Introduction

Based on a requirement after World War 2 for an aircraft to protect convoys, Lockheed started design and development of a unique tail sitter. The aircraft was to be capable of vertical take-off and landing. This would allow the aircraft the ability to operate from the deck of a cargo ship or like to protect convoys from aircraft or other threats. The prototype of the XFV Salmon occurred on June 16, 1954.

A new book from Jared A. Zichek covers the details of the proposal and development of the XFV-1 Salmon.

Book

Lockheed Model L-200 Convoy Fighter - The Original Proposal and Early Development of the XFV-1 Salmon - Part 1
Written by: Jared A. Zichek
Published by: Retromechanix Productions
ISBN: 978-0-9968754-4-8
Pages: 73

Review

For fans of interesting aircraft, this definitely looks like a book for you from Jared A. Zichek. The book is printed in an 8.5" by 11" format with a soft cover. Inside, the text and images cover many aspects of the design and development of the XFV, and includes many diagrams to accompany the text. The diagrams include drawing of requirements for flight as well as many on the detailed design of the aircraft itself.

The book does not include a table of content or glossary, but does include sections that cover the design features, flight characteristics, design arrangements of both external and internal components of the aircraft, and a section detailing the cockpit.

As part of the flight characteristic, the book does a good job on both the take-off and landing procedures for the aircraft. I did find this interesting, as it does describe the transition from vertical take-off from its tail to normal flight, as well as returning to land.

To accompany the well written and descriptive text, the book contains many diagrams. A lot of these show the details of the aircraft, including many blue print diagrams. As well there are many "blown up" images showing internal details of the aircraft, to include the cockpit, wing and fuselage structure, and engine mounting.
There is even a section on the building of the cockpit mock-up, which includes some good pictures. It provides a good view into the work done in the design of the cockpit and its layout.

I found the book almost reads like what the original proposal from Lockheed must of been like. With a great amount of details on almost everything you would need to know about the aircraft, including how it would works and fly's.

Overview

The new book from Jared A. Zichek seems to be a great book providing almost everything you would need to know about the XFV-1 Salmon. The book contains a lot of great descriptive text and accompanying images and diagram. For any fan of the XFV or anyone interested on the development of aircraft, I would highly reccomend this book.