Want reference material on the A-7 Corsair II? Schiffer’s new hardback on the type offers a wealth of useful photos.
Vought’s A-7 Corsair II has always been a much-loved type, despite its now legendary nickname SLUF – Short Little Ugly Fellow (that’s the polite version!). And there have been various kits in all the popular scales, by the likes of Hasegawa, Fujimi, Trumpeter, ESCI, Hobby Boss, Revell-Monogram and other manufacturers… plenty to tackle modelling-wise. However, there have not been too many books on the type, as published for, say, the F-4 Phantom; some of those that have been released are no longer in print.
So, it’s pleasing to see Schiffer’s recent hardback in the Legends of Warfare series, which provides great reference and overall quality at a reasonable price. Penned by long-time A-7 enthusiast Matt Garretson, the 112-page book offers a basic introduction and then two pages of text opening each chapter. In between lay a plethora of splendid photos, mostly in colour, and many are previously unpublished.
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Whether you want to build just one or two A-7s, or work you way through the sub-types in a wider theme, there’s much to take away here. There are few close-up views, but regardless, many facets of the aircraft are visible; unit markings, stores, mission tallies and more are all evident and will aid any modeller on a quest for accuracy. US Navy machines dominate, and it’s pleasing to see airframes from the Vietnam War. A fine example is the VA-147 A-7A with a quadruple AGM-45 Shrike load. However, USAF and US Air National Guard machines are not ignored, and whichever arm of service you favour, the images are carefully curated to show the various camouflage schemes worn by the Corsair II throughout its service. Even export airframes are covered (Greece, Portugal, Thailand), and more exotic A-7s are explored too, such as the YA-7F project, and the YA-7H ‘White Wale’ testbed for US Navy two-seaters.
If colour is a factor in your modelling, the A-7 has it in spades. Thankfully, Schiffer’s book does a fine job of showing the different ‘uniforms’ worn by the type, and it’s a handy reference for the novice or Corsair diehard. It’s also good value at £18.99, available in the UK from Gazelle Book Services. If you’re in the US, order direct from Schiffer Publishing.
Legends of Warfare
Vought A-7 Corsair II
The US Navy and US Air Force’s Light Attack Aircraft
By: Mat ‘Irish’ Garretson
Format: 237 x 237mm
ISBN: 978-0-7643-6261-3
