Kev Darling

The Mustang was the greatest godsend to the massive daylight bomber fleets that pounded Hitler's Reich during WW2. It was the first aircraft to have the range and ability to intercept and destroy German fighters that had previously decimated Allied attacks and caused the loss of many US aircrew members. Designed and built in the USA to a British specification, the early models were under-powered and it was not until the famous Merlin engine was installed that its full potential was realized. The type played a vital part in all wartime theatres and went on to serve with many air forces in post-war years. This is the perfect introductory book for the general reader, enthusiast and modeler alike wishing to find a succinct yet detailed introduction to the design and history of the Mustang.… (mais)

Kev Darling used to be something of a one-man army of aviation writing, so it's to be regretted that he seems to have dropped off the radar over the last decade or so. That being said, this is definitely one of his better works, as he is able to give you a deep dive into the history and service of this machine. One thing to keep in mind, before you spend the eighty dollars that this book is going to cost you these days, is that much of it is devoted to serial numbers and the like, as opposed to combat service. While I don't doubt that this is the best available treatment of the Buccaneer, more could probably be said these days about the machine's service in both the RAF and South African air arm, so one might hope for a fresh treatment at some point.… (mais)