Allied Aircraft Art: Nose Art, Paint Schemes & Unusual Markings on Aircraft from Korea to Desert Storm

Westchester, Pennsylvania: Schiffer Publishing, Ltd., 2004. First Edition . Trade Paperback. Very Good. 8 1/2" X 11. Biondi, Robert -Book Design. 65 Pages. Tight, clean book with no noted defects. Interior text and illustration pages are near flawless. In over 270 color photographs, this book is a tour through modern aircraft paint schemes and markings. For years aviation authors have written the histories, diaries and experiences of the aviators and ground crews of the great planes. They wrote of our historic past, as well as our salty present. Some reference has been given to the nose art as an art form and a way for these pilots, crews, and ground personnel to express themselves freely. The aircraft of the last twenty years is not too different in retrospect. This book includes an assortment of paintings, paint schemes, Centennial and Bicentennial designs, all with one thing in common, these works of art and spirit are displayed on the outer skins of the aircraft. We will tour through paint schemes wing shark's teeth, heavy metal magic, and racy ladies. The reader will journey to Europe to a Tiger Meet, which is an international aircraft competition where tiger and jungle cat paint schemes are the rule and not the exception. A-10 Thunderbolts and F-4 Phantom IIs will take the reader on a roller coaster ride into the artists imagination. The unconquerable spirit of the American fighting man is still alive, as well as a profound sense of humor. We will take a stroll into Operation Desert Storm and take a first hand look at the Tornados, Victors, and C-130s which were participants. We will take a close-up look into the weapons bays of : infamous F-117 Stealth fighter and the hidden humor of weapons bay art. While in the Middle East we will look at the colorful metaphors painted on the weapons to be delivered to Saddam Hussein, and his tyrannical followers, many of which will carry a familiar tune. We will see a few pieces of rare F-105 Thunderchief bomb bay door art and clever names on the intakes and panels of just about any active duty aircraft of the last twenty years. Sit back and enjoy the tour, we're very happy to have you aboard.