Customer Reviews

SPAD XIII vs. Fokker D VII: Western Front 1916-18 (Duel)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

To my mind, the Spad 13 and Fokker D 7 were tough, slab-sided dogfighting brutes. Effective killing machines, yes; Graceful, no. Jon Guttman compares and contrasts these two classic dogfighters in this 2009 Osprey title. Done in the usual "Duel" format, it should appeal to any World War I air combat buffs out there.

As with other series titles, SPAD XIII Vs FOKKER D VII, WESTERN FRONT 1918 examines the Technical Development and Background of each fighter, the Training received by Spad and Fokker pilots, the Strategic Situation when the aircraft came into use, Combats fought between the two, Stats and Analysis and so on.

The most fascinating part of these Duel titles, to me, has always been that last item - Analysis, the reasons behind the duel's outcome. For example, the Fokker D VII was Germany's best WW I fighter. Flown by many of its best pilots, they held the home court advantage since they usually only sought combat over their own lines. Despite some initial engine problems, the Spad XIII was a first-rate design as well. Pilot experience levels amongst the French and American units who flew the Spad however varied, some USAS pilots being pretty green compared to their Fokker opponents. Yet, though the Fokker took a heavy toll of Allied a/c, its record against Spad units was pretty much a draw. To understand why, read the book!

Guttman's book is the usual Osprey combination of b&w photographs, color three-views, battle scenes, cockpit and armament close-ups, maps, etc. As always, Jim Laurier, who did the cover artwork and most of the inside art, turns in a great job. I wish Osprey would make more use of his considerable talents in their "Aces" and "Elite Units" series.

After a somewhat shaky start, the "Duel" series has been turning out some interesting, informative and visually appealing histories. SPAD XIII Vs FOKKER D VII is an excellent addition to the series. Recommended.

My Husband is building a RC version of the Fokker D7. He is using this book as Historical reference. Book is good, service was fine. I was satisfied with the service.

These short books, by their nature, are a mile wide and an inch deep. The illustrations are excellent w/ the - too me - exception of the inclusion of a two page oil painting that is poorly rendered. The "book" would have been better served by the inclusion of another two pages of text and/or pictures.

Pros: The author knows his material, the cover, three views, cockpits are excellent and the chronology is helpful. The pictures are a good mix of the familiar and rare.

Cons: Too short and the material presented only scratched the surface as a result. Perhaps related to length is the odd omission of French production/deployment figures for the SPAD XIII in the Design and Development section. The relevant figures are listed for other countries (UK, USA and even Belgium) but the figures for the primary user are not; just odd.

For World War I aviation buffs, this is a good compendium of materials that pits the speedy SPAD XIII
French fighter against the Fokker D VII, considered by many the best German fighter made during the Great War.
Worth reading.