This latest
edition of Airframe Album concentrates on the Henschel HS-129 ground attack
aircraft. Of the number of entrants for the type, only this and an adaption of
the FW-189 made it to prototype stage. The Focke-Wulf version was eliminated as
it was not purpose built for the mission. Of course, the prototype underwent
changes and the type was initially powered by inverted V-12 air cooled engines.
These did not offer sufficient power and none of the few aircraft built with
these motors were used outside of test units and schools.
The choice was made to use French double row radials
which did offer more power, but actually, the type was still a bit underpowered.
Since all the German built radials were prioritized for other types, the French
engines were used. In combat it was quite successful with the pilot sitting in
an armored tub like the IL-2 and today's A-10. Armament changed with subtypes
and it eventually carried a 75mm main cannon, developed during the last months
of production. No complete airframes have survived.
The book follows the usual script with a history of the
type, the different variants, close up images using technical manuals and period
images. There is a section on the differences
between airframes and one on the various camouflage schemes worn by the
aircraft. This
series is not specifically a model building offering but there are two full
build articles and one brief one with the 1/48 Hasegawa kit, 1/32 Z-M kit and a
page on the Italeri 1/72 version. We also are provided with the
usual listing of kits, decals and accessories near the end.
In all, a most welcome addition to what is a superb
series of books and well worth the effort of picking up.
June 2021
Copyright ModelingMadness.com. All rights reserved.
For more on Valiant Wings, including getting this book, visit
www.valiant-wings.co.uk. Thank you
for the review copy. You can get yours today
at this
link.
If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly, please
contact
me or see other details in the
Note to
Contributors.