HMH Publications | Aircraft in Detail 031: Saab 35 Draken
Reviewed by Kevin Williams
Publisher: HMH Publications
Author(s): R. Pied, Nic Deboeck
Publishing date: 2023
ISBN: 978-9-464776-01-0 (Softcover)
Pages: 114
This particular volume (No. 031 in the series), covers the somewhat unique and interesting Saab Draken. Everything the Draken enthusiast could want, and gobs of it, is featured in this book. If it isn't presented in this volume, it probably doesn't exist! Dual seat aircraft are covered here too, and details naturally abound.
HMH originally set the bar pretty darned high, and seem to delight in raising it ever further. Such is the case with this volume, and I wholeheartedly approve.
As with the majority of titles from this publisher, this is very much a collaborative effort, using photos from many varied sources, each with appropriate photo credits given, and there are quite a substantial number of them in this magnificent volume. Printed on good quality semi-glossy stock, the photos are nothing sort of magnificent, highlighting many areas of the air-frame, giving both modelers and aviation enthusiasts alike, a wealth of eye candy on this fascinating plane. If there's a detail of the Draken that you'd like to see, it's more than likely in this book.
Between this and the also quite nice Squadron/Signal book on the Draken, as well as the MMP/Stratus volumes, one can get an awesome glimpse into the Draken.
While I certainly should be used to it by now, flipping through the pages of a new HMH title, still fills me with awe. The quality and variety of images, is truly mesmerizing. Somewhat unique, in my view, is the inclusion by Saab of a tail wheel, which most likely helps avoid over-rotation issues and tail strikes.
Photo Samples
As is quite obvious. the images are really quite magnificent. Photos are broken down by section; types, forward fuselage, air intakes, fuselage again, wings, cockpit (many pages), front landing gear, main landing gear, tail gear, brake chute, speed brakes, vertical tails, aft fuselage, exhaust, maintenance, pylons, ordnance, and finally, Action!! Certainly enough material is presented here, to satisfy even the most ardent Draken enthusiast, with gobs of beautiful, crystal clear, sharp colorful imagery.
The myriad photos obviously form the backbone of this book, and for me, this is a true blessing, as I can never seem to get enough details, and this book certainly has them in great abundance. Generally, text is very informative as well. Photos are razor sharp, revealing incredibly nice color details. HMH certainly has filled a much needed/desired niche here, elevating the walk around type of publications to soaring new heights, and I hope doesn't let up any time soon. To have an entire wall of books from this publisher would be much to my liking. Now let's bring on the F-35(A) and F-22, as well as perhaps the F-14 Tomcat?
For those of us with a passion for larger scale aircraft models, kits do not currently exist in 1:32 scale of this machine, or any other Saab aircraft for that matter.
For those with a passion for the Draken, I can highly recommend this volume. Buy a copy, you will not be disappointed.
Summation
On a scale of 1 to 10, I’d rate this book as a solid 10, no question about it. Topping out at a very respectable 114 pages of Draken excellence, it's just packed wall-to-wall with details, details, and more details, and is therefore highly recommended.
My review copy compliments of Casemate Publishers. Thanks a ton to Casemate, it's truly an outstanding reference book on these Draken variants, really top-notch stuff.
© Kevin Williams 2024
This review was published on Monday, March 04 2024; Last modified on Sunday, March 10 2024