Greenhill, 2000, ISBN 1-85367-403-6, $15, 72 pages

Once again, the series delivers a marvelous photo booklet on Luftwaffe aircraft. This time, it is the FW190 and its variations in 101 photos (six color and the rest black and white) with extended captions.

The four page introduction is somewhat bland, but the photos and explanations make up for it. Of note are the Mistel combinations-a FW190 atop a Ju88 twin-engine bomber, fitted with extra fuel tanks and up to a 3.5-ton warhead. The idea was to pilot the explosive-laden bomber, release, and let the bomber hit something big, like a hydroelectric power plant or fleet anchorage.

Other points of note: FW190s were used in anti-tank roles with either seven 55mm rockets, or six 80mm rockets under each wing. Efforts to use 30mm underwing cannons failed because the long barrel created too much drag and vibration.

Post-war German factories were used by France to assemble FW190s for the French Armee de l'Air. Only a few were built and all ended service in 1946 due to continuing engine problems. The Turkish air force received 75 FW190s in August 1942 which lasted in service until 1948.

All in all, another volume on the Luftwaffe series delivers up interesting photos and tidbits. Modelers would be specially keen on this booklet due to many photos of the cockpit areas and captions about markings.

Sample Page

Below is reduced size version of most of page 65 (Actual page size is 7.5x10.25 inches). The book's cover also offers some dramatic evidence of photo selection.

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