AFRICAN AIR FORCES

This is a very handy reference book for any Airforce enthusiast wordwide. It gives a fairly comprehensive breakdown of all known aircraft in service, or in previous service for each Air Force in Africa.

Due to the incidence of recent and ongoing wars a number of the countries lists are incomplete or the fate of many aircraft is unknown. Obviously the governments concerned do not dish out these statistics to all and sundry, so I believe the Author has managed pretty well under these circumstances; relying on eye witness accounts, perusing aviation literature and garnering info from "insiders" in the particular countries.

The list of aircraft for Angola is particularly interesting. A huge amount of aircraft appear, mostly Soviet built but also a number of Western designs are listed. Due to this book being published in 1999, I am sure since the death of Savimbi a lot more could be learned of the serviceability and whereabouts of these aircraft.

Overall the list of aircraft for each country is comprehensive and detailed: Includes: serial or registration; type description; constructors number; delivery date / taken on charge date; previous identity and Fate.

This reference book is a definite "must have' for any one interested in African Military Aviation, and has proved indispensable to me when referencing pictures I have taken of African Air Force aircraft.

[RA]

AIR REPORT 1996

WARRIORS OF THE SKY

WINGED COURIER - Story of Civil Aviation in South Africa