by Ben Skipper.
Softcover (8.3×11.7 inches). 96 pages. 2025.
As you would expect from a FlightCraft volume, technical explanations about the F-35 Lightning II aircraft abound, with extensive design and development work as well as the competition leading up to the decision to award Lockheed the actual contract. Variants and export models are included. To an aerospace engineer, the streamlined explanations of the concepts, systems, and equipment will likely cause them to roll their eyes. To the aerospace-ignorant like myself, it helps to understand the design, although I admit to skipping around whenever my eyes rolled into the back of my head.
The modeling portion provides a few examples of completed 1/48 and 1/32 scale models. This is not a how-to book, although some techniques are mentioned. Of interest to the modeler and the wargamer are the 24 color camouflage illustrations of the F-35 — mostly in a dark gray, but with different markings and insignia.
The book contains three black and white photos, 123 color photos, three black and white illustrations, two color illustrations, 24 color camouflage illustrations, and 111 color photos of models, kits, and box covers.
Ultramodern aircraft enthusiasts will likely already have this on their book list. A thought struck me: If you give this to teenagers and they absorb it all, you’ve got aerospace engineers in the making. If you give this to teenagers and their heads explode, you have book reviewers in the making.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
