Mitsubishi Babs: The World's First High-Speed Strategic Reconnaissance Aircraft: Volume 1

The book is well-bound and uses quality paper. Photographs are clearly reproduced with informative captions. There are numerous color profiles (and tail scrap-views) illustrating unit markings and camouflage as well as the schemes of the privately owned early aircraft, including their in-service schemes after they were handed over to the Army for use in China. There are also some four-view plans that are informative.The text is crisp and clear, providing a context of the development in Japan of long-range photo recon from the 1920's onward with some nod to developments overseas. The origin of the Ki-15 is told against the background of Japanese aviation industry in general and Mitsubishi in particular. The Ki-15's technical aspects in general including engine selection are covered though not in great detail, however a second volume is planned which will address such more fully."Friendship" flights to Europe are covered, then service introduction and finally combat in China and the south-west Pacific. All-in-all, I rate this among the best of the many books on individual military aircraft types I've seen and i eagerly await the second volume.

When thinking of Japanese reconnaissance AC the Babs is not the first aircraft that springs to mind. Usually the Mitsubishi Ki-46 Dinah takes the prize., however this book does bring to light why this aircraft was so important to the Japanese military and pre-war propaganda. Excellent book, with a great deal of detail and historical perspective. Excellent read for historian and modeler.

A beautifully illustrated book on a handsome but often overlooked Japanese aircraft. I cannot believe there is a volume 2 to look forward to, as this volume is very comprehensive and well-researched. I have the recent Japanese Model Art profile on this type and this book makes a wonderful supplement to it, with the advantage that it is in English! Hats off to the masterful Mr. Picarella and MMP for publishing such a beautiful hardcover book on a neglected aircraft.