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Lockheed C-141 Starlifter (Paperback)

Aviation

By Bob Archer
Imprint: Key Publishing
Series: Historic Military Aircraft
Pages: 96
ISBN: 9781802820430
Published: 8th November 2022

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Loved by most associated personnel and enthusiasts alike, the C-141 Starlifter, quite simply, looked right and was right. During the second half of the 1960s, it quickly became a commonplace visitor worldwide, and it was in service for more than forty years before the final examples were retired in favour of more capable airlifters. Such was its popularity that many crews left their heart aboard the silent airframe when they walked away for the last time.

Containing over 170 images, many previously unseen, and detailed information supplied by the people who flew, maintained, and supported the C-141, this book looks at the aircraft itself, as well as the organisations that flew it. A host of names and extra markings are shown, including the graffiti briefly applied during the Rodeo competitions. Details of every unit that flew the Starlifter are also included, making it an invaluable addition to the book collections of both enthusiasts and modellers.

The Lockheed C-141 Starlifter was truly a magnificent and versatile USAF transport that has until recently not been given the coverage in the publishing world that it deserved. Bob Archer, a renowned aviation author sheds light on a true workhorse of the USAF. The C-141 was the first jet transport aircraft made by Lockheed and only 284 were made between 1961-1968. And yet it served until 2006! It was a four engine, t-tail, high wing yet low fuselage aircraft designed to allow easier loading and unloading while giving the engines a higher clearance from the ground. Bob shares it’s stellar record in Vietnam support, Antarctic missions, special operations low level missions, and it’s main role of passenger and cargo missions.

The small yet comprehensive format of the Historic Military Aircraft Series really gives the reader a simple to follow format packed with amazing information, personal stories, and many well chosen photographs, some of which have never been published before. The first chapter is an introduction to the need and development of the Starlifter. Then its straight into the many missions into and out of Vietnam as a regular visitor to places like Tan Son Nhut Airbase and Da Nang Airbase. This culminated in the repatriation of the American POWs from Hanoi. The first one to land there was christened the “Hanoi Taxi” by the newly freed POWS. It is now preserved in the USAF Museum in Dayton, Ohio. There is even a story about an attempted hijacking by a disgruntled American soldier. Then its off to Antarctica support missions resupplying the scientists studying out in the frozen environment of one of the world’s most remote and inhospitable locations. Chapter four deals with the C-141 units in the USAF Reserve where it featured prominently in many units. Next is a chapter on the various paint schemes applied to the Startlifters. A rather unique chapter on airframes used as ground trainers is next. And lastly there is a chapter on all of the units who operated the C-141. A short conclusion describes their retirement and the final resting place for the remaining airframes at Davis-Monthan AFB in Arizona.

Two standout features of the book are the sections on the Special Operations Low Level II variant and its use on clandestine missions of which this reviewer’s father rode in the back of many times and the section on C-141 teams at various airlift rodeos over the years of its service along with many photographs of the prolific nose art applied to many of the Starlifters. The only thing I would have liked to have seen would be a few paragraphs on C-141 losses such as the one lost in a mid-air over Africa and the loss on the ground of the one at Pope AFB, North Carolina that was hit by a crashing F-16 resulting in 24 deaths. But the constraints of the book size probably precluded this. This in no way takes away from this excellent volume on an aircraft that has had so little coverage in the past. I always find it strange that even though a civil variant prototype was produced it was not taken up by any company and furthermore no other country put it into military service. Bob is to be commended for choosing to highlight this stalwart of Military Air Transport Service, Military Airlift Command, and finally Air Mobility Command within the USAF. It was loved by its crews and maintainers and it is deserving of such a well crafted publication. I highly recommend this fantastic and well researched publication on the mighty Lockheed C-141 Starlifter to all enthusiasts, modellers, historians, former Starlifter crew members, and anyone who wants to learn more about USAF airlift history.

Todd Shugart - Aviation News

This book includes eight chapters, covering the story of the C-141 Starlifter from its inception through development, testing, entry into service, operational history and decommissioning. It includes sections on the Starlifter’s use in Vietnam, Antarctica, and the different operating units of the type.

There are over 170 photographs, with many detail shots and coverage of all the different liveries worn by the type. A rare shot shows the proposed civilian development, also.

This is a good, well-researched book covering an interesting aircraft type.

Read full review here

Airport Spotting

The colours and markings illustrated throughout the book will be enjoyed by modellers and aviation enthusiasts alike.

Read the Full Review Here

Military Model Scene

About Bob Archer

Bob Archer's 60 years in aviation began as an aircraft enthusiast turned photographer. He has written for a variety of for aviation journals,as well as having several books published. His primary period of interest is post World War Two and American, Russian and UK manufacturers are his specialities.

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