Superbirds

This book is a gathering of superb warbird photography from some of aviation's foremost camera aces: Michael O'Leary, Norman Pealing and Mike Jerrma. Without the help of many far-sighted individuals and organizations such as the Confederate Air FOrce and the EAA's Warbird of America this book would simply not have come into existence.The P-51 Mustang, arguably the quintessential fighter of World War II, managed to survive in some numbers as personalized executive or pure sport aircraft, and becuase many Latin American air forces cannot afford more modern equipment. But legendary aircraft like the P-40 Warhawk, P-47 Thunderbolt, F4U Corsair, F6F Hellcat and many others would not be slipping the surly bonds at airshows across the United States and Europe had it not been for the timely intervention of people who care about our aviation heritage. War-winning bombers like the B-17 Flying Fortress and B-25 Mitchell have surived in relatively large numbers following their postwar employment as aerial survey aircraft, fire bombers and , especially in the latter case, as airborne camera platforms. Paradoxically, the much more capable B-24 Liberator, a design produced in greater numbers than any other American combat aircraft in World War 2, has all but disappeared as a flying machine; neither is it particularly plentiful as a museum exhibit. Warbird restoration is now big business; the supply of backyard'basket cases' is drying up and a whole new industry has emerged to provide spare parts which are increasing built from scratch. Aviation gasoline is not getting any cheaper - Packard Merlin V12 engines have a prodigious thirst. There is also concern that Avgas may not endure in an environmentally concious world. So enjoy the book. It is a fitting tribute to the men and women who strive to keep these old warriors in the air. With its large number of unrepeatable air-to-air portraits, this inspired volume is a veritable feast for the interested eye.