One Hundred Years of World Military Aircraft

Naval Aviation News, Sept-Oct, 2004 by Peter B. Mersky

Polmar, Norman and Dana Bell. One Hundred Years of World Military Aircraft. Naval Institute Press, 291 Wood Road, Annapolis, MD 21402. 2003. 456 pp. Ill. $32.95.

Offering surveys like this where the collection derives strictly from the authors' opinions is always tricky. Readers will invariably question why one aircraft was included at the expense of another type. But, when two experienced, acknowledged authorities combine their talents, the reader can rest assured that their analysis and reasons can stand close scrutiny.

Polmar and Bell quickly remind their audience that this book is a survey of "significant" aircraft, not necessarily the first or the best. And it's hard to argue with their choices. We are led through a century of development and service that is essentially a record of military aviation, beginning with pre-WW I adventures in the Balkans, through WW II, Korea, Vietnam and post-Vietnam operations, including Operations Allied Force, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

The aircraft described sometimes served only briefly, but made an impact. For instance, Grumman's F6F Hellcat flew in first-line U.S. Navy and Marine Corps colors for barely two years, but who can doubt its combat record in the Pacific. Conversely, Chance Vought's F7U Cutlass did not fly much longer, and its record was ultimately dismal. However, it was a radical design that gave insight into using advanced aeronautical designs.

The book is not a record of only famous American designs. It includes examples from Great Britain, France, Italy, Japan, Germany and the Soviet Union. Besides the expected traditional powered types, the authors present a few gliders.

The photo selection is sparse but adequate, with no more than three pictures, and usually only one, for each entry. I do wish reproduction were better and presented on coated stock as opposed to inserting the photos in the text on the same paper, a common practice these days.

Both authors bring a wealth of knowledge to the text and nuggets abound awaiting the serious researcher or general aviation buff who browses the pages.