United States Marine Corps Aircraft Since 1913 By E. R. Johnson
(McFarland, 590 pages, $49.95)
In the history of aviation, there have been countless aircraft designed and flown. But for military-aviation enthusiasts, few aircraft have matched the distinction of the warbirds that support the lowly grunt on the ground. And in fact, the specific mission of United States Marine Corps Aviation is exactly that: to support Marine combat forces on the ground, primarily during their amphibious-assault missions. From the 1920s to the present, Marine aviation has undergone an amazing evolution, not only in terms of tactics but also in the types of aircraft needed to accomplish its mission.
Written by E. R. Johnson, United States Marine Corps Aircraft Since 1913 gives the reader a comprehensive historical accounting of the various aircraft flown by
Marine aviators. This book would be a great addition to anyone’s reference library as it includes technical specifications, detailed three-view drawings, and many excellent photographs of every type of fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft used by the Marines. It highlights Marine aircraft through the years, from the Corps’ humble origins before World War I to its current operations around the world.
The book is divided into three sections: fixed-wing tactical aircraft; fixed-wing transport, trainer, and utility aircraft; and rotary-wing aircraft. Each section is well addressed technically and visually. The author has enjoyed a friendship of more than 10 years with Lloyd S. Jones, an aviation artist and author in his own right, who produced the many detailed aircraft drawings in the book. A special treat for the reader is that the book does not simply highlight the favorite regulars shown in most reference books; it covers some of the more obscure and rare aircraft types. From the Curtiss E-1/AX-1 Owl (a V-8 60hp engine–equipped amphibian biplane) and Grumman F6F-5N Hellcat to the Rockwell OV-10A Bronco, McDonnell Douglas AV/TAV-8 Harrier, Bell-Boeing MV-22B Osprey, and McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C, there are great three-view drawings to appease anyone’s documentation appetite. Helicopters are also given excellent attention. In addition, there are several pages devoted to modern unmanned air systems—both fixedwing and rotor drones—as well as information on various aircraft-carrier vessels.
Johnson served in the U.S. Navy’s Atlantic Submarine Fleet from 1969 to 1972 and has been a private pilot since 1980. He is past president of the Arkansas
Aviation Historical Society and is a member of the American Aviation Historical Society, the Experimental Aircraft Association, and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Johnson is also the author of seven books and has written more than 100 aviation articles.
If you’re an aviation enthusiast with a U.S. Marine
Corps branch in your aviation-interest tree, this book, priced at $49.95, is a great value and I highly recommend it.—Gerry Yarrish