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Albatros Production |
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Windsock Datafiles #109 Salmson 2A2 |
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by Jon Guttman |
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Reviewed By Howie Belkin, #16 |
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MSRP: $15.00 USD Softcover 8 ¼” x 11 ¾”, 36 pages + 4 pg color covers, with 3 color profiles, one top view, cover painting, over 75 b/w photos and 7 pages of detailed Martin Digmayer 1/72 and 1/48 scale plans. Flying without parachutes in aircraft constructed of wood and fabric, many Allied World War I flyers faced the reality of choosing falling in flames or free falling to death over France. Not the aircrews flying the incredible Salmson 2A2 with their innovative self-sealing fuel tanks! The commander of the U.S. Air Service’s 91st Aero Squadron cited it as the “best two-seated plane on the front,” that “there is no record of a Salmson ever having caught fire” and it was so strong and sturdy that “…it was not unusual for us to get into the maximum speed trying to get away from a group of German fighter airplanes.” Just as French industrialist Emile Salmson was one of the most underrated aviation pioneers, so were the 3,200 distinctive circular cowled, very cool looking louvered Salmson 2A2s that served French and American reconnaissance and observation crews so well. This comprehensive Windsock Datafile monograph does this aircraft justice, covering the history, development and deployment with superb photos to delight every detailer, with camouflage and markings ranging from early aluminum finish to striking five color scheme and fantastic squadron markings. Though not designed to be a 2 seat fighter, the Salmson 2A2 produced American aces and recipients of some of our highest awards. One name you may recognize is that of George C. Kenney, who went on to command the U.S. Fifth Air Force and Far East Air Force in WWII. It flew on into the 1930’s with the Japanese. This highly recommended monograph of an airplane well ahead of its time, is available for about $15 from Albatros Productions Ltd., 10 Long View, Berkhamsted, Herts, HP4 1BY. Tel: (UK) 01442 875838. Fax: (UK) 01442 876018 website www.windsockdatafilespecials.co. Many thanks to Albatros Productions for the review copy. |
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