B-10, B-12, Export type 139/type166

During the mid-war period of 1918-1939, the world entered the Great Depression caused by the US Stock Market collapse of 1939. At this time money in all governments was extremely tight. There was little funding available for national militaries and especially for military equipment. In fact, one of the least well-equipped of the major nations was the United States. Pretty much all US aviation equipment was little more than warmed over WWI technology.

When Martin designed and built what eventually became the B-10, it was a major step forward. Here was a then modern all metal monoplane with retractable landing gear, that was faster than the again available fighter aircraft. To say it was well received would be a bit of an understatement. However, there wasn't a lot of money available to purchase these aircraft. Yet the USAAC decided to spend much of their annual funding to purchase a fair number of these planes as the B-10. There were later aircraft with upgraded engines produced as the B-12.

Other nations saw this aircraft and were equally impressed. They were sold as export planes (the type 139) that were almost identical to the B-10/12 to China, Turkey, Siam, Argentina and with the largest order, to the Dutch for use in the Netherlands East Indies. The Dutch also purchased an upgraded version, the type 166. 

This book has the most complete history of the type that I have yet read. The choice of images is excellent with most of them crisp and clear. Close up images are provided and one also gets a goodly number of full color profiles. I particularly appreciated the operational history of the various nations operating the type. This includes the missions flown in the NEI during the early weeks of WWII in the Pacific. There are also tables with a brief description of each separate aircraft in Argentine and Dutch service and its fate when known. It is a superb read and reference. Highly recommended!

Review copy courtesy of FRROM Thanks for your support.

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