Ginter Books

Consolidated Vultee XP-81 Air Force Legends Number 214

by  Steve Ginter

Reviewed By  Steve Nelson, IPMS# 30927

MSRP: $11.95 ISBN: ISBN 0-942612-87-6 Softcover, 41 Pages, 47 B&W Photos, 26 drawings Available from www.ginterbooks.com This is another of Steve Ginter's books on relatively obscure aircraft, in this case the XP-81 Escort Fighter. The plane was one of several attempts to get around the high fuel consumption of the early jet engines by combining two powerplants; a turbo-prop in the nose for cruising, and a jet in the tail for combat. The design was conceived during World War Two as a long-range escort fighter. Two prototypes were built and flown in the late '40s, but the pace of technological development left the XP-81 just an interesting footnote in aviation history. The book covers the conception, development, and ultimate fate of the XP-81; including an almost day-to-day history of the test program. There are lots of crisp photos, including plenty of detail shots for modelers, as well as loads of line drawings and conceptual artwork. A modeling section is also provided, consisting of a build review of Anigrand's 1/72 resin kit, the only kit available of the XP-81. The book is long on technical information, although I would have liked to have known a little more about history and politics surrounding the XP-81 program. Still, it's a fascinating look at a little-known aircraft; recommended for lovers of the obscure. Thanks to Steve Ginter and IPMS USA for the review copy.

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