Air forces and warfare Books
Pen & Sword Books Ltd A Spy in the Sky: A Photographic Reconnaissance
Book SynopsisMany stories abound of the daring exploits of the RAF's young fighter pilots defying the might of Hitler's Luftwaffe, and of the dogged courage of the men of Bomber Command flying night after night over Germany in the face of flak and Focke-Wulfs, yet little has been written about the pilots who provided the key evidence that guided the RAF planners - the aerial photographers.Ken Johnson joined No.1 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit as an eighteen-year-old and soon found himself at the controls of a Spitfire high above enemy territory. The PRU aircraft were stripped of all non-essential equipment to increase their performance, because speed and height was their only protection as the aircraft's guns were among those items that were removed.In this light-hearted reminiscence, Ken Johnson relives his training and transfer to an operational unit, but not the one he had expected. He had asked if he could fly Spitfires. He was granted that request, only to find himself joining a rare band of flyers who took to the skies alone, and who flew in broad daylight to photograph enemy installations with no radios and no armament. Unlike the fighter pilots who sought out enemy aircraft, the pilots of the PRU endeavoured to avoid all contact; returning safely with their vital photographs was their sole objective.As well as flying in northern Europe, Ken Johnson was sent to North Africa, where his squadron became part of the United States Army Air Force North West African Photographic Wing (NAPRW). In this role, he flew across southern Europe, photographing targets in France and Italy."The Spy in the Sky" fills a much-needed gap in the history of the RAF and, uniquely, the USAAF during the latter stages of the Second World War. AUTHOR: Kenneth Johnson was born in Leicester on 5 December 1922. He led an unremarkable childhood, except that he had a penchant for building and repairing bicycles and motorcycles, and learning how to operate them. By the age of 17 he had saved enough money to buy a second-hand car and went to work in a furniture store in Coventry. The Second World War then intervened in his future! 16 b/w illustrations
£16.99
Helion & Company Showdown in the Western Sahara Volume 2: Air
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£16.10
Schiffer Publishing Ltd B29B50 Superfortress Vol. 2
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£17.09
HarperCollins Publishers Air Force Blue The RAF in World War Two
Book SynopsisIn 2018 the RAF is one hundred years old. In his new book, destined to be a classic, Patrick Bishop examines the high point of its existence the Second World War, when the Air Force saved the nation from defeat then led the advance to victory.A SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERAir warfare was a terrible novelty of the modern age, requiring a new military outlook. From the beginning, the RAF's identity set it apart from the traditional services. It was innovative, flexible and comparatively meritocratic, advancing the quasi-revolutionary idea that competence was more important than background.The Air Force went into the war with inadequate machines, training and tactics, and the early phase was littered with setbacks and debacles. Then, in the summer of 1940, in full view of the population, Fighter Command won one of the decisive battles of the struggle. Thereafter the RAF was gilded with an aura of success that never tarnished, going on to make a vital contribution to Allied victory in all theaTrade Review‘This is a terrifically readable, authoritative book that told me many fascinating things I did not know’ Max Hastings, Sunday Times ‘As a former war correspondent with more than 30 years’ experience, Bishop brings journalistic strengths to his second career as a popular historian: an easily readable and exciting writing style, a knowledge of what fighting means to those at the sharp end, a nose for the nub of the story, and an admirable compassion for the victims of war on all sides…a book that at once educates, explains, and excites’ BBC History magazine, Book of the Month ‘Monumental … after Bishop's pilot's eye views of the war in Fighter Boys and Bomber Boys, Air Force Blue counts as a publishing event. It won't disappoint” The Times ‘Full of excellent and vivid stories, this terrifically readable and authoritative book tells the dramatic story of the RAF during the Second World War’ The Sunday Times ‘Compelling … Mr Bishop has an enormous tale to tell as he leads up to 1939 and six years of formative war…what Mr. Bishop does so well is to show how the RAF came to be such a distinctive and effective force’ Country Life ‘This meticulously compiled survey sets out to combine encomium with a series of unblinkered evaluations’ TLS ‘Succeeds in mining new and startling insights’ The Times
£999.99
HarperCollins Publishers Chastise
Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERA masterly history of the Dambusters raid from bestselling and critically acclaimed Max Hastings.Operation Chastise, the overnight destruction of the Möhne and Eder dams in north-west Germany by the RAF's 617 Squadron, was an epic that has passed into Britain's national legend.Max Hastings grew up embracing the story, the classic 1955 movie and the memory of Guy Gibson, the 24-year-old wing-commander who won the VC leading the raid. In the 21st Century, however, Hastings urges that we should review the Dambusters in much more complex shades. The aircrew's heroism was wholly authentic, as was the brilliance of Barnes Wallis, who invented the bouncing bombs'. But commanders who promised their young fliers that success could shorten the war fantasised wildly. What Germans call the Möhnekatastrophe imposed on the Nazi war machine temporary disruption, rather than a crippling blow.Hastings vividly describes the evolution of Wallis' bomb, and of the squadron which Trade Review Praise for Chastise ‘A virtuoso performance from a veteran military historian. It is a white-knuckle narrative that brings clarity and insight to a much-loved tale, as well as offering a vital corrective to the drum-thumping conclusions of earlier books.’ Sunday Times ‘Hastings recounts the actual raids with dramatic intensity … He brings us into those Lancasters, flying perilously low, straight into flak … Superb.’ Times ‘Thoughtful and gripping … This is a fine book combining great storytelling with a deep appreciation of the melancholy and waste that march in step with glory.’ Patrick Bishop, Telegraph ‘What is at stake in this revision of the old glorious narrative is something important. The debate over whether this particular raid mattered is, in miniature, the wider historiographical debate over the morals and efficacy of the whole bombing war … A powerful parable which might instruct us in our own confused times.’ Spectator ‘Hastings, who is a master of his craft, unfolds the story skilfully … It doesn’t matter how many times you have seen the film, or heard the story, this book is gripping from start to finish’ Keith Lowe, Literary Review ‘A riveting account that also shines a light on the fact that more than 1,400 civilians died in the floods that followed … It’s a monumental read’ Sun ‘A fine book about that moonlit Dambusters’ raid of 76 years ago, a worthy tribute to the men of 617 Squadron – and their hapless victims’ Sunday Express ‘A remarkable book … Combining formidable narrative power with equally potent explanatory insight, it situates the Dambusters Raid in the broader strategic context of World War II’ Washington Post
£21.25
Ebury Publishing The Last British Dambuster
Book SynopsisSergeant George Leonard Johnson was born in Lincolnshire in 1921, the sixth child of a farm foreman. On the outbreak of the Second World War he volunteered for the RAF. After completing initial training, Johnny was sent to the USA for pilot training. Failing this course, he returned to England and became an air gunner. In July 1942, he was posted to 97 Squadron, where he became a bomb-aimer. A chance meeting introduced him to Flight Lieutenant Joe McCarthy, and they were soon flying together on a number of major raids before joining 617 Squadron.Johnny went on to complete a further 19 operations with 617 Squadron before he was posted elsewhere. He remained an instructor until the end of hostilities. Post-war he served with 100 Squadron and 120 Squadron Coastal Command. After a period in the Far East and a final tour in the UK, Johnny retired as Squadron Leader in 1962.Following the death of his wife, whom he adored for over 60 years, Johnny moved to Bristol where he
£12.34
Oxford University Press Inc Stealth The Secret Contest to Invent Invisible
Book SynopsisOn a moonless night in January 1991, a dozen U.S. aircraft appeared in the skies over Baghdad. To the Iraqi air defenses, the planes seemed to come from nowhere. Their angular shape, making them look like flying origami, rendered them virtually undetectable. Each aircraft was more than 60 feet in length and with a wingspan of 40 feet, yet its radar footprint was the size of a ball bearing. Here was the first extensive combat application of Stealth technology. And it was devastating. Peter Westwick''s new book illuminates the story behind these aircraft, the F-117A, also known as the Stealth Fighter, and their close cousin the B-2, also known as the Stealth Bomber. The development of Stealth unfolded over decades. Radar has been in use since the 1930s and was essential to the Allies in World War Two, when American investment in radar exceeded that in the Manhattan Project. The atom bomb ended the war, conventional wisdom has it, but radar won it. That experience also raised a question: could a plane be developed that was invisible to radar? That question, and the seemingly impossible feat of physics and engineering behind it, took on increasing urgency during the Cold War, when the United States searched for a way both to defend its airspace and send a plane through Soviet skies undetected. Thus started the race for Stealth. At heart, Stealth is a tale of not just two aircraft but the two aerospace companies that made them, Lockheed and Northrop, guided by contrasting philosophies and outsized personalities. Beginning in the 1970s, the two firms entered into a fierce competition, one with high financial stakes and conducted at the highest levels of secrecy in the Cold War. They approached the problem of Stealth from different perspectives, one that pitted aeronautical designers against electrical engineers, those who relied on intuition against those who pursued computer algorithms. The two different approaches manifested in two very different solutions to Stealth, clearly evident in the aircraft themselves: the F-117 composed of flat facets, the B-2 of curves. For all their differences, Lockheed and Northrop were located twenty miles apart in the aerospace suburbs of Los Angeles, not far from Disneyland. This was no coincidence. The creative culture of postwar Southern California-unorthodox, ambitious, and future-oriented-played a key role in Stealth. Combining nail-biting narrative, incisive explanation of the science and technology involved, and indelible portraits of unforgettable characters, Stealth immerses readers in the story of an innovation with revolutionary implications for modern warfare.Trade ReviewThe U.S. innovation system fostered different approaches to a specific problem, and stealth mobilized a huge amount of talent and human energy- like many high-tech Cold War ventures. Historians of business, technology, and the military as well as sociologists will find Stealth richly rewarding. * Dimitrios Ziakkas, Dimitrios Ziakkas is an assistant professor in the School of Aviation and Transportation Technology at Purdue University., Technology and Culture *[A] valuable contribution to Cold War history. * Tom Ricks *In his elegant Stealth, Peter Westwick balanc[es] a modest level of technical detail with a keen eye for the people involved, drawing on extensive interviews and oral histories. The vividness Mr. Westwick achieves is all the more impressive given the secrecy of the stealth world. * Konstantin Kakaes, The Wall Street Journal *A rich, compelling, and eye-opening book. * Daniel J. Kevles, author of The Physicists *Westwick does a good job of explaining the engineering principles at work, the competitive instinct of the engineers—which motivated them more than did a patriotic desire to gain the upper hand over the Soviet Union—and the advantages of a close partnership between the private sector and the state. * Lawrence Freedman, Foreign Affairs *This concise, highly readable history of the creation, development, and application of one of the most important technologies of the Cold War brings clarity and a thorough understanding to this complex subject. * F. Robert van der Linden, Science *Table of ContentsChapter 1. Roots of the Revolution Chapter 2. Dark Days in the Sunshine State Chapter 3. Breeding Invisible Rabbits Chapter 4. Lockheed: Tin Shed in a Hurricane Chapter 5. Northrop: Seeing the Waves Chapter 6. Shootout at RATSCAT Chapter 7. Have Blue and the F-117 Chapter 8. Secrets and Strategies Chapter 9. The Whale Chapter 10. Winning the B-2 Chapter 11. Building the B-2 Chapter 12. Stealth and the Modern Military
£21.24
Oxford University Press Aerial Warfare
Book SynopsisAerial warfare has dominated war-making for over 100 years, and despite regular announcements of its demise, it shows no sign of becoming obsolete. In this Very Short Introduction Frank Ledwidge offers a sweeping look at the history of aerial warfare, introducing the major battles, crises, and controversies where air power has taken centre stage, and the changes in technology and air power capabilities over time. Highlighting the role played by air power in the First and Second World Wars, he also sheds light on the lesser-known theatres where the roles of air forces have been clearly decisive in conflicts, in Africa, South America, and Asia. Along the way, Ledwidge asks key questions about the roles air power can deliver, and whether it is conceptually different from other forms of combat. Considering whether bombing has ever been truly effective, he discusses whether wars can be won from the air, and concludes by analysing whether there is a future for manned air power, or if it is iTable of ContentsIntroduction 1: Foundations 2: Beginnings: The First World War 1914-1918 3: Theory and Practice: The interwar years 1919-1939 4: The Second World War: air operations in the West 5: The Second World War: the air war in the Pacific 6: Cold war 1945-1982 7: The apotheosis of air power 1983-2001 8: Aerostats to algorithms; 2001-2018 9: Per ardua ad astra? References Further Reading Index
£8.54
Penguin Books Ltd The Hurricane Girls
Book SynopsisCelebrating the lives of the magnificent women, the ATA girls, who courageously flew Spitfires, Tiger Moths, Lancaster Bombers and many other aircraft during World War Two Since the invention of aeroplanes, women have taken to the skies.They have broken records, performed daredevil stunts and faced such sexism and prejudice that they were effectively barred from working as pilots. That changed in the Second World War. Led by firebrand Pauline Gower, an elite group of British women were selected as ferry pilots to fly for the Air Transport Auxiliary. They risked their lives flying munitions and equipment for the boys on the front line. Flying day and night without radio; dodging storms, barrage balloons and anti-aircraft fire; and with only a map, compass and their eyesight to guide them, they navigated the treacherous wartime skies. The Hurricane Girls is the thrilling, moving and inspirational story of the female air Trade ReviewMeet the women who kept the RAF flying during World War ll . . . Nearly 80 years after the war started, the battle over equal work continues and prejudice still hold many girls back from taking up jobs considered to be men's work. But opinions are changing and the women of the ATA remain an inspiration * The Big Issue *
£10.44
Penguin Books Ltd Fighter
Book Synopsis''The most honest attempt yet to tell how the Battle of Britain really was'' Andrew Wilson, ObserverHistory is swamped by patriotic myths about the aerial combat fought between the RAF and the Luftwaffe over the summer of 1940. In his gripping history of the Battle of Britain, Len Deighton drew on a decade of research and his own wartime experiences to puncture these myths and point towards a more objective, and even more inspiring, truth.''Revolutionised thinking about the Battle of Britain in a way that has not been seriously challenged since'' The TimesTrade ReviewRevolutionised thinking about the Battle of Britain in a way that has not been seriously challenged since. -- Robert Dawson Scott * The Times *Must surely rank as the most honest attempt yet to tell how the Battle of Britain really was. -- Andrew Wilson * Observer *The research was so meticulous that his conclusions, chiefly that the Few were very brave but their leaders were daft, could not easily be set aside. Indeed, they are now part of the orthodoxy. * The Independent *The best, most dispassionate story of the battle I have read and I say that even though the book destroyed many of my illusions and, indeed, attacks the validity of some of what I wrote as an eyewitness. -- Drew Middleton * New York Times Book Review *[We learn] that British anti-aircraft fire was ineffective, that some R.A.F. ground personnel fled under fire, that the Admiralty provoked costly skirmishes ...The book resounds with exploded myths. -- Leonard Bushkoff * Washington Post *Deighton has shown himself to be the most protean of British best-sellers. -- John Sutherland * London Review of Books *
£9.49
Hachette Australia 44 Days
Book Synopsis''Brilliantly researched and sympathetically told, 44 DAYS is more than just a fitting tribute to brave but overlooked heroes. It''s also a top read.'' DAILY TELEGRAPHThe epic World War II story of the heroes of Australia''s 75 Squadron - and the 44 days when these brave and barely trained pilots fought alone against the Japanese.In March and April 1942, RAAF 75 Squadron bravely defended Port Moresby for 44 days when Australia truly stood alone against the Japanese. This group of raw young recruits scrambled ceaselessly in their Kittyhawk fighters to an extraordinary and heroic battle, the story of which has been left largely untold.The recruits had almost nothing going for them against the Japanese war machine, except for one extraordinary leader named John Jackson, a balding, tubby Queenslander - at 35 possibly the oldest fighter pilot in the world - who said little, led from the front, and who had absolutely no sense of physical fear.Time and time again this brave group were hurled into battle, against all odds and logic, and succeeded in mauling a far superior enemy - whilst also fighting against the air force hierarchy. After relentless attack, the squadron was almost wiped out by the time relief came, having succeeded in their mission - but also paying a terrible price.Michael Veitch, actor, presenter and critically acclaimed author, brings to life the incredible exploits and tragic sacrifices of this courageous squadron of Australian heroes.Trade ReviewAn entertaining and comprehensive tour . . . Few readers will remain unmoved. * SYDNEY MORNING HERALD on THE FORGOTTEN ISLANDS *A rich and enjoyable island-hopping journey. * SUNDAY HERALD SUN on THE FORGOTTEN ISLANDS *compelling * SYDNEY MORNING HERALD on HEROES OF THE SKIES *Tells the epic Second World War story of Australia's 75 Squadron. * Sunshine Coast Sunday *Brilliantly researched and sympathetically told. A fitting tribute to brave but overlooked heroes. A top read. * Adelaide Advertiser, Sunday Territorian, The Daily Telegraph *Included in Going Out v Staying In * Sunday Herald Sun *Vividly describes the extremely brave men, who with little preparation or material support, flew missions in Kittyhawks against the superior Japanese Zero aircraft. * Readplus *Epic WWII story. * Sunday Herald Sun *Review * Good Reading *heroism abounds in [44 Days] * Weekend Gold Coast Bulletin *profoundly moving and stunningly written * Sunshine Coast Sunday *well crafted, flowing and... an enjoyable read * Flightpath Magazine *This is a book for all those whose passion is military aviation * Australian Defence Magazine *thank you Michael Veitch * Golden Plains Miner *
£13.49
Polity Press Drone Warfare
Book SynopsisChoice Outstanding Academic Title for 2015 One of the most significant and controversial developments in contemporary warfare is the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly referred to as drones.Trade ReviewChoice Outstanding Academic Title for 2015Table of Contents Preface Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: The Nuts and Bolts of Drones Chapter Three: Drones and Democracy Chapter Four: Drones and International Law Chapter Five: The Ethics of Drone Warfare Chapter Six: Conclusion: The Way Ahead References
£16.14
The History Press Ltd The Vulcan Story
Book SynopsisThe RAF''s mighty delta-wing Vulcan jet bomber is an enduring image of the Cold War era. A cornerstone of Britain''s nuclear deterrent, it was later adapted for conventional bombing and saw its only active service in the Falklands War. Newly restored with the help of Heritage Lottery Funding, the last airworthy Vulcan B2 XH558 in many ways fills the gap left by Concorde''s retirement.
£10.44
The History Press Ltd The Complete Dambusters
Book SynopsisThe story of all the men who took part in the RAF’s most famous bomber operation, the 1943 Dams Raid
£17.00
Schiffer Publishing Ltd Fieseler Fi 156 Storch
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£9.49
Schiffer Publishing Ltd Douglas TBD Devastator
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£17.09
Schiffer Publishing Ltd Curtiss P40 Warhawk
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£17.09
Schiffer Publishing Ltd Grumman J2f Duck
Book SynopsisThe Grumman J2F Duck formed the backbone of America's over water utility squadrons from 1934 until beyond WWII, setting various aviation records during this service. A single-engine amphibious aircraft (also produced by Columbia Aircraft), the Duck saw service with the US Navy, Marine Corps, Army Air Force, and Coast Guard in a variety of roles including, reconnaissance, air-sea rescue, scouting/observation, and more. This volume is profusely illustrated with scarce archival photographs from diverse collections, including previously unpublished images. Part of the Legends of Warfare series.
£17.09
Schiffer Publishing Ltd Corsair
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£16.14
Schiffer Publishing Ltd Mil Mi24 Attack Helicopter In SovietRussian and
Book SynopsisA detailed technical and operational history of a deadly and long-serving Soviet/Russian gunship and attack helicopter.Trade ReviewThe Mi-24 Hind attack helicopter has always been an intriguing machine because of its aggressive looks and how little was known of its development and subsequent service with Russia and former Eastern Bloc countries. This book documents the doctrine, technical development and concepts of how the Russian military worked with the MIL OKB Design Bureau to develop this formidable rotary wing platform. It is worth mentioning the first-class English translation by David Johnston. It makes for a very easy and comprehensive read. A nice touch is the foreword by the author who gives his account of writing the book and how he came to be involved with the Mi-24. This is something many readers, including me, will identify with, irrespective of which aircraft is of particular interest to you. The overall production of the book, printed on heavy paper stock, is, as expected from Schiffer, excellent. This hardback edition has the solid feel of a textbook. It has the perfect balance of text, illustrations and photographs. From a modellers and aviation historians perspective, it is an essential, very enjoyable, interesting and informative read, and is a must for those interested in helicopters or aircraft in general. It would be a very welcome addition to anyones library and worth every penny. - Sven Atkin, Flightline July 2020
£29.59
Schiffer Publishing Ltd Myasishchev M4 and 3M
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£36.79
Schiffer Publishing Ltd The 406th Fighter Group
Book SynopsisThis is a profusely illustrated history of the 406th Fighter Group in World War II, a P-47 Thunderbolt unit that fought against Germany in the European theater.
£17.09
Schiffer Publishing Ltd P39 Airacobra
Book SynopsisThis new entry in the "Legends of Warfare" series features detailed photographic coverage of all variants of the Airacobra including prototypes, trainer versions, production models C through Q, and the P-400.
£19.54
Schiffer Publishing Ltd The Spray and Pray Squadron
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£30.74
Schiffer Publishing Ltd Great Maritime Patrol Aircraft of the World
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£30.74
Crecy Publishing Harvard Pilots Notes
Book SynopsisAccurate facsimile editions of the original Air Ministry Pilot''s Notes originally issued to aircrew for military aircraft types.Each approximately 60 pages, paper cover, with header card, featuring euro-hook cut-out for display
£7.41
Crecy Publishing Messerschmitt 109 Pilots Notes
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£6.95
Crecy Publishing Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Pilots Notes
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£11.66
Crecy Publishing The Luftwaffe Fighters Battle of Britain The
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£10.40
Crecy Publishing The Luftwaffes Blitz
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£10.40
Crecy Publishing American Aircraft Development of WWII
Book SynopsisThe years of World War II saw the greatest single leap in US military aircraft technology and design, from the relatively fragile pre-war designs to the very edge of the supersonic era. Many remarkable aircraft came and went in quick succession with some missions and types disappearing altogether. Indeed, there were scores of little known or minimally documented aircraft projects which significantly advanced technology of aeronautics, propulsion, aircraft systems, avionics and weapons, whilst never achieving full-rate production and deployment. Focusing almost exclusively on official programs and aircraft that actually entered development, American Aircraft Development of WWII, Special Types 1939-1945 opens with the ''state of the art'' designs at the beginning of the war, to the advances during the conflict itself. These so-called ''special types'' are far less widely known than fighter and bomber designs, but no less important, and include armed photo reconnaissance aircraft, catapult launched seaplanes, autogyros, tactical haulers and armed drones. Other designs covered include ''one-off'' experimental aircraft, rocket boost, floats and skis added to landplanes, fighters with second seats added for training, engine testbeds, ''oddball'' experiments and more besides. Illustrated through-out with 3-view drawings and rare photographs, many of little-known and unusual aircraft and missiles, American Aircraft Development of WWII, Special Types 1939-1945 tells the stories of engineering teams and test pilots struggling against short schedules and tight resources to develop new aircraft that pushed the bounds of technology. This book is a fitting testament to the epic and sometimes life-threatening accomplishments which were every bit as vital to the war effort as actual combat operations themselves.
£23.76
Schiffer Publishing Ltd Messerschmitt Bf 109 F G K Series
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£25.59
Crecy Publishing Evader
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£6.99
Fighting High Ltd Slybirds
Book SynopsisThe 353rd Fighter Group, the `Slybirds’, participated in the major WWII aerial battles. 450 photographs provide a unique window on this historic group.Trade ReviewA real boon for modellers is the Markings, Nose Art and Famous Aircraft section, with its splendid views of various P-47s and P-51s. This is a classy book indeed. * Airfix Model World *The basic story and detailed information is interesting reading, while the number of archive photos, and mix of both colour and black and white images will be a delight to modellers and 8th Air Force historians alike. Heartily recommended. * Military Model Scene *As well as being of interest to general readers, this is a very useful book for modellers seeking detailed archive pictures. * Flypast Magazine *This superb book by 353rd FG historian Graham Cross is packed with 450 photographs covering the highs and lows of life serving with a fighter group from both the air and groundcrew perspective. * Editor - Model Boat World *In one book you will get photos of the main US aircrafts and their pilots, what should come handy in our [military modelling] hobby. Moreover, it might be important to read in order to understand some things connected to 353rd fighter group. * DetailScaleView *Every now and then a book comes along that is so good in every aspect - content, photo reproduction, editing, production values - that it can't possibly be matched...That benchmark may have just been surpassed. * Flightpath Magazine *The book gives a comprehensive look at the 353rd Group, and a unique look at the men and machines which made up this formidable fighting force, Highly recommended. * Britmodeller.com *Packed with nearly 450 photos, the majority of which are previously unpublished, unseen wartime colour photographs and detailed captions, this book is a visual and informative feast providing a unique window on a Fighter Group at war. Essential for any student of the air war over Europe. * Classic Wings *An amazing photographic tribute to the 353rd fighter group of the USAF. Magnificent. * Books Monthly *The photo selection is little short of outstanding…succeeds in representing all aspects of life on a US Army Air Forces fighter station in the latter stages of the war. *Winner of the November 2017 Book of the Month award* * Aeroplane Magazine *A very nicely produced book which will be enjoyed by USAAF enthusiasts with its unique collection of images and information. * Air Modeller *A magnificent book on the distinguished career of a ground attack and bomber escort unit. * Aviation News *
£23.96
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Manfred von Richthofen
Book SynopsisIt is more than a hundred years since the First World War fighter ace Manfred von Richthofen was killed in combat on the Western Front. By then, due to a strange twist of fate, his name was becoming as well known in Britain, France and the USA as it was in Germany. Following the outbreak of war in 1914, von Richthofen initially served as a calvary reconnaissance officer. Such a role was soon diminished by the stagnation of trench warfare, and so von Richthofen volunteered for aircrew duties. From June to August 1915 he flew as an observer over the Eastern Front, before transferring to the Western Front. From there he progressed to pilot training. Von Richthofen's first confirmed victory occurred on 17 September 1916, by which time he had transferred from two-seater reconnaissance aircraft to single-seater fighters. After achieving his sixteenth kill', the up and coming fighter ace was awarded the Pour le Mérite in January 1917, this being highest military honour in Germany at the t
£21.25
Pen & Sword Books Ltd How Strategic Airpower has Changed the World
Book SynopsisIn this book, the history and utility of land- and carrier-based strategic airpower is brought to life by the gallant exploits and photographs of B-17 aircraft Quittin' Time and of its Navigator, Fred Julian in the Second World War, and by the unforgiving and unswerving dedication of Sharkey Ward and his Sea Harrier team in the Falklands war. The overarching message is that the strategic airpower lessons of the past eight decades underpin the urgent need for the UK government to invest more wisely in its Fleet so that the latter may work effectively in conjunction with the US Navy on the global mission to deter those that would harm us, and to maintain the freedom of passage of all shipping throughout the global commons. The authors show how a maritime deterrence strategy in a challenging world is critically underpinned by strategic air power at sea and on land.
£18.70
Pen & Sword Books Ltd The Flying Adventures of Charles Green
Book SynopsisThe action-packed flying career of aeronaut Charles Green (1785-1870), a working-class Londoner in the infancy of aviation, who defied death in a career of 35 years and over 500 balloon flights to make a unique contribution to world aeronautical history. His decision, in 1821, to use domestic coal-gas to inflate balloons ran completely contrary to perceived wisdom, but his success in doing so revolutionised flying for the remainder of the Georgian and Victorian eras. His innovation set the direction of aeronautics for the next 80 years - until the Wright brothers changed its course again. Inventor, innovative balloon constructor, shrewd businessman, flamboyant showman and a skilled and courageous pilot, he was the first to put into practice the concept of public air travel. Charles liked a tipple' in the air - but never compromised safety - and made sure his passengers enjoyed his in-flight champagne hospitality. This earned him not only the status of a national treasure whose very na
£18.70
Pen & Sword Books Ltd The Tokyo Sixteen
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£21.25
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Wings Over Italy
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£22.50
Amberley Publishing US Naval Aviation in the 1980s Marine Corps Naval
Book SynopsisThe latest in Adrian Symonds popular series exploring the day-to-day operations of the US military aviation in the 1980s.
£14.39
Amberley Publishing TallyHo
Book SynopsisHave the squadron leaders over southern England in that long autumn of 1940, and their supporting flight commanders who led the squadrons into battle, had been neglected in the history books? Patrick Eriksson thinks so.Trade Review'Although tightly packed with information, the book is by no means an academic work, remaining highly readable. It is a welcome addition to the literature on the Battle of Britain.' -- History of War Magazine'Although Tally-Ho might be a little too detailed for the average enthusiast, it really is a most interesting book, especially for the true connoisseur of aerial warfare.' -- Military History Matters Magazine'It is a work of almost unbelievable depth of research by a former South African professor of geology, whose insight is quite remarkable.' -- Country Life Magazine
£21.25
Amberley Publishing PACAF and Alaskan Air Command in the 1980s
Book SynopsisA lavishly illustrated history of this fascinating part of the United States military in the 1980s. Take a step inside the day-to-day operations of PACAF and AAC in the 1980s.
£14.39
Amberley Publishing MAC in the 1980s
Book SynopsisStunning photographs illustrate this fascinating account of Military Airlift Command in the United States Air Force.
£14.39
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Kamikaze
Book SynopsisDescribes the roots of the Kamikaze' or suicide for the Emperor' concept. Covers the suicidal exploits of the Japanese pilots. Assesses the damage caused by Kamikaze action. Examines the counter measures taken by the Allies. A fascinating study of this little understood phenomenon.
£13.49
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Bomber Command Pilot From the Battle of Britain
Book SynopsisJohn Sherwood was commissioned into the RAF on leaving school in 1936, joining a bomber squadron in 1940.
£21.25
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Night Fighter Navigator
Book SynopsisOne of the top scoring night fighter navigators of WWII
£13.49
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Howard Hughes and the Spruce Goose
Book SynopsisA comprehensive historical account of the production of Howard Hughes's famed HK-I Hercules one of the most expensive failures in aviation history.
£13.49
Pen & Sword Books Ltd JG 26
Book SynopsisAll aviation and World War II buffs will want this book. Library Journal
£15.29
