If you have read any of the earlier Aircraft in Detail books by IsraDecal, then you will know what to expect in this latest edition on the F-16C/D Barak. Like many nations, Israel came to depend on the F-16 as their premiere fighter-bomber. Having had such excellent results with the F-16A/B Netz, it was only natural that the IAF would want to have its successor, the F-16C/D.

These aircraft are basically 86 and 89 builds with the F-16Cs being pretty close to USAF planes but with indigenous Israeli electronics for several of its systems and locally manufactured weapons added to its ordnance suite. The F-16D on the other hand, was not just the trainer version that is with the USAF, but a dedicated ground attack aircraft with multiple additional systems and what in the US is called a WSO (weapons system operator) in the back seat. These planes can be distinguished by the enlarged dorsal spine that contain additional electronics.

The Barak quickly entered unit service as the transition was quite brief. This was mostly due to the similarities between it and the earlier Netz. Those units who transitioned to the Barak, for the most part, passed their Netz aircraft to other units. It would be safe to say that every major conflict that Israel has had since late 1987 has had participation by the Barak. Typical of IAF success, the Barak has had a sterling record when used in both air to air and ground attack missions. Nothing sells war planes like success and I dare say that General Dynamics sold a lot of planes thanks to the IAF>

This book is very much like others in the series. There is an introductory section where the decision to obtain the Barak is decided along with the training and introduction of the aircraft into unit service. This is followed by a history of the aircraft from its original operational status until the present day. All of the various units who have flown the aircraft are well covered with several pages of photos showing these planes and the various differences in markings used by the units. There are also some superb color profiles of specific aircraft. In line with previous volumes, the 132 A4 size pages are jammed with photos. Over 750 are included in the book, the vast majority in color. There is also a large section that looks into the airframe and various systems. A section on ordnance is also included in the book.

Basically, this tells you everything you have every wanted to know about the Barak, from its technical information to stories on how it was used in combat. It is another outstanding book from Isradecals and a reference I am positive you will come to cherish. If you have never read an IsraDecal book, you will be delighted with this one. Highly recommended.

November 2012

Review book courtesy of www.isradecal.com and available from various retailers around the world as well as direct from their website (click on the logo).

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