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This book is called the Modern Viper Guide because it examines the C and D models of the F-16 currently in USAF service. The book is softbound, 136 pages, and follows a detailed walk -around format. The photographic coverage of the aircraft is comprehensive and thorough. Jake Melampy knows his subject very well, and enlisted the help of F-16 technicians to ensure the photo captions are detailed and razor accurate. The quality of the photography is outstanding; all of it in color.

The author steps you through each section of the aircraft, providing excellent detail photographs supported by thorough captions. The first section of the book is a complete, up close look at the jet from nose to tail. While examining every detail, this section includes the latest information and photographs of those things that typically confuse modelers, such as reinforcement plates, IFF antennas, vents, intakes, and chaff/flare dispensers. Here the author does an outstanding job helping the reader sort out these differences from block to block. Included in this section is an outstanding look at the landing gear with photos and captions that point out the differences between the lightweight/heavyweight gear and associated doors. For the superdetailer, there are fantastic detailed images of the F-16 in maintenance, as well as an excellent look at the Pratt 220E and GE engines. The coverage of the C and D cockpit is the best I’ve seen anywhere, and the author does a great job of clearing up confusion over the various HUD/block configurations. 

Additionally, the book gives you a detailed look at all the external stores and suspension equipment currently in use on USAF Vipers. This is a very comprehensive section of the book that includes detailed photo coverage of the latest weapons for the F-16  including, but not limited to AIM-9X, JDAM, WCMD, GBU-12 and 24, HARM, Maverick, and rocket pods. The author also gives a thorough examination of  HTS, LANTIRN, LITENING, and Sniper targeting pods, ECM pods, and TARS. Again, the walk-around type photography is outstanding, and the detailed caption information will help you sort out where it all goes.

The last section looks at each Block of the F-16C separately, starting with the Block 25 and wrapping up with the Block 50/52. Each Block is covered in detail with photos and a detailed explanation of how to identify a particular Block of F-16. This chapter is a welcome addition not found in any other book, and clearly sorts out the mystery of various F-16 Blocks for the reader.

As an F-16 pilot, I can tell you that this book is the most complete, accurate look at the F-16 available. The photography is stunning, and the book makes an interesting read as well. I even learned a few things, too.

If you are looking for the definitive source of F-16C/D information, then look no further than The Modern Viper G uide. Over the years, many F-16  books aimed at the modeler or enthusiast have been published. Unfortunately, all of them have come up short either due to inaccuracies or gaps in coverage. When compared to other books available, The Modern Viper Guide is the most comprehensive, accurate, and detailed look at USAF F-16’s. Jake Melampy wrote this book with the modeler in mind. The Modern Viper Guide is the ultimate F-16 reference and stands head and shoulders above any other F-16 book available. If you must get one F-16 reference book, this is it. Even if you have other F-16 reference books like I do, The modern Viper Guide is a must have for the most up to date and thorough coverage of the F-16 available.

---Pete "Pig" Fleischmann, 363FW & 158FW