Voisin III/V At War
By Chris Banyai-Riepl
Windsock Datafile 135
Author: Paolo Varriale
Publisher: Albatros Publications
ISBN: 978-1-906798-02-4
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 40
The newest Datafile covers the Voisin III/V series, an attractive pusher aircraft with tricycle landing gear. The history of Voisin is a fascinating one, of which aviation plays a small part, and the author hints at this with a short introduction to Gabriel Voisin. This sets the tone for the rest of the text, which continues to present the story of the Voisin III/V in a well-researched manner that is both informed and highly readable.
The operational history of the Voisin is covered as best as possible. It is interesting to note that the coverage of the Voisin in the Italian archives is more thorough than in the French archives, due to the destruction of records in France during the Second World War. Still, the author is able to compile a pretty thorough history of the French side, in addition to the Italian and Russian operations.
Complementing the well-written text are many excellent photographs, including a color autochrome showing French examples. The photo selection is quite good, covering French, Italian, and Russian aircraft. Many of these wore colorful squadron or personal markings, with many of the photos illustrating these. In addition to the photos, a trio of side view profiles and a top view illustration bring additional color information. The usual high quality scale drawings round out this title.
This is a welcome addition to the Datafile line, as French subjects can be challenging to research. For ordering information, visit the Albatros Publications website, newly redesigned. My thanks to Albatros Publications for the review copy.