Helion and Co. | US Air Power 1945-1990
Reviewed by Kevin Williams
Publisher: Helion & Co. Ltd.
Author(s): David Baker
Publishing date: 2024
ISBN: 978-1-804513-75-0 (Softcover)
Pages: 84
While I do own several Helion titles, I've never reviewed one before now, so here goes.
Based on what I see here, this is a very well done volume, one of three (at least). Dealing with, as the title suggests, American Air Power from 1945-1949, it as such covers a very decent swath of specific US aviation history indeed, and is therefore pretty much a focused niche volume. Confined specifically to fighter and fighter-bomber types, it still manages to encompass a large variety of aircraft, from the post WWII Mustangs and Lightnings to early generation jets like the F-84, F-86, F-80, F-89, etc.
As with the majority of titles from this publisher that I've seen thus far, this is very much a supreme effort, using photos from many varied sources, and there are quite a fair good number of them in this magnificent volume. Printed on good quality semi-gloss stock, the photos are quite interesting, highlighting many areas of the air-frames, giving both modelers and aviation enthusiasts alike, a rather fascinating glimpse into these fascinating planes.
The book contains several nice profile drawings, which is always appreciated by this author.
Photo Samples
Lots of data is offered up here; from initial design concepts through final manufacturing methods. Certainly not a walk around type of book on any particular subject, but still a nice overview of what the American aircraft industry was able to churn out post WWII and the rather wonderful advances made during that time-frame.
While there is a spattering of large scale kits available covering a few of the illustrated examples, we large scale modelers are still woefully under-represented here, with no Northrop F-89 Scorpions, Bell P-59 Airacomets, or Lockheed F-94 Starfire kits for instance.
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 decent 84 pages of fascinating era specific fighter and fighter-bomber aircraft coverage, it is highly recommended.
My review copy compliments of Casemate Publishers. Thanks a ton to Casemate, it's truly an outstanding reference book, really top-notch stuff.
© Kevin Williams 2025
This review was published on Tuesday, October 21 2025; Last modified on Saturday, October 25 2025