Air forces and warfare Books
Key Publishing Ltd British Fighters of the 1970s and '80s
Book SynopsisTwo of the RAF's most memorable aircraft are the English Electric Lightning and the McDonnell Phantom. The Lightning, which flew with nine RAF squadrons before being retired in 1988, is fondly remembered for is astonishing rate of climb, while the Phantom, which flew with three Royal Navy squadrons and 15 RAF squadrons, started out in the ground-attack and reconnaissance roles but became more predominant in the tactical fighter role before being finally retired in 1992. Illustrated with more than 180 photographs, this book covers in great detail the Lightning and Phantom fighter aircraft and the part they played in the latter stages of the Cold War. 180 illustrations
£13.49
Key Publishing Ltd Republic F-105 Thunderchief: Peacetime Operations
Book SynopsisThe F-105 Thunderchief was primarily designed for tactical nuclear operations. For this reason, it was on nuclear Victor alert in Europe (Bitburg and Spangdahlem Air Bases in Germany) and the Far East (Kadena on Okinawa and Osan in the Republic of Korea). After President John F. Kennedy took office in January 1961, his Secretary of Defense, Robert McNamara, shifted the USAF's focus more and more to conventional warfare including, through modifications, the mission of the F-105. When the air war against North Vietnam was initiated in earnest on March 2, 1965, the USAF needed an aircraft with a load-carrying ability, and the only aircraft that could do that job was the Thunderchief. This book not only gives in-depth accounts of various historical F-105 events, with inputs from the pilots involved, but is also lavishly illustrated with over 150 images, many of which have never been published before.
£14.39
Key Publishing Ltd Air-to-Air Refuelling Aircraft
Book SynopsisModern strategists talk about "force multipliers," and, for air operations, air-to-air refueling is without doubt the greatest force multiplier of all. In-flight refueling has allowed not only the longest bombing missions in history but also persistence in air defense, transport reach and flexibility in ground-attack tasks. Covering a range of refuelers - including the Boeing KC-97 and KC-135, Vickers Valiant, Handley Page Victor, Lockheed TriStar, Vickers VC10, McDonnell Douglas KC-10 and the Airbus MRTT Voyager - this book details the history of air-to-air refueling and celebrates the key role played by tanker aircraft in the application of air power around the world. 140 illustrations
£14.39
Helion & Company 75 Years of the Israeli Air Force Volume 3:
Book Synopsis
£16.96
Helion & Company Ham & Jam: 6th Airborne Division in Normandy -
Book Synopsis
£28.00
Danann Media Publishing Limited The de Havilland Mosquito: The History of a
Book SynopsisMosquito History of a Legend is a fascinating telling of the development of the de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito, a British twin- engined, light bomber introduced during WWII. This lavishly illustrated book is the ultimate guide to the development of the airplane and the many variants of the Mosquito and the various missions it flew during WWII including in the Battle for Normandy and D Day. The Mosquito was as fast as the German Luftwaffe fighters that opposed it. Unusual in that its frame was constructed mostly of wood, it was nicknamed the ?Wooden Wonder?or ?Mossie?. The Mosquito was often flown in special raids, such as Operation Jericho (an attack on Amiens Prison in early 1944), and precision attacks against military intelligence, security, and facilities such as Gestapo headquarters. On January 30, 1943, the 10th anniversary of Hitler being made chancellor and the Nazis gaining power, a morning Mosquito attack knocked out the main Berlin broadcasting station while Hermann Göring was speaking, taking his speech off the air.
£18.69
Fighting High Ltd The Lost Graves of PeenemüNde
Book SynopsisThe raid on the secret rocket research establishment at Peenemünde on the Baltic coast in August 1943 has gone down in history as one of the most successful and remarkable of the war. The site was virtually obliterated, and the Germans forced to move rocket production and development elsewhere. But it came at a terrible cost. More than 40 bombers and 215 RAF aircrew failed to return. After the war, the bodies of many of those who were killed were recovered by the Missing Research and Enquiry Service (MRES) and buried in Commonwealth war graves. But not all. A series of mishaps and miscommunication led the MRES to search in the wrong place. Funds to continue the search dried up. And with the site falling into Russian hands, and access to British and US search parties severely restricted, the search ultimately had to be called off, and the remaining men commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial as having no known grave. But some of the missing men are still there, waiting to be found.With a foreword from Peenemünde raid veteran pilot George Dunn DFC L d'H, and illustrated with a wealth of previously unpublished photographs, Sean Feast and Mike McLeod tell the story of the forgotten graves of Peenemünde, the search to discover the truth about their final resting place, and the chance that their bodies may yet be discovered and returned.Table of ContentsForeword by George Dunn, DFC, L d’H 1 Chapter One: The Passengers 2 Chapter Two: The Airmen 3 Chapter Three: The Raid 4 Chapter Four: The Missing 5 Chapter Five: The Searchers Chapter Six: The Lady in the Lake 7 Chapter Seven: The Archaeologist Appendix Acknowledgements and Bibliography Endnotes Index
£16.96
Wydawnictwo STRATUS, Artur Juszczak Polish Fighter Colours 1939-1947: Volume 2
Book SynopsisThis book describes in detail the camouflage and markings of the day fighters used by the Polish Air Force from 1939 to 1947. Aircraft of Polish, French, British, American, Soviet, and German origin are shown. The writing team includes the well-known quartet of distinguished Polish aviation historians: Kopanski, Belcarz, Gretzyngier, and Matusiak. The illustrators are Artur Juszczak, Karolina Holda, Robert Gretzyngier, and Robert Grudzien. This profusely illustrated book includes many historical photographs and color profiles showing the colors and markings carried by the aircraft. Detailed color notes and precise description and illustration of national markings over the period complete a book that will be invaluable to aircraft enthusiasts, historians, and modelers.
£32.00
Wydawnictwo STRATUS, Artur Juszczak Swedish Bomber Colours 1924-1958
Book SynopsisThis latest book in the Rainbow Series covers Swedish bomber aircraft deployed during World War Two and in early 50s.Camouflage and markings on the bombers obtained from different countries are described in unparalleled detail by the well-known Finnish author Mikael Forslund.The book features many previously unpublished photographs, and exclusive color profiles created for this book by Karolina Hołda.
£32.00
Kagero Oficyna Wydawnicza Fiat C.R. 42
Book SynopsisThe Fiat CR 42 designed by Ing. Celestino Rosatelli, has the undoubted characteristic of being the last single-seat fighter biplane to be manufactured during the Second World War. It represents the final evolution of the aircrafts serie since Fiat CR 30 – 32 – 33 – 40 - 41, made during the 1935-1938 years in Turin. The prototype flew the first time on 23 May 1938 and about 1800 Fiat CR 42 were produced, divided into 15 construction SERIE. There were no productive variants but only small changes along the SERIE due to various operational uses. Despite he was technically overtaken and outclassed by the opposing aircrafts, he honored his duties thanks to the skill and sacrifices of the Regia Aeronautica pilots who used it in almost all fronts war. He was also successfully exported and used in Belgium (Aeronautique Militaire Belge), Hungary (Magyar Kiraly Hoved Légiéro), Germany (Luftwaffe) and Sweden (Flygvapnet). Surviving aircraft were deployed in the post-war era by the Scuola Caccia Aeronautica Militare Italiana Lecce-Galatina airfield and for secondary services in Milano-Linate airfield during the 1950s, both single-seater and two-seater version.
£15.30
Kagero Oficyna Wydawnicza Messerschmitt Bf 109 T
Book SynopsisMesserschmitt Bf 109T was supposed to operate from German aircraft carrier “Graf Zeppelin”. The plane was equipped with arresting hook and had enlarged wing span up to 11,08 m. It did not have folding wings because “Graf Zeppelin’s” elevators were supposed to be enough big to fit planes with fixed wings. Anyway the wings could be detached for transport. There were versions T-1 and T-2 developed. Fighters served in JG 77 and JG 11 units.Trade Review...a really interesting addition to the TopDrawings range […] there will be a lot of WW2 aviation historians and modellers who will be really keen to see these plans, all presented in the 3 most popular modelling scales. * Military Model Scene *A very necessary tool for those interested in researching or building models of this rare Messerschmitt variant. Recommended. * Scale Military Modelling International Magazine *
£15.30
Kagero Oficyna Wydawnicza Yakovlev: Yak-3
Book SynopsisThe IN COMBAT series is aimed for those who would like to quickly learn about fascinating history of specific vehicle, plane or ship. Every tome consist of most important information about history, versions and service of one combat machine. Book has tens of pages in A4 format and consists of dozens of interesting photos, colour illustrations, technical drawings and maps. In every tome there is a free gift in form of masks or decals for modellers. Minimonographs IN COMBAT are the answer to many requests from our readers who asked us to make such series. Yakovlev Yak-3 is considered one of the best World War 2 fighters, invariably praised by those who flew it in combat for its remarkable performance. The Germans also treated it with respect, which is perhaps best illustrated by Generalleutnant Walter Schwabedissen’s remark: The Yak-3 was a tough nut to crack for our pilots. It outperformed our machines in speed, maneuverability and rate of climb.
£14.85
Kagero Oficyna Wydawnicza Dewoitine D.520: D.520c-1, D.520dc
Book SynopsisIn 1936 the D-513 fighter designed by Emil Dewoitine made its first flight. It was supposed to be the successor of the slightly outdated D-500 and D-510 models, and built according to modern trends: with a closed cabin and a retractable undercarriage. Unfortunately, the tests turned out to be very disappointing. At the same time, as a result of the nationalization of the aviation industry, Dewoitine's industries were absorbed by the SNCAM. Dewoitine, however, did not give up on the project and, in cooperation with his engineers, developed a new model - the D-520.Trade Review…this volume oozes quality. If you intend seriously to model the D520, it represents a solid investment in accuracy. * Aeroplane Magazine 24/05/2021 *
£17.06
Wydawnictwo STRATUS, Artur Juszczak Supermarine Spitfire V: Volume 1
Book SynopsisThe two volumes describe Spitfire Vs used by Polish pilots in Britain during 1941-1945. This vol. 1 covers Polish 302-308 Squadrons, while vol. 2 will cover 315-318 Squadrons plus allied units. The books include listings of losses and of officially credited victories. Each volume has about 200 photographs (many of which have not been published before) and 36 color profiles (plus top and bottom views of representative aircraft).
£15.30
Wydawnictwo STRATUS, Artur Juszczak Bristol’S Buckingham, Brigand and Buckmaster
Book SynopsisIn late 1939, the Air Ministry were looking to replace the Blenheim as a medium bomber. Bristol Aircraft Company (BAC) initially came up with a bomber development of the Beaufighter, the Type 161. Due to specification changes and redesigns, the end result was the Type 163 Buckingham, a twin engined, twin tailed medium bomber. At the time of the Buckinghams conception inquiries were made about a torpedo bomber version. A redesign of the Buckingham brought about the Type 164 Brigand. The torpedo requirement was eventually dropped and the aircraft re-configures as a bomber. With no suitable trainers to train the Buckingham and Brigand pilots BAC came up with the Buckmaster, which was basically a Buckingham with a new nose section containing dual controls.By the time the Buckingham and Brigand entered service their roles had been superseded with newer and better aircraft. Most Buckinghams went straight into storage to await their fate, but some were converted in high speed courier aircraft with four seats. But it was too little too late. The Mosquito could do a better job at almost half the cost. The Brigand with its long range was earmarked for the Far East and the battle against Japan, but the war ended before they could be sent over. It was the Malaya Emergency that saved the Brigand. Carrying out a role for which it was never designed, that of a dive bomber, two Squadrons carried out over 3,500 against the Communist Terrorist.Had it not been for the constant delays and construction changes the aircraft may have lived up to their expectations. As it was they were plagued by mechanical and hydraulic issues as well as structural defects. After a number of catastrophic airframe failures the Brigands were retired from operational service in early 1953.
£21.25
Kagero Oficyna Wydawnicza The Soviet Fighter Yakovlev Yak-3
Book SynopsisYakovlev Yak-3 is considered one of the best World War 2 fighters, invariably praised by those who flew it in combat for its remarkable performance. The Germans also treated it with respect, which is perhaps best illustrated by Generalleutnant Walter Schwabedissen’s remark: The Yak-3 was a tough nut to crack for our pilots. It outperformed our machines in speed, maneuverability and rate of climb. The emergence of the Yak-3 was a compromise between the need to improve the Yak-1’s characteristics, and the limitations of Soviet aircraft industry with its outdated technologies. The basic design concept took those shortcomings into account, which allowed a rapid launch of mass production of this inexpensive fighter. This in turn provided frontline units with timely deliveries of new equipment to recoup combat losses. The key to Yak-3’s success was not due to the use of a new powerplant (in those days hard to come by in the USSR), but rather the superior performance of the M-105PF engine, which resulted in a five percent increase in power output. In combination with some serious weight shedding, the Yak-3 had a significantly better performance than the Yak-1. At altitudes up to 5,000m (which is where most of the air combat over Eastern Front took place), Yak-3 outperformed both the Bf-109 and Fw-190 in rate of climb and maneuverability. Unlike the Yak-1, the new fighter could also stay with the enemy in a dive.
£15.30
Kagero Oficyna Wydawnicza Boeing F/A-18e Super Hornet
Book SynopsisDesigned and initially produced by McDonnell Douglas, the Super Hornet first flew in 1995. It is used by the United States Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force. The Boeing F/A-18E and F/A-18F Super Hornet are twin-engine, carrier-capable variants based on the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. The F/A-18E single-seat variants are larger and more advanced derivatives of the F/A-18C and D Hornet. The Super Hornet is a new aircraft at about 20% larger and 3,200 kg heavier empty weight than the original Hornet. It carries 33% more internal fuel, increasing mission range by 41% and endurance by 50% over the "Legacy" Hornet. To aid safe flight operations and prevent confusion in radio calls, the Super Hornet is informally referred to as the "Rhino" to distinguish it from earlier Hornets. It is designed to be equipped with an aerial refueling system (ARS) or "buddy store" for the refueling of other aircraft.
£17.06
Kagero Oficyna Wydawnicza Vought F4u Corsair
Book SynopsisIn February 1938, the United States Navy opened a competition for a new fighter. Its maximum speed and operational ceiling were to exceed all the machines that the American aviation had at the time. Among others, the Chance Vought company entered the competition. The Corsair was designed by a team of engineers led by Rex Beisel, the company's chief constructor. The prototype XF4U-1 was flown on May 29, 1940. The Corsair was powered by an eighteen-cylinder Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp, the largest and the most powerful radial engine ever installed in a single-seat front fighter.Trade Review...a well presented title that covers a good number of the gambits faced during a model build. * Aeroscale 14/06/2021 *
£16.65
Kagero Oficyna Wydawnicza Focke-Wulf Ta 154
Book SynopsisThe Focke-Wulf Ta 154 Moskito was a fast twin-engined German night fighter aircraft. The German Ta 154 night fighter which supposed to be an answer to the British Mosquito.Trade ReviewAnother good addition to the TopDrawings series; I am a fan of this new feature of the inclusion of a separate page of artwork which is a great picture to put up on your wall. * Military Model Scene 02/08/2021 *
£14.85
Kagero Oficyna Wydawnicza Republic P-43 Lancer
Book SynopsisAleksander Siewierski, originally from Georgia, was in the United States in 1917 and was there when the revolution in Russia broke out. As Alexander Seversky, he founded the Seversky Aero Corporation. Alexander Kartvelli (also a Georgian) became his main designer. Unfortunately, financial problems led to firing Seversky, and his company changed its name to Republic Aviation Corporation. The projects started and developed by Seversky, which resulted in the P-35 fighter, were continued, though.As a result of its further development, a design for the XP-41 high-altitude fighter equipped with a turbocharger was prepared. Only a prototype was built, while many of its solutions went to a more advanced aircraft, designated AP-4, and finally P-43.Trade ReviewFor the scratch builder or modeler looking for scale drawings of this plane, here's the booklet. * The Historical Miniatures Gaming Society 07/12/2022 *
£15.26
Kagero Oficyna Wydawnicza Junkers Ju 88 A-4
Book SynopsisThe book presents a description of work on a model Ju 88 A-4. The author shows step by step each element of the modelling workshop.Trade Review...included is a 2.3x4.9-inch masking foil with 70 cutouts -- handy for modelers using airbrushes for painting… * The Historical Miniatures Gaming Society 07/12/2022 *
£17.55
Kagero Oficyna Wydawnicza Dornier Do 335 Pfeil a
Book SynopsisIn 1937, Dornier obtained a patent for a plane with two engines in the fuselage, driving the pull and push propellers. The design was marked P.59, and its concepts were refined in 1939 in the P.59-05 variant, after which the design was put in a drawer. This type of plane was not needed at the time. Nevertheless, limited experimental work was carried out, the result of which was a small Goppingen Go-9 plane, with an aerodynamic system obtained from P.59, as well as three-support landing gear with a front wheel and an engine driving a push propeller through a long shaft.The results of these experiments were used when designing the P.231 aircraft in several variants - also combining piston and jet propulsion. When in 1942 the RLM announced the requirements for a high-speed multipurpose aircraft, the equivalent of the British Mosquito, Dornier proposed the P.231 as a rather unusual answer. Despite the risks posed by the different P.231 concept, Dornier was commissioned to build several prototypes.Trade ReviewFor the scratch builder or modeler looking for scale drawings of this plane, here's your booklet. * The Historical Miniatures Gaming Society 07/12/2022 *
£17.06
Kagero Oficyna Wydawnicza Douglas A-20g Havoc (Db-7)
Book SynopsisDouglas DB-7 is a family of American bomber and night fighter aircraft manufactured by the Douglas Aircraft Company, used during World War II. This book presents a description of working on a model Douglas A-20G Havoc (DB-7). Complete with 80 colour photographs, 35 archival images, 24 renders, and free decals, this is the ideal guide for model-makers and enthusiasts. The author shows, step-by-step, each element of the modeling workshop.
£15.26
Wydawnictwo STRATUS, Artur Juszczak Naa P-51 Mustang: The Cadillac of the Skies
Book SynopsisThis book is the latest in a new reference series for aircraft modelers called "Spotlight On" and is a showcase for the superb aviation artwork created for the publisher by the remarkable Polish aviation artist Tomasz Kaca. The book contains 20 color plates showing 20 famous P-51 Mustang fighters depicted in the air. Aircraft of the famous fighter aces are shown based on the latest research.
£17.10
Wydawnictwo STRATUS, Artur Juszczak Mitsubishi Babs Vol. 2
Book SynopsisMitsubishi Babs Vol. II – The world’s first high-speed strategic reconnaissance aircraft completes the history of Japan’s revolutionary high-speed strategic reconnaissance aircraft design. This second volume describes the Imperial Japanese Navy’s flawed attempts to develop its own high-speed strategic reconnaissance aircraft and their decision to ultimately adopt the Army’s magnificent Ki-15 design into Navy service as the C5M/Type-98 Reconnaissance Plane (Allied codename Babs).Across eight chapters Mitsubishi Babs Vol. II outlines the unit histories and the operational deployment of Navy C5M aircraft during the Sino-Japanese and Pacific War, andhow, through Army support and training, the Navy was finally able to perform its own long-range strategic reconnaissance missions deep into mainland China and Australia.A major portion of Vol. II is devoted to the first highly detailed technical description of this aircraft to be compiled since the Mitsubishi engineering department completed the final Babs airframe in August 1941. Individual coverage of the Ki-15-I, civilian Karigane-I, Ki-15-II, Karigane-II, C5M1, C5M2 and Ki-15-III provides aviation historians and modellers alike with an in-depth understanding of individual airframe systems and reconnaissance equipment, all lavishly supported with custom artwork, cutaways, original engineering drawings and detailed photographs.A chapter is also devoted to the pilot’s operating manual, which describes exactly how to fly this high performance aircraft.The often inaccurately reported capabilities of Babs are reviewed across two chapters which outline what the Allied intelligence teams believed about the aircraft, supported by crash investigations and technical reports.And to counter these numerous technical inaccuracies and half-truths, two chapters are devoted to reassessing various technical aspects of the aircraft, with the hope of correcting the history books once and for all. The first deals with the all important performance figures, while the second reveals the somewhat absurd manufacturing and assembly details of the Army and Navy airframes, the true production figures and decoding the Babs Construction numbers and prefix codes.The book also contains a small chapter on the history of Babs model kits and surviving memorabilia.
£32.00
Wydawnictwo STRATUS, Artur Juszczak Polish Wings No. 37 Ts-11 Iskra
Book SynopsisThe famous Polish jet trainer TS-11 Iskra and its variants in the Polish Air Force are described in unparalleled detail. Includes many unpublished photos from the private collections. The colour schemes and markings are described and illustrated in a series of specially commissioned colour profiles.
£16.20
Wydawnictwo STRATUS, Artur Juszczak Single No. 48 Fairey Gannet as.1
Book SynopsisThis book is compilations of the 4-view colour profile, scale plans and photo details of the single variant of the Fairey Gannet AS.1 . Scale plans in 1/72 scale plus drawings from wartime technical manuals. Also photos of the details in B&Wand colour.4-view colour profiles of the Fairey Gannet AS.1 of the Royal Navy
£999.99
Kagero Oficyna Wydawnicza Bristol Blenheim
Book SynopsisThe Bristol Blenheim was one of the most popular British aircraft at the beginning of World War II. It was a very versatile and modifiable machine, and therefore typical bomber, reconnaissance, and fighter (including night) versions were created.The first mass-produced version was the Mk I, which featured a richly glazed nose part of the fuselage. The most common version in the air force of several countries was the Mk IV, in which the glass nose of the aircraft was extended so that the bombardier could lie freely in a special cradle during targeting. The nose of the fuselage had an asymmetrical “dent” on the left side of the fuselage (in its upper part), providing better visibility for the pilot sitting in a separate cockpit. This version also had more powerful engines and a longer range, but slightly lower speed and ceiling.
£14.85
Kagero Oficyna Wydawnicza Fiat G-55 Centauro
Book SynopsisThe Fiat G.55 Centauro fighter was designed by Giuseppe Gabrielli at the Fiat factory in 1942 and flown in the spring of the same year (April 30). The plane was to be a response to the demand for an interceptor capable of operating at high altitudes, which was dictated by the increasing intensity of Allied air raids on Italian cities and military infrastructure. A total of 130 copies of this machine were produced.Most Fiats G.55 were stationed in bases in northern Italy, from which they defended industrial plants located in these regions. The G.55 fighters were very highly rated by the pilots who considered them superior to the German Bf 109s G and K versions, and the Focke-Wulf Fw 190A. Unfortunately, due to the bombing of Fiat factories and problems with the supply of a sufficient number of Daimler Benz 603 engines, the production of the aircraft was stopped.Published in Kagero’s renowned Top Drawings series for modellers and military historians, this volume detailssize=2 color="#333333"> the history of the Fiat G.55 Centauro fighter and includes size=2>10 quality colour profiles and drawings in scale.color="#333333">
£14.85
Canfora Grafisk Form Yugoslav Electras - From Aeroput Airlines to RAF
Book Synopsis
£17.84
Basic Books The Second World Wars: How the First Global
Book SynopsisWorld War II sent the youth of the world across the globe in odd alliances against each other. Never before had a conflict been fought simultaneously in so many diverse landscapes on premises that often seemed unrelated. Never before had a conflict been fought in so many different ways - from rocket attacks on London to jungle fighting in Burma to armor strikes in Libya. It was only in time that these battles coalesced into one war.In The Second World Wars, esteemed military historian Victor Davis Hanson examines how and why this happened, focusing in detail on how the war was fought in the air, at sea, and on land-and thus where, when, and why the Allies won. Throughout, Hanson also situates World War II squarely within the history of war in the West over the past 2,500 years. In profound ways, World War II was unique: the most lethal event in human history, with 50 million dead, the vast majority of them civilians. But, as Hanson demonstrates, the war's origins were not entirely novel; it was reformulations of ancient ideas of racial and cultural superiority that fueled the global bloodbath.
£18.99
Schiffer Publishing Ltd A10 Thunderbolt II
Book Synopsis
£17.09
Firefly Books Ltd Graphic War: the Secret Aviation Drawings and
Book SynopsisGraphic War is a superb collection of top-secret drawings, including training manuals and colourful wartime posters, from World War II. They were brilliantly created from a few downed aircraft, but mainly from pilots' views of the enemy in the air, during missions. Almost all of the material was originally listed as restricted - official use onlyA" and previously unpublished in any form. The cutaway drawings of the aircraft and airborne weaponry were critical to the war efforts of Allied and Axis forces alike. As there was little intelligence available to pilots about the design, power and armament on opposing aircraft, these graphic transcriptionsA" were essential. Many of the graphic artists and technical illustrators employed by the Allies, and most employed by the Axis powers, remain anonymous. Their work survives on these pages, however, to provide rare and unique insight into war room strategy and the air- and ground-crew trainee classroom. Aviation enthusiasts, modellers, illustrators, artists and anyone with an interest in World War II history will find Graphic War a compelling inside look at the war fought in the sky.
£21.21
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Big Week 1944
Book SynopsisA rigorous new analysis of America''s legendary Big Week air campaign which enabled the Allies to gain air superiority before D-Day.In the years before the outbreak of World War II, there was a general consensus among military strategists that strategic bombing had the ability to win wars. However, no-one could foresee the devastation that German radar-directed interceptors would inflict on large bomber formations.With the increasingly urgent need to eliminate these German fighter-aircraft prior to D-Day, a concerted two-phase effort, code-named Operation Argument, was launched by USSAF. Targeting aircraft factories with hundreds of heavy bombers escorted by the new long-range P-51 Mustang, the operation, now known as the Big Week campaign, was designed to destroy aircraft production on the ground and force the Luftwaffe into combat to defend these vital facilities, allowing the new escort fighters to take their toll on the German interceptors. Packed with speTrade ReviewThe book is wonderfully supplemented by the usual stunning artwork known in many of the Osprey series. There are excellent maps, orders of battle, and a good selection of photographs. I found few if any editing errors in this book. It is a fantastic look at a very focused and short campaign in February 1944 that was deemed crucial to the success of the impending Allied invasion. In fact by April 1944, the USAAF switched priorities and focus by being subordinated to Eisenhower for invasion support. If you are looking for a compact yet comprehensive and affordable look at Operation Argument, then this is the book for you. -- Todd Shughart * Aviation News Magazine *Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION CHRONOLOGY ATTACKER’S CAPABILITIES -The Pointblank Directive -Aircraft: their capabilities, roles, and missions -Commanders ORDERS OF BATTLE, February 1944 DEFENDER’S CAPABILITIES -The Luftwaffe’s air defence system -Aircraft: their capabilities, roles, and missions -Commanders CAMPAIGN OBJECTIVES -“Black Week” – the crisis of American daylight strategic bombing -The Luftwaffe’s response -Operation Argument planning THE CAMPAIGN -Eighth AF Mission 226, February 20 -Eighth AF Mission 228, February 21 -Eighth AF Mission 230, February 22 -Fifteenth AF Missions, February 22, 23, and 24 -Eighth AF Mission No.233, February 24 -Eighth and Fifteenth AF Missions, February 25 AFTERMATH AND ASSESSMENT BIBLIOGRAPHY INDEX
£13.49
Schiffer Publishing Ltd F111 Aardvark
Book Synopsis
£17.09
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC 75 years of the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works
Book SynopsisThis pictorial journey will take the reader from the very beginning of the Skunk Works'' very first project (XP-80 Shooting Star) and follow the program through prototype build-up, first flight and, if they reached the frontline, operational service.This pictorial journey will take the reader from the very beginning of the Skunk Works'' very first project (XP-80 Shooting Star) and follow the program through prototype build-up, first flight and, if they reached the frontline, operational service. This treatment will be repeated for each of the 30 unclassified program designed and built by the Skunk Works. Each program will form a chapter of at least two pages in length, with a maximum of 14 pages being allocated for programs that went into production and merit more detailed coverage, such as the P-80/F-94/T-33 family, C-130 family and, of course, the A-12 and SR-71.Trade ReviewWith superb production design, endless behind the scenes photography, this is a real coffee table book for aviation lovers. * The Armourer *This is an indispensable reference for any aviation enthusiast. * Airfix Model World *Table of ContentsDedication Foreword Introduction XP-80 - Shooting Star - 1944 XF-90 - Penetration Fighter - 1949 X-7, X-17 - 1951, 1955 YC-130 - Hercules - 1954 XVF - Salmon - 1954 XF-104 Starfighter - 1954 U-2A-G - Dragon Lady - 1955 Jet Star L-329 - 1957 SST L-2000 - 1958 XV-4 - Hummingbird - 1962 CL-400 Suntan - 1962 A-12 - Oxcart - 1962 YF-12A - Kindle - 1963 D-21 - Tagboard/Senior Bowl - 1964 M-21 Tagboard - 1964 SR-71A - Senior Crown - 1964 X-26 - Frigate - 1967 AH-56A Cheyenne - 1967 U-2R Dragon Lady - 1967 X-27 - Lancer - 1970 YO-3A - Quiet Star - 1971 X-24C - L-301 - 1977 XST - Have Blue - 1977 Senior Peg - 1978 Senior Prom ATCM -1980 YF-117A - Senior Trend - 1981 YF-22 - ATF - 1990 Sea Shadow - IX-529 - 1985 X-35 JST - 1989 X-33 - Venturestar - 1990 RQ-3 - Dark Star - 1996 X-44A - MANTA - 2001 Desert Hawk - 2003 P-175 Pole Cat - 2005 Cormorant - 2006 P-791 - 2006 RQ-170 - Sentinel - 2007 X-55A - ACCA - 2009 HTV-2 - 2010 RATTLRS - 2010 X-56A - 2013 Sea Ghost - 2013 X-59 QUESST - 2016 Compact Fusion - 2019 SR-72 - 2030 Future Thoughts and Paper Airplanes Skunk Works Leadership Biographies Acknowledgments Index
£40.00
Schiffer Publishing Ltd FockeWulf Fw 190 Long Nose An Illustrated History
Book Synopsis
£25.59
Schiffer Publishing Ltd Heinkel He 111
Book SynopsisA new pictorial history of one of the most significant aircraft of the Second World War.
£17.09
Helion & Company Bombers at Suez: The RAF Bombing Campaign During
Book Synopsis
£16.10
Schiffer Publishing Ltd PBY Catalina
Book SynopsisA Legends of Warfare guide to the most iconic military flying boat ever produced.
£19.54
Imperial War Museum Squadron Airborne
Book SynopsisIn the summer of 1940, the Battle of Britain rages in the skies over southern England. Nineteen-year-old Pilot Officer Peter Stuyckes arrives at RAF Westhill and is immediately put to the test. Based on the author's own service as an RAF Flight Engineer,Squadron Airborne takes place over one unforgettable week that summer, depicting with intensity and brilliance the work of the many ground-crew and other staff as they support the Few in their fight against the Luftwaffe. The novel is published to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain in September 2020.Trade Review“Fantastically engaging. . . . Fast-paced and atmospheric. . . . This fictional work depicts the responsibilities which rested on such young soldiers in that frenetic summer and the collective strength and courage which was required to ensure victory.” * Militaria & History *"A hidden masterpiece." -- Patrick Bishop, author of Air Force Blue: The RAF in World War Two"Inspirational." -- Frederick Forsyth, author of The Day of the Jackal
£8.54
The History Press Ltd Brawdy
Book SynopsisCompleted in 1944 as a satellite airfield to nearby St David''s, Brawdy soon supplanted its parent for meteorological reasons. Used initially by RAF Coastal Command, it passed to the Royal Navy in 1946, becoming HMS Goldcrest. The base was used by the Navy up to 1974, when the RAF resumed control once again. Used as an advanced training facility, Hunters and later Hawks were based there, as was a secret US Navy Oceanographic Research unit. Since 1996, Brawdy has been used by the Army. For many, Brawdy was also synonymous with the air displays held there for many years and for its search and rescue role, making it a widely known location.
£16.20
Amberley Publishing Spitfire Ace of Aces
Book SynopsisThe biography of the RAF's top fighter pilot, Johnnie Johnson, who shot down more enemy aircraft than any other pilot during the Second World War.Trade ReviewSarkar has interviewed veteran pilots over the years and has drawn upon letters, diaries and family memories... to present this complete first person account of the air battles, bail-outs and crashes' * THE DAILY MAIL *Excellent... essential reading.' * SPITFIRE: THE JOURNAL OF THE SPITFIRE SOCIETY *
£11.69
Hikoki Publications Spyflights And Overflights: Cold War Aerial
Book SynopsisFew aviation subjects have been shrouded in more secrecy or been more controversial than cold war aerial reconnaissance. Former reconnaissance pilot Robert S. Hopkins, III, offers new insights into strategic intelligence flights during the early years of the cold war. Primarily undertaken by RB-50s and RB-47s of the Strategic Air Command and by CIA U-2s, other Western nations such as Britain, Sweden, and Taiwan were equally committed to gathering intelligence about the Soviet Union and its allies, and conducted their own peripheral and overflight missions. Hopkins challenges longstanding beliefs that the flights served to prevent war, curtailed needless defence spending, and were undertaken by rogue generals bent on starting World War Three. For the first time he shows the Soviet perspective on the flights, and makes a compelling case that reconnaissance flights did not have a sustained adverse effect on Soviet relations with the West. Using newly declassified materials, interviews with crews and policy makers, and his own experience flying strategic reconnaissance missions, Hopkins links the daily operations of courageous fliers with decisions by Presidents and Prime Ministers that decided the outcome of the cold war.
£23.96
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Valkyrie The North American XB70
Book SynopsisThe complete story of one of the most spectacular aircraft that ever flew. Includes many astounding photos and detailed construction diagrams.
£14.39
Schiffer Publishing Ltd F8F Bearcat
Book SynopsisThe Grumman F8F was a fast, agile, carrier-borne fighter aircraft developed as the ultimate dogfighter for the Pacific Theater. This is the most complete collection of Bearcat photography in print.
£17.09
Schiffer Publishing Ltd Dreamland
Book SynopsisThis is the definitive factual history of the US military flight-testing program at Area 51, authored by a recognized authority on the subject.
£65.54
Casemate Publishers Survival in the South Pacific
Book SynopsisIn September 1943, as America began advancing from its foothold on Guadalcanal, a young American airman was lost in heavy weather over the South Pacific on what was expected to be a routine flight. In examining that loss and the events leading up to a rescue attempt on an island in the South Pacific, and bringing together societies utterly alien to each other, Survival in the South Pacific brings together the big themes of the Pacific War.Lieutenant Leonard Richardson and his comrades had been swept from their homes across America, trained at speed for war, and dispatched to one of the remotest places on the globe. American war plans in place when Pearl Harbor was attacked poorly reflected the capabilities of its military, and the limits imposed by America's far-flung and indefensible territories. The Germany First policy had resulted in a deeply uncertain future for forces in the South Pacific and Australiathe United States was unprepared for the global war that came to it in late 1941, even as the pipeline of men and materiel began to fill. Young Allied and Japanese aviators, sailors, and soldiers, were not the only ones thrown into the swirling maelstrom of war that had engulfed the Pacificthe indigenous islanders were also immersed in a new reality. In bringing together individual stories of men at war, this book gives a new perspective on the Pacific War.
£26.36
