Smoke Trails
The Last of the F-4 Phantoms

by Jamie Hunter with Katsuhiko Tokunaga

Midland Publications

Reviewed by Rodger Kelly

For the uninitiated, Midland Publishing is but one arm of an arm of the UK based company Ian Allan Publishing and its niche is in providing a range of specialist, highly illustrated books that cover military and civil aviation from World War Two to modern day.

Smoke Trails.  With a title like that, the only thing that could be the subject of this book is the outstanding McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II! 

Essentially a picture book it provides you with truly excellent images of the remaining operational F-4 that are in service with the air forces of the United States of America,, Germany, Greece, Japan, Egypt, South Korea, Iran and Turkey.

It comprises six chapters in all as well as short foreword, a one page introduction and a page of author’s notes.

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The chapters are:

• Last of the USAF Phantoms - Team Target – 82nd ATRS it concentrates on the machines of the 82nd Aerial Target Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida.  Some really great shots of the “Heritage” as well as short précis of their mission and day to day operations.  30 pages in all.

• Ice Men.  F-4s of the Luftwaffe.  With the title ICE arising from the acronym for Improved Combat Effectiveness upgrade which the Luftwaffe F-4Fs underwent between 1983 and 1986; the chapter fills you in on 38 years of F-4 operations with the Luftwaffe.  30 pages as well.

• Greek Gods – Hellenic Phantoms.  This chapter covers the operations of two squadron’s of the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) equipped with what many regard as the world’s ultimate Phantom, the F-4E AUP (Avionics Upgrade Programme) as well as the few remaining RF-4E reconnaissance machines still in service with the HAF.  34 pages with this chapter.

• Rising Sun Rhinos – Japanese Air Self Defence Force.  Flying with the Japanese Air Self Defence Force since 1968 and constructed in-country there are some really colourful Spooks in this chapter.  Images of their regular
  F-4EJ, RF-4E and RF-4EJs and the specially painted 50th anniversary of the JASDF birds are included – bright!  28 pages in all.

• Rare Rhinos – The Phantoms of Egypt, Korea and Iran.  Some amazing photos in this chapter even though these are some of the rarest and guarded F-4s of the lot!  Only 10 pages for this chapter.

• Turkish Stars – Shielding the Skies.  Currently the largest operator of the F-4 with some 125 F-4Es and 35 RF-4Es in service.  A mixture of the old South East Asia tri-colour camouflage and more modern Hill Grey II finished machines feature in this final chapter.  The text informs you on the when and how’s of their purchase by the Turkish Air Force as well as the mods and upgrades that have been carried out during their service.  22 pages in all.

As mentioned above, whilst I would classify this tome as a “picture book” it does contain significant text that is most informative and will give you an understanding of the service history and use of the F-4 in foreign hands and the continuing saga of the Phantom. 

Again, I can’t speak too highly of the images.  They are truly stunning and are a mixture of air-to-air, static and action shots.  For the modeller, there are some excellent close-up shots of cockpits and airframes too.

The book is soft bound, 280mm x 215mm in size and has 300 colour images printed on good quality glossy paper.

If you are looking for inspiration to break another F-4 out of the stash then this is the book for you.

Recommended

Thanks to Simon at DLS Publishing for the review sample

Review Copyright © 2008 by Rodger Kelly
This Page Created on 31 January, 2008
Last updated 31 January, 2008

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