Fairey Flycatcher (Orange Series) Paperback – August 5, 2016

This is the 16th book in MMP Book's Orange Series. It introduces a new trade dress to this series but despite this the book in many ways represents a retreat to the format of the very earliest books. The size is back to the European B5 size (6-1/2" x 9"), the 96 pages are the lowest since the the earliest volumes, and the color profiles are all collected in the back of the book instead of spread throughout the text. It's still a square bound card cover but now the rear cover has an additional color profile instead of ads for other volumes of interest.All that said, the book is quite well done. The first 23 pages are a detailed background, design, development, and production history of the aircraft. Of particular interest was the comparison to the Parnall Plover. There then follows a 30-odd page service history which is remarkably comprehensive and includes quotes from biographies of Flycatcher pilots. Although the aircraft never saw war service it did play its part against piracy in Chinese waters and unrest in Palestine. Its use as a trainer and in public displays is not neglected either. There are a few pages devoted to its role as a testbed for catapult, metal float, and metal propeller development. Three pages cover the unsuccessful Flycatcher II. The text concludes with some pages devoted to a modern Flycatcher replica, a technical description, markings, and specifications. The text is supported throughout by excellent black and white photographs all expertly captioned. The replica section has some nice color photos of the aircraft in flight.The "In Detail" section is a bit of a disappointment with only 5 pages of color closeups of the aforementioned replica, now in a museum. The replica is not faithful down to detail equipment level so is of limited use for this purpose. Were there no contemporary photos that could have been used? In any event, there are three pages of drawings from the technical manuals of the aircraft which are very informative.The book concludes with 13 pages and the rear cover devoted to color profiles and not a few plans. The Flycatcher carried many colorful and varied markings in its 10 year career so these are a real treat. The book also has 8 pages of 1/48th scale line drawings of the usual MMP high quality.It should be pointed out that the book takes pains to cover the aircraft's role as a floatplane as well as a landplane. This is reflected throughout the book in photos, color profiles, and line drawings.Highly recommended. I don't have a lot of Flycatcher references (the Fairey Putnam volume is my best) so this book is very welcome. I hope someone will do a comparison of the interwar US and British carrier aircraft at some point.

This a good workmanlike volume on a little known aircraft that has been delivered at a very reasonable price point. (Most importantly, I've enjoyed the book.)Mr. Willis succeeded with this brief, unpresumptuous monograph on the Flycatcher. The book follows the typical format of pre-history, design, usage, etc. The color plates and line drawings are excellent. The technical descriptions and reproduced illustrations are adequate for the size and price-point of this book as well.Recommended for those with an interest in post WWI aircraft and aircraft of the Royal Navy. Not recommended for modelers. If you have interest in the aircraft or post WWI RN aviation operations, this volume represents a good purchase.

a short synopsis of the history of this great looking plane. there are a lot of nice pictures and excellent drawings of the various marks

Nice little book on the Flycatcher with excellent scale drawings, color profiles, manual extracts, etc. Ideal for modelers and history buffs alike.

A comprehensive coverage of the Flycatcher, full of interesting text, photographs, diagrams and colour artwork.