Introduction

Sleek, futuristic and deadly – the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon was born from the crucible of the air war over Vietnam and the need for cheaper, simpler and more maneuverable fighter aircraft with which to combat the many thousands of Soviet-bloc supplied aircraft sold around the world. Back in the early 1970s the F-16 was the pinnacle of modern design, integrating a powerful turbofan engine and offering unrivaled maneuverability – thanks to its relaxed static stability and fly-by-wire system with computer control. Today’s F-16 Viper is light years away from the simple, lightweight point defense fighter first envisaged, but it has evolved and matured into the finest and most exported fourth-generation combat aircraft around the world. This is its story.

The book's cover has a stunning, head-on, in-flight photo of an F-16.

No one can argue that being a war correspondent is anything but dangerous work. Journalists who choose this branch of their profession face death, kidnapping, torture and more on a regular basis, as well as dealing with the repercussions this activity can have on their family lives back home. All of this is especially true in this age, where the “Press” label affords far less protection than it has in the past.

ICM is no stranger to controversial or challenging subjects, and this package offers a selection of figures that can be utilized in a wide variety of contemporary settings, not just the Ukrainian conflict. This set includes a camerawoman, a video cameraman, an interviewer with microphone and a standing Ukrainian soldier. I believe the journalists are supposed to represent international correspondents (rather than Ukrainian) as the PRESS markings are in English on both their helmets and vests.

We’ve had the Testors O-2A Skymaster for many years but with the release of the ICM O-2A we get a modern tooled version of this aircraft.

Inside of an 8.5 x 11 ziplock baggie are three pages of double-sided, high quality paper instructions printed in full color. The instructions are full of useful information including loadouts and color callouts. There are 11 USAF/VNAF O-2As and three O-2Bs. The colors range from all black, to grey and white to camouflaged O-2Bs. Included in the decals and instructions are markings for three O-2B aircraft, straight off the shelf Cessnas fitted with loudspeakers and leaflets. True there isn’t a kit or conversion yet but there are decals for those so inclined. I thought that was a nice touch plus they are colorful. That will be my next one.

The first chapter/section deals with a history of the Ukrainian armed forces from August, 1991. The history continues with the events of November, 2013. and during 2014, the authors begin to provide us with information about how the Ukrainians started rebuilding their forces. How Ukraine started to arm itself, as well as the overhauling of its forces is addressed. Such topics as defensive weapons, the Army Aviation, Territorial defense, National Guard and Air Power are touch upon. The chapter ends with a short review of the Ukrainian Navy.

ICM continues to announce new models despite the ongoing Russian initiated war in Ukraine. While most subjects released by ICM are welcome, the current conflict subjects are even more relevant and welcome. When anything military engineer-related hits the market, I am intrigued; this kit is a double hit for me.

Unexploded munitions, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), booby traps and mines are hallmarks of modern warfare. Breaching obstacles and cleaning up battlefields often fall to sappers and combat engineers. This fantastic ICM kit begs to be opened upon arrival. Upon opening the colorful lid and cover of the typical sturdy ICM box, there is a reinforced white inner box that does a good job of protecting the single sprue containing the three Sapper figures and dog, along with an advertisement folder for ICM acrylic paints.