The Modern Eagle Guide The F-15 Eagle/Strike Eagle Exposed Book Review

By Michael Benolkin

Review

Reid Air Publications has released the next installment of their excellent aircraft series by author Jake Melampy. In their first two books, the author examined the F-16 Fighting Falcon in service with the USAF and the Air National Guard. The title ' Modern Viper Guide' walked the modeler (and enthusiast) into the various corners and bays in the F-16's airframe.

In this title, the author brings the same definitive examination to the F-15 Eagle family. There are extremely clear and detailed photos in every space possible in the aircraft in full color, providing the reader with the nicest and most up-to-date look at this aircraft ever published. You get full access under the radome, in the cockpit(s), inside maintenance panels, back in the 'pit', and all around the airframe.

Unlike some of the other 'in detail-type' books that have been released on this subject, this title looks at all of the USAF varlants including an extensive look at conformal packs, pods, weapons, and pylons. If there were any more detail, this would be a maintenance technical order (and I think the photos are better in this title than what the maintenance troops get!).

In the annexes, the author has compiled a list of units that fly the Eagle and which variants that are presently on duty. This list extends into the international units including Israel, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and the Republic of Korea Air Force.

This is the best reference for the Eagle ever published. If you keep only one reference title around for any given subject, you can trade away those other walk around titles and you'll be in 'hog heaven' with this great work.

Definitely recommended!

My sincere thanks to Afterburner Decals for this review sample!