introduction

This is Concord's 13th volume in their ‘Assault: Journal of Armored & Heliborne Warfare’ series. In this issue, we get a good overview of the Austrian Panzergrenadier & Jagdkommando Elite, 1st (UK) Armoured Division, and the French 6th Light Armored Brigade in action.

disc contents

This 48 page volume is packed full of photos showing each of these units on manoeuvres. The large (8 1/2 x 11 inch) layout allows good, clear pictures. The book is split into three sections, each focusing on one of the 3 nations' armies featured. In each section, is a good mix of APCs, tanks, and helicopters. Each picture has a good descriptive caption attached to it as well. Each section also focuses on Soldiers with their vehicles and how they work together to complete their allotted tasks.

Regarding the Austrian Army, we are treated to photographs and descriptions for the Ulan IFV, the Pandur wheeled APC in many of its variants, Bell 412 (UH-1N), S-70A Black Hawk, Pinzgaur 710, Leopard 2A4, and various other support vehicles. It is quite a comprehensive pictography of modern Austrian equipment. All of the photographs were taken during the exercise "Schutz '04," which took place in April 2004.

For the 1st (UK) Armoured Division, we get a look at a wide array of their modern equipment as well, including the Saxon armored car, Warrior MICV, FV 436 in many variants, FV 439, Fox NBC Recon vehicle, AH-9 Lynx, and many other support and transport trucks as well. There are also good pictures of a river crossing operation and NBC operations. All of these photographs were taken during the exercise "Rhino Charge '04," held in September of 2004. Again, a very good look at modern British equipment.

The French Army is covered by the 6th Light Armored Brigade. The photo essay includes pictures and descriptions of the VAB wheeled APC, Puma and Gazelle helicopters, AMX 10RC, Panhard VBL, MISTRAL and Roland ADA systems, and 120mm towed mortars. There are also photographs of river crossing operations, beach landings, and ship to shore operations. All the pictures were taken during exercise "Anvil 2004," which recreates the 1944 amphibious landing on the south of France in 1944's Operation "Anvil Dragoon." These pictures are some great shots of modern French equipment in action.

You also get the bonus of a very nicely drawn side view of the US M1126 Stryker APC with bar armor in a two-page fold out. The drawing is in 1/35 scale as well. A very nice bonus.

Conclusion

Overall, a great reference source for those modelling modern vehicles and equipment from the armies of France, Britain, and Austria. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a good reference source. It is up to the usual high quality of Concord publishing and a great book.



My Thanks to Concord Publications for the review sample