Reviewer: Pablo Bauleo
IPMS: # 46363
Publisher: Reid Air Publishing
Product: The Viper Story, Part II: Test & Training F-16s
Author: Jake Melampy
ISBN: 978-0-9795064-3-7
Hardbound
188 pages. All in color.
MSRP: $42.95
Review
This book covers the F-16 used as a platforms for weapon testing, flight training and for adversary training. The book covers different wings and squadrons, including details of the syllabus that pilots undertake as part of their training or the day-to-day operations of different weapon test units. Be aware that not every picture has a caption, but rather a group of pictures depict different aspects described in an accompanying paragraph.
Among different squadrons and wings features in the book are the weapons school at Nellis, Nevada; the Aggressor squadrons -including those beautiful Arctic camouflaged Vipers-, the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke, Arizona and some training squadrons from different Air National Guards wings.
The most pleasant surprise of this book is the inclusion of non-USAF training F-16s, like the ones from Netherlands, United Emirate Arab, etc. Pilots and ground personnel from those air forces receive training with the USAF. Their respective air forces have airplanes deployed in the US for training. Interestingly enough some of those airplanes display their country national markings, while having USAF tail numbers. That makes those airframes very unique and incredible tempting for the modeler.
I have to say that seeing almost 400 full color pictures of those Vipers is inspirational. This book is an excellent reference resource. Recommended to modelers and aviation aficionados.
I would like to thank Reid Air Publishing for the review sample.
