Specialty Press

Convair Advanced Designs: Secret Projects from San Diego, 1923-1962

by  Robert Bradley

Reviewed By  Hub Plott, IPMS# 31328

MSRP: $34.95 ISBN: 9781580071338 Review copy courtesy of Specialty Press: Website: www.specialtypress.com This well laid out book covers the many successful as well as "way out there" designs proposed by Consolidated Aircraft/Convair from 1923 to 1962. Many of the designs discussed in the book have not been seen since they were originally proposed. The book begins with a brief history of Convair from its' origins as Consolidated Aircraft Co. and the subsequent combination with Vultee Aircraft into Convair. This is followed by two large chapters. Chapter Two covers seaplane designs, and is the largest chapter in the book. In these pages one can find information on successful designs such as the Catalina and Coronado, but the real value in this book is the many designs that did not see the light of day. Many such designs are covered, such as the 75% larger four-engine version of the Catalina known as the XPB3Y, continuing on to the seaplane version of the mammoth XC-99, a nuclear turbo-prop engine conversion of the SARO Princess as well as flying wing seaplanes, nuclear powered fighters, seaplanes and bombers and jet seaplanes and fighters such as the SeaDart. Chapter 3 covers the various designs of land based bombers from the venerable B-24, B-32 and B-36 to tailless aircraft, jet and turboprop bombers and land based bombers for the Navy. Convair illustrations accompany each design description, in some cases the accompanying illustration is the only surviving example of what the design looked like. The book is a true treasure trove of what might have been; had even some of these designs, ranging from the contemporary to those outlandish enough to be at home in the latest Star Wars movie, been built. Contained within these pages is plenty to inspire the scratch builder and conversion modeler among us! I found this a most enjoyable glimpse into the minds of the Convair design engineers. This book will be of interest to the modeler, aviation enthusiast/historian alike. I can recommend it to all that like the subject. The book is available now and may be ordered directly from Specialty Press at the website and phone number above. Shipping and handling of $6.95 will be added to each order. Our thanks to Specialty Press for this review copy.