F-15I Ra'am in IAF Service Book Review
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | October 2006 | Title | F-15I Ra'am in IAF Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Ra'anan Weiss | Publisher | Isra Decals Publications |
| Published | 2006 | ISBN | 965-7220-04-1 |
| Format | 82 pages, softbound | MSRP (USD) | $30.00 |
Review
The F-15 Eagle has been involved in several wars since it entered service in the early 1970s. Designed to be a pure dogfighter, the F-15 has an impressive kill-loss ratio. One reason for its huge success is its early combat debut over Israel. The Israeli Air Force has really rung out the aircraft since it went into service there. They were first to see combat with the aircraft, and they still have an unmatched kill ratio of 80:0 after their last skirmish with Syria, earning the Israeli Eagles with the distinction on being the "largest distributor of MiG parts in the world!"
With the success of the F-15 Baz, it was only natural that the Israelis would want to leverage the F-15E Strike Eagle to provide greater payload and range to strike at signifcant threats located hundreds of miles away (like Scuds). While the IAF evaluated other aircraft, they decided upon the F-15E but with tailored capabilities which would render the F-15I designation. While the F-15I was featured in photo shoots during its initial test flights and again during the IAF's participation in a USAF Red Flag, the F-15I has remained aloof from interested aviation enthusiasts - until now.
IsraDecal Publications has done a magnificent job in bringing the Ra-am up-close and in detail. The title starts off with a brief developmental history of the type and launches into a wide array of magnificent color photographs of the aircraft in action, including their 2002 visit to Nellis AFB for Red Flag. The title is then rounded out with loads of full-color photos of an extensive photo walk around of the aircraft from all of the usual perpectives and quite a few more that would get the average enthusiast shot! Very nice work indeed.
The title is written in English and provides a detailed look at the aircraft that will satisfy both the modeler and the Israeli Air Force aviation historian/enthusiast.
If you're a follower of the exploits and accomplishments of the Israeli Air Force, this is one title you won't want to miss. This title is highly recommended!
My sincere thanks to Isra Decal Publications for this review sample!