story of target towing from a uniquely British perspective, the author having been involved of this aspect of aviation from 1942 until 1989.

Starting in the 1930s and continuing even today, the art of target towing (and it is an art) is something about which little is mentioned, little is written and little is thought about, even amongst the aviation minded. It is a task that is often thought to be less than glamorous (which is true), and even mundane or degrading. These are not the tasks for fighter pilots; no glory is to be had here. Yet it is a task that is paramount if one's defenses are to be honed to where they are effective.

Here you will find not only a brief history of the art form as carried out in the UK, but also included are descriptions of the various targets and banners. The winches and cables and other materials that are necessary for the task are described in some detail. What starts out as a 'oh, what can this be about?', turns into a fascinating look at the men and materiel needed to perform this necessary function.

In addition to the well written (and very British) body of the book, there are good, quality photographs, drawings and diagrams. Also  included are high quality color profiles of the aircraft involved, made even more fetching by the very colorful schemes carried by target tugs.

The quality of the book and its most reasonable price make this a publication that should be on your reference shelf.

Review book courtesy of , 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 by a site that has nearly 300,000 visitors a month, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.