As a former Viper driver,
I spent over 12 years of my life with this incredible jet. I like to
assume I know the F-16 inside and out, so it was with a critical eye that
I examined The Modern Viper Guide.
This book is called the
Modern Viper Guide because it examines the C and D models of the F-16
currently in USAF service. The book is softbound, 136 pages, and follows a
detailed walk around format. The photographic coverage of the aircraft is
comprehensive and thorough. Jake Melampy knows his subject very well, and
enlisted the help of F-16 technicians to ensure the photo captions are
detailed and razor accurate. The quality of the photography is
outstanding; all of it in color.
The author steps you
through each section of the aircraft, providing excellent detail
photographs supported by thorough captions. The first section of the book
is a complete, up close look at the jet from nose to tail. While examining
every detail, this section includes the latest information and photographs
of those things that typically confuse modelers, such as reinforcement
plates, IFF antennas, vents, intakes, and chaff/flare dispensers. Here the
author does an outstanding job helping the reader sort out these
differences from block to block. Included in this section is an
outstanding look at the landing gear with photos and captions that point
out the differences between the lightweight/heavyweight gear and
associated doors. For the superdetailer, there are fantastic detailed
images of the F-16 in maintenance, as well as an excellent look at the
Pratt 220E and GE engines. The coverage of the C and D cockpit is the best
I’ve seen anywhere, and the author does a great job of clearing up
confusion over the various HUD/block configurations.
Additionally, the book
gives you a detailed look at all the external stores and suspension
equipment currently in use on USAF Vipers. This is a very comprehensive
section of the book that includes detailed photo coverage of the latest
weapons for the F-16 including, but not limited to AIM-9X, JDAM,
WCMD, GBU-12 and 24, HARM, Maverick, and rocket pods. The author also
gives a thorough examination of HTS, LANTIRN, Litening, and Sniper
targeting pods, ECM pods, and TARS. Again, the walkaround type photography
is outstanding, and the detailed caption information will help you sort
out where it all goes.
The last section looks at
each block of the F-16C separately, starting with the block 25 and
wrapping up with the block 50/52. Each block is covered in detail with
photos and a detailed explanation of how to identify a particular block of
F-16. This chapter is a welcome addition not found in any other book, and
clearly sorts out the mystery of various F-16 blocks for the reader.
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As an F-16 pilot, I can
tell you that this book is the most complete, accurate look at the F-16
available. The photography is stunning, and the book makes an interesting
read as well. I even learned a few things too.
If you are looking for
the definitive source of F-16C/D information, then look no further than
The Modern Viper Guide. Over the years, many F-16 books aimed at the
modeler or enthusiast have been published. Unfortunately, all of them have
come up short either due to inaccuracies or gaps in coverage. When
compared to other books available, The Modern Viper Guide is the most
comprehensive, accurate, and detailed look at USAF F-16’s. Jake Melampy
wrote this book with the modeler in mind. The Modern Viper Guide is the
ultimate F-16 reference and stands head and shoulders above any other F-16
book available. If you must get one F-16 reference book, this is it. Even
if you have other F-16 reference books like I do, The modern Viper Guide
is a must have for the most up to date and thorough coverage of the F-16
available.
The Modern Viper Guide
retails for $39.95. The book is available from Reid Air Publications at reidairpublishing.com
Pete
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