Stratus has a series of books called 'Spotlight ON:' which basically consists of superb artwork on specific aircraft. This one is on the F-14 Tomcat.

The Tomcat was the USN's last specially designed interceptor. It was built to be able to shoot down multiple attacking aircraft at very long range using its Phoenix missile system. After the missiles had been expended, they were able to use medium range Sparrows, short range Sidewinders and eventually a built in gun to take care of stragglers. Its variable geometry wing allowed the plane to also be a good close-in dogfighter.

The aircraft served for about 30 or so years before aircraft losses and increasing maintenance costs spelled the end of this aircraft, which has many fans world wide. Though the USN is no longer flying the type, it is still in service with Iran, who bought a number of them in the late 1970s.

This edition is similar to the last two that I reviewed. Specifically, this one is mostly side profiles. There are two aircraft that are given the left, right, top, bottom treatment, though to be honest, these are planes in the overall greys scheme so are not all that colorful. In fact, most of the drawings are in the TPS or overall light gull grey camouflage scheme. Those  few that are in the earlier light gull grey over white do not have all that much demarcation between the two colors on the fuselage, although in photos it is quite evident. There are also quite a few profiles of the Iranian AF planes in the schemes they have worn over the years. It is a great book for fans of the type. Aside from an initially brief history of the type, each aircraft is provided with BuNo, unit, and date. The book is in landscape form which is best when doing long subjects like aircraft.

In all, it is a great book for color profile fans and for the modeler looking for some reference material for the next project. 

July 2018

Review book courtesy of www.mmpbooks.biz where you can order your copy of this and many other superb books. To see more and purchase this book, visit this link.

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