SAM Publications | US Air Force Special Operations Command
Reviewed by Floyd S. Werner, Jr.
SAM Publications - US Air Force Special Operations Command
By Rick Llinares and Andy Evans
Stock# MDX 1
MSRP- $40.00
ISBN- 978-1-906959-21-0
Things that go boom in the night have become a trademark of the Air Force Special Operations Command. Equipped with Variants of the C-130s, including the AC-130, MH-53, CV-22, and MH/HH-60 Pave Hawk. Initiated following the aborted "Operation Eagle Claw", the attempt to rescue the Iranian hostages, the SOC flies some of the most sophisticated and specialized aircraft in the Air Force.
This book is the first time I remember all these aircraft being brought together in one book. One of the first things I noticed was the quality of the photos. They are gorgeous and mostly full color. The only black and white photos are the historical photos
The first chapter tells the history of the SOC starting in WWII and developed up to Vietnam. The story of the HH-3s, AC-47s, AC-119 and AC-130s are just some of the aircraft featured. OK model manufacturers why can´t we have a 1/48th and/or 1/35th scale HH-3? OK off my soapbox.
All the chapters follow the same layout, premium photos with historical text, color profiles, and Walk around photos.
The next chapter is on the AC-130 Gunship "Spooky and Spectre". There are some spectacular shots of the aircraft in flight that really have to be seen to be believed. The text is very interesting dealing with the development of the armament systems. There are six color profiles that will be really handy to the modeler. The walk around section will be especially helpful. I have NEVER seen some of the access that the authors were given. Amazing stuff.
The third chapter deals with the MH-53 Pave Low. Having recently been retired it was very nice to include the helicopter in the book. Again there are some simply beautiful pictures that will be particularly helpful to the modeler. There are four colorful profiles that show four different paint schemes worn by the Super Jolly Greens. The walk around section is very helpful.
Another version of the C-130, the MC-130, with its bulbous nose is the focus of the next chapter. The terrain following radar necessitates the big nose. The historical text shows how important this particular aircraft has been. Because the SOC missions are not publicly seen they are often forgotten, however this aircraft certainly has been in the middle of the stuff. This is also the version that was used to "snare" a downed aircrew member by pulling him off the ground. Talk about an intense aircraft.
The CV-22 Osprey Tilt Rotor is next. No other aircraft that I can recall in history has polarized the military. Some love it, some hate it, but either way it is in service with the USAF and Marines. These are some of the first and best pictures of the Osprey that have been published. The walk around photos are the first to be published as well. The CV-22 is not as well known as the Marine V-22 version which makes this book a must have.
The fat cow, MC-130P Combat Shadow, provides fuel for the Special Ops aircraft when they need to go farther than the combat radius allows. The Shadow provides fuel to helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.
The EC-130 Commando Solo conducts Psychological Operations (PSYOP), disrupt enemy communications and provide Command and Control of units. The aircraft can also be configured as a Airborne Battlefield Command and Control Center. These are some unique looking C-130s. Suprisingly they are well photographed and I´m fairly sure that this is the ONLY place you will find these aircraft.
The next aircraft is the MH/HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter. This is actually not in the SOC arsenal anymore, but in the Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) and remote insertions. Based on the Blackhawk helicopter this unique version can do a variety of missions with a variety of mission equipment. The paint schemes that the Pave Hawk has sported will keep the modeler very busy.
Of all the aircraft inside this volume the XFC-130H is the most interesting. Developed for a second attempt at the Iranian hostages this C-130 sported RATO units. Theoretically the aircraft could land VERTICALLY. Yes you read that right vertical. Imagine a Harrier on steroids. There is video on the net of the test that failed, but it was a great idea.
Unique aircraft and helicopters in bright vibrant color photos, colorful profiles, and the walk around photos make this volume a welcome addition to any library. There are aircraft contained inside that you will find nowhere else. That alone is reason to buy this reference book. Model builders will find the information invaluable and inspirational. Great job SAM Publications. I can´t wait for the next volume. Oh I hope it is on Task Force 160th.
Highly recommended.
Thanks to SAM Publications for the review copy. You can obtain your copy at your Local Hobby Shop or directly from SAM at http://www.sampublications.com/sampubs.htm.
© Floyd S. Werner, Jr.
This review was published on Saturday, July 02 2011; Last modified on Wednesday, May 18 2016