Parnall Panther
By Chris Banyai-Riepl
Windsock Datafile 142
Author: Colin Owers
Publisher: Albatros Publications
ISBN: 978-1-906798-09-3
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 32
When one thinks of World War One aircraft manufacturers, the names of Sopwith, Fokker, and Nieuport will immediately jump out. Those a bit more versed in the history of the First World War might also toss out Ansaldo, Hawker, SPAD, Roland, and the like. Few, though, would be likely to mention Parnall, which is understandable given the breadth of their aviation production during the war. The Panther was Parnall's only aircraft built to production during the war, and it managed to serve in the post war era as well. Designed as a carrier-based spotter aircraft, the Parnall Panther bears absolutely no resemblance to its namesake, being a rather homely looking aircraft that nevertheless performed its mission well.
The distinctive Panther is documented thoroughly in this book, due to the interesting fact that there is an incredible amount of original data on the type. The author availed himself to this trove of information, and the result is what is undoubtedly the most complete history of the Parnall Panther in existence. The text runs through the development process, from Parnall's origins as a manufacturer of other aircraft through their abortive Zeppelin raider to the Panther. Once designed and built, testing is next, and this is also thoroughly covered. This is particularly good as this plane had several innovative features, and thus the testing was extensive. Operationally, there is not much to say on the Panther, as it served most of its time flying in the post-war years. Examples did go to the United States and Japan, though, so there is some foreign flair present.
In addition to the well-written and thorough text, this book contains what is likely the largest collection of Parnall Panther photos ever put into print. The unique shape is complex, and the photos do an excellent job of providing plenty of views to help understand that shape. Scale drawings further accentuate that, drawn to good detail by Martin Digmayer. Finally, a trio of color profiles on the back cover highlight the colors and markings of Royal Navy, US Navy, and Japanese Panthers.
While the more popular aircraft inevitably get the lion's share of book coverage, it is these lesser known types that are often the more fascinating types to read about. The Parnall Panther is no exception, and this book makes for a great afternoon's read. My thanks to Albatros Publications for the review copy.