Douglas A-4 Skyhawk Book Review
By David L. Veres
| Date of Review | November 2019 | Title | Douglas A-4 Skyhawk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Ian White | Publisher | Guideline Publications |
| Published | 2019 | ISBN | n/a |
| Format | 144 pages, softbound | MSRP (GBP) | £25.00 |
Review
Arguably the most effective and, possibly, iconic Cold War fighter-bomber, the diminutive A-4 Skyhawk – originally conceived as a nuclear strike platform – saw extensive worldwide combat.
Now it’s the subject of the 121st monograph in Guideline’s popular “Warpaint” series. And author Ian White tells the whole terrific tail and 144 pithy pages – including cover.
Coverage includes design and development notes, initial operations, Vietnam War actions, U.S. squadron summaries, Middle East and Falklands/Malvinas combat, retirement, and civilian service.
Over a dozen militaries flew Skyhawks. And Richard J. Caruana’s superb color profiles – at least 55 in all, with insets – pack potent project inspiration. Caruana’s scale plans also help fact-check your favorite A-4 kit.
Dozens of color and B&W photos further tincture text. Tables recap specifications, variants, carrier air wings and squadrons, deployments, and more. A five-page listing covers Skyhawk kits, decals, and accessories. And a four-page “in detail” section offers close-up shots – inside and out.
Grab this handy handbook.
My sincere thanks to Guideline Publications for this review sample!