Squadron’s in Action series is back!

This volume covers the F/A-18 Hornet, Super Hornet and the E/A-18G Growler and it was one of the pending titles that had been announced before the Squadron Shop went into bankruptcy and its assets were auctioned off a couple of years ago.

The book follows the familiar “In Action” format starting with a brief history of the development of the F/A-18 for the United States Navy and Marine Corps starting with Northup’s YF-17. There are brief discussions of the various versions of the aircraft starting with the F/A-18 A & B models, followed by the F/A-18 C & D models, then the F/A-18 E & F Super Hornets and finally the E/A-18G Growler. Following each section of text are numerous color photographs illustrating airframe details and some of the markings worn by each of the variants as well as the upgrades that were made to the different versions over the years to keep up with advances in electronics and weapons.

A funny thing happened on the way to preparing this review. I could not find this item on the Quickboost web site, the Aires web site on on any of the on-line retailers that I normally buy from. However I did find it listed with Super-Hobby for $7.43. For those modelers wishing to purchase this set you may need to search to find a supplier.

Background (from Wikipedia)

An infrared search and track (IRST) system (sometimes known as infrared sighting and tracking) is a method for detecting and tracking objects which give off infrared radiation, such as the infrared signatures of jet aircraft and helicopters. IRST is a generalized case of forward looking infrared (FLIR), i.e. from forward-looking to all-round situation awareness. Such systems are passive (thermographic camera), meaning they do not give out any radiation of their own, unlike radar. This gives them the advantage that they are difficult to detect.

The book covers a detailed account of the battle that took place between May 10 through June 24 in which 6 countries found themselves at war. This battle took place across 6 European nations. These nations were involved in a 45 day chaotic war that ended in one of the most unique military campaigns of modern times. The book is part of The After The Battle Series and is in its fourth printing.

The book is divided into 5 parts each describing a specific time during that war. From: "Peace in Our Time" through the collapse of the French Army the book accounts for the battles that took place. In addition, the book A section accounting for the photo credits; a Glossary and a 27 page Index divided into three areas- General section; localities section and Personnel section. The book is full of information and a wealth of photos for those interested in this battle, or in the history of WWII.