Osprey Publishing

Israeli A-4 Skyhawk Units in Combat Osprey Combat Aircraft #81

by  Shiomo Aloni

Reviewed By  Rick Bellanger, IPMS# 35220

MSRP: $22.95 ISBN: 9781846034305 Website: www.ospreypublishing.com/ This is one of the best-reading books I have found in a long time. It spans the combat history of one of the true workhorses of the Israeli Air Force. It starts with the early history of the procurement process, and the wheeling and dealing the Israeli Air Force had to go through to buy the Skyhawk. It deals with the early training and outfitting of these jets and the problems with just getting them delivered. Chapter Two describes in very good detail the 1969 to 1970 War of Attrition where the Skyhawk flew endless sorties with heavy losses. It talks about the learning curve and the training that the squadrons had to endure to keep the planes flying. Chapter Three then goes into the time frame of the Yom Kippur War. By this time the Israeli's had five squadrons equipped with the A-4 and loss over 50 plans. I especially liked the areas where the modifications where described to enhance the efficiency of the aircraft. One primary example was the extension of the Tailpipe. I guess they were tired of getting their backsides shot off, so if you increase the Tailpipe length and put the heat signature further behind you, at least when you get hit it just damages the tailpipe and not the engine. Chapter Four deals with the modifications and upgrades that the Skyhawk went through after the experiences of the previous conflicts, making this airplane a most potent attack aircraft. And of course there is the final chapter that deals with the retirement and replacement. It also goes into the conversion of Squadrons from one aircraft to another. I found the appendices quite interesting, as they go into a listing of all losses with date, type, Squadron and tail code of each airplane. The photography is the primary best seller for this book. There are MANY unpublished and rare photos from the Israeli Archives and private collections. Even if you don't read the book at least look at the pictures, they are well worth it. AND of course there are the familiar Osprey Color Plates. These are outstanding, and provide the modeler with many detailed descriptions and variations to choose from. So would I recommend this book? If you are interested in the history of the Israeli Air Force, yes. If you're into the History of the A-4 Skyhawk, yes. If you plan on ever building an Israeli Skyhawk for your collection a definite YES. Many thanks go out to IPMS USA for giving me the opportunity to read and enjoy this book and a special thanks to Osprey for providing the book to us.