The Modern SLUF Guide: The A-7 Corsair II Exposed

I'm a bit surprised that no one else has left a review (or even a star rating) for this book yet, but perhaps it doesn't really need one. I'm thinking here of what another reviewer exclaimed when reviewing another book by the author. He simply wrote: "It's Jake Melampy!" Indeed, his books are **extremely thorough** nose-to-tail detailed photo studies of various fighter jets, and this one matches his other efforts. If you're familiar with any of his other books, you know what to expect.This book covers the A-7, and starts out with a few pages of operational history, both prose and pictures, before diving into the real content, which is the detailed close-up photos from multiple angles of many parts of the jet. All of the exterior is covered, as well as the cockpit and many other interior sections, such as the radome, wheel wells, various equipment access panels, and engine bays. A couple different variants are covered, including the TA-7. There are also some pictures showing camouflage schemes and, with somewhat limited emphasis, unit markings. Informative and descriptive text accompanies each picture.The A-7 was mostly retired from US use in the early 1990's, but was used by Greece until 2014. It's somewhat impressive that this photo collection was assembled, given the age and non-flying status of many of the aircraft. Many of the detailed close-ups are of the Greek jets, which show much more wear and tear as well as just plain dirt and grime. The book is apologetic a few times for that, but one can't fault the book for that. Really, the only way cleaner pictures could have been assembled in such a consistent systematic manner would have been to go back in time.This book should bring some enjoyment to anyone who has fond memories of the A-7, enthusiasts, or modelers who want the ultimate reference.One minor note, is that the binding of this book is on the short edge, unlike all of the other Melampy books I have. As a picture book, I find it nicer to lay this book out flat. But, it sticks out several inches more on the shelf. Still, it works well as a coffee table book.

As an Air Force artist I've painted oils of the aircraft several times. I've had several rides in the K model and designed the full color tail markings for the commander's aircraft of the 180th TFG, Ohio ANG. That tail is featured in the book. I'm doing another large oil of an A-7D over Nellis and the reference in the book is invaluable.