Military vehicles Books

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Book SynopsisAn insight into the design, construction and operation of the feared World War 2 German Type VIIC U-boat.Table of ContentsUnique insight into the design, construction and operation of the feared World War 2 German Type VIIC U-boat Includes detailed photographs inside the last preserved Type VIIC boat and original technical drawings of the boat's construction and its operation U-995 is the centrepiece at the German Naval Memorial at Laboe near Kiel, Germany

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Book SynopsisA new history and analysis of the German and Soviet tank forces that battled on eastern German soil in the final months of World War II.The final months of World War II on the Eastern Front saw the Wehrmacht fighting with exhausted armoured divisions, albeit now armed with the most advanced and heaviest tanks of the war, to slow the Soviet advance. The Red Army meanwhile was rolling relentlessly westwards, with its own highly developed tank forces now equipped with T34/85s and the huge IS-2 heavy tanks, intent on taking Berlin and as much German territory as possible.This book is a history and analysis of the state of these two mighty armoured forces, as their battles decided the fate of Germany. It covers their initial encounters on the German frontier in 1944 (East Prussia), the fighting of the Oder-Vistula offensive in January 1945 and describes the condition of the German tank forces and their Hungarian allies as they were beaten back. It also considers the huge impact of ThTrade ReviewPhotos show tanks and AFVs in various campaign locations, and top-notch artwork by Felipe Rodriguez. Recommended. -- John Ham * Tankette *It is another worthy addition to this series and fans of Zaloga’s previous works will not be disappointed. * The Aviation Historian *Table of Contents(Subject to confirmation) Introduction The Campaign The Tanks, Doctrine and Organization Technical Factors Analysis Further Reading

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Book SynopsisWith its iconic bubble canopy and advanced helmet-mounted displays, the F-16 Fighting Falcon is one of the supreme Fourth Generation air-superiority fighters in the world today. First flown by the US Air Force in the mid 1980s, Lockheed Martin have since delivered about 4,600 F-16s to over 25 countries and more than 3,000 F-16 fighters are currently operational worldwide. The Fighting Falcon is highly adaptable and has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack in a variety of conflicts over the last 40 years. The F-16’s versatility and durability has meant it can be adapted to a number of roles, including air superiority, reconnaissance and ground attack. In an air combat role, the F-16’s maneuverability and combat radius exceed that of all potential threat fighter aircraft. USAF F-16 multirole fighters were deployed to the Persian Gulf in 1991 in support of Operation Desert Storm, where more sorties were flown than with any other aircraft. These fighters were used to attack airfields, Scud missiles sites and a key military infrastructure. Other allied air forces, such as Israel, have heavily adapted the F-16 for their own use, and the Israeli F-16I Soufa (Storm) has proved itself in numerous combat situations in the 21st century. Today, constant technology and weapons’ upgrades mean the F-16 is planned to serve through to 2060. Packed with 100 vivid artworks and photographs, F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact reference guide for lovers of this iconic aircraft and aviation enthusiasts.Table of ContentsContents: Introduction: A Lightweight Fighter The F-16 fighting falcon was built under an unusual agreement creating a consortium between the United States and four NATO countries: Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway. These countries jointly produced with the United States an initial 348 F-16s for their air forces. 1: F-16A/B The F-16A, a single-seat model, first flew in December 1976. The first operational F- 16A was delivered in January 1979 to the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. The F-16B, a two-seat model, has tandem cockpits that are about the same size as the one in the A model. 2: F-16C/D All F-16s delivered since November 1981 have built-in structural and wiring provisions and systems architecture that permit expansion of the multirole flexibility to perform precision strike, night attack and beyond-visual-range interception missions. This improvement program led to the F-16C and F-16D aircraft, which are the single- and two-place counterparts to the F-16A/B, and incorporate the latest cockpit control and display technology. FEATURE: F-16I Sufa (Storm) The F-16I is a two-seat variant of the Block 52 developed for the Israeli Defense Force. Israel issued a requirement in September 1997 and selected the F-16 in preference to the F-15I in July 1999. An initial contract was signed on 14 January 2000 for a total procurement of 102 aircraft. The F-16I, which is called Sufa (Storm) by the IDF/AF, first flew on 23 December 2003, and deliveries to the IDF/AF began on 19 February 2004. 3: F-16N – US Navy model The F-16N was an adversary aircraft operated by the United States Navy. It is based on the standard F-16C/D Block 30. The F-16N has a strengthened wing and is capable of carrying an Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) pod on the starboard wingtip. Although the single-seat F-16Ns and twin-seat (T)F-16Ns are based on the early-production small-inlet Block 30 F-16C/D airframe, they retain the APG-66 radar of the F-16A/B. In addition, the aircraft’s 20mm cannon has been removed, as has the ASPJ, and they carry no missiles. 4: F-16E/F Desert Falcon F-16E (single seat) and F-16F (two seat). The F-16E/F designation now belongs to a version developed especially for the United Arab Emirates Air Force, and is sometimes unofficially called the ‘Desert Falcon’. 5: Export Models: F-16IN Super Viper & F-16V Viper Lockheed Martin has described the F-16IN as ‘the most advanced and capable F-16 ever.’ Based closely on the F-16E/F Block 60 supplied to the UAE, the features on the F-16IN include Conformal fuel tanks (CFTs); AN/APG-80 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, GE F110-132A engine; electronic warfare suite and infra-red searching (IRST); advanced all-color glass cockpit; and a helmet-mounted cueing system. The F-16V is dubbed the ‘Viper’, which is intended to better operate with fifth- generation fighters, and should not be confused with Lockheed's F-16IN Block 70/72 ‘Super Viper. The F-16V is being delivered to the Royal Bahraini Air Force, Hellenic Air Force, Republic of Korea Air Force, Turkish Air Force and Slovak Air Force. 6: Special Mission Variants A-16 – The A-16 began as a late-1980s GD project to develop a close air support (CAS) version of the basic F-16 by adding armor and strengthening the wings for a heavier weapons load, including a 30 mm cannon and 7.62 mm Minigun pods. F/A-16 – The new systems for this "F/A-16" Block 30 included a digital terrain- mapping system and Global Positioning System (GPS) integration for improved navigational and weapons delivery accuracy, as well as an Automatic Target Handoff System (ATHS) to allow direct digital target/mission data exchange between the pilot and ground units. F-16A(R) – About two dozen F-16As of the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) were supplied with indigenous Oude Delft Orpheus low-altitude tactical reconnaissance pods transferred from its retiring RF-104G. Designated F-16A(R), the first example flew on 27 January 1983, and they entered service with the RNLAF's 306 Squadron in October 1984. RF-16A/C – The designation RF-16A is used, though, by the Royal Danish Air Force. In early 1994, 10 Danish F-16A were redesignated as RF-16A tactical recce aircraft, replacing the RF-35 Drakens withdrawn at the end of 1993. FEATURE: Mitsubishi F-2 – The basis of the F-2's design is the F-16 Agile Falcon, an unsuccessful offer by General Dynamics to provide a low-cost alternative for the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) competition. Production started in 1996 and the first aircraft entered service in 2000.

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Book SynopsisThe technical details of British warships were recorded in a set of plans produced by the builders on completion of every ship. Known as the 'as fitted' general arrangements, these drawings represented the exact appearance and fitting of the ship as it entered service. Intended to provide a permanent reference for the Admiralty and the dockyards, these highly detailed plans were drawn with exquisite skill in multi-coloured inks and washes that represent the acme of the draughtsman's art. Today they form part of the incomparable collection of the National Maritime Museum at Greenwich, which is using the latest scanning technology to make digital copies of the highest quality. This book is one of a series based entirely on these draughts which depict famous warships in an unprecedented degree of detail-complete sets in full colour, with many close-ups and enlargements that make every aspect clear and comprehensible. Extensive captions point the reader to important features to be found in the plans, and an introduction covers the background to the design. HMS _Victorious_ was a ship with two almost separate incarnations-as built in 1941 she was one of a new type of armoured carrier which saw strenuous wartime service; post-war the ship underwent a massive reconstruction lasting nearly eight years that saw her recommission in1958 as one of the best equipped carriers in the world, ready for another decade of duty. Both these phases of the ship's life are fully documented, which allows this novel form of anatomy to cover two generations of carrier design.

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Book SynopsisRigidly organised and harshly disciplined, the Georgian Royal Navy was an orderly and efficient fighting force which played a major role in Great Britain's wars of the 18th and early 19th centuries. This guide explores what it was like to be a sailor in the Georgian Navy. Focusing on the period from 1714 to 1820, this concise book examines the Navy within its wider historical, national, organisational and military context, and reveals exactly what it took to survive a life in its service.It looks at how a seaman could join the Royal Navy, including the notorious ''press gangs''; what was meant by ''learning the ropes''; and the severe punishments that could be levied for even minor misdemeanours as a result of the Articles of War. Military tactics, including manning the guns and tactics for fending off pirates are also revealed, as is the problem of maintaining a healthy diet at sea and the steps that sailors themselves could take to avoid the dreaded scurvy.Covering other fasTrade ReviewPacked with great facts and a multitude of figures this is a very engaging little book and wherever you dip into, you will find it very hard to put it down. * Model Boats *A jolly good read for history buffs and is full of useful, interesting and distracting information about the Royal Navy during the Georgian period. * Warship World *

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Book SynopsisIn World War Two, allied armies were issued with identification guides to the enemy armour they might encounter on the battlefield. These black & white printed books were a vital aide for soldiers dealing with the confusion of fighting and the difficulty of identification at distance or in all weathers. The German tanks were often lethal to become entangled with and known to be formidable pieces of military engineering. The German army deployed a wide variety of tanks in many different variants and forms of camouflage. The likes of the Tiger have become famous and continue to be fascinating examples of World War Two firepower. This book features a unique collection of colour illustrations, showing in detail the vehicles' development and differences in design. The artwork is accompanied by descriptions and technical information about each tank, written by respected expect Craig Moore, making this an essential handbook for anyone interested in the German armed forces and World War Two armour.

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Book SynopsisAllied success in invading Fortress Europe (the area of Continental Europe occupied by Nazi Germany) depended on getting armor onto the beaches as fast as possible. This book explains how the Allies developed the specialist tanks it needed, their qualities, deployment and numbers, and how they performed on the two crucial days when France was invaded, firstly in Normandy and then in Provence. The focus of this volume will be on the specialized tanks developed for the Operation Neptune amphibious landings including the Duplex Drive amphibious Sherman tanks used on both the US and British/Canadian beaches. It also covers the specialized engineer tanks called Armoured Funnies of the British 79th Armoured Division and addresses the popular myth that US Army refusal to employ the Armoured Funnies was a principal cause for the high casualties at Omaha Beach. There is also coverage of Operation Overlord's Forgotten D-Day, the amphibious landings of Operation DragoTable of ContentsINTRODUCTION Lessons learned? SPECIALIZED TANKS FOR OVERLORD The CDL Canal Defence Light Night-Fighting Tank The Sherman Duplex Drive Amphibious Tank Deep-Wading Tanks Churchill AVRE AVRE Bridging Devices AVRE Carpet Layers Crab Flail Mine-Clearing Tank Churchill Crocodile Flamethrower Tank T1 Armored Engineer Vehicle M1 Tank-Dozer US Army acquisition of Armoured Funnies TANKS, DOCTRINE, AND ORGANIZATION 21 Gunfire support groups Armored engineer support THE CAMPAIGN 25 Sword Beach Juno Beach Gold Beach Omaha Beach Utah Beach The other D-Day BATTLE ANALYSIS 45 FURTHER READING 47 INDEX 48

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Book SynopsisThis meticulously researched and illustrated book focuses on the evolution of aircraft carriers and naval aircraft. It features chronological histories and comprehensive directories of the world's most important aviation ships and aircraft, including the first ships to launch primitive aircraft; biplanes that were catapulted from converted destroyers; modern warships capable of carrying jets and helicopters; and state-of-the-art jets that are unique for their vertical take-off ability. With more than 1100 magnificent photographs, this book provides historians and enthusiasts with key information about the world's greatest aircraft carriers and naval aircraft.

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Book SynopsisAn illustrated history of the long Cold War careers of the US Navy''s last gun destroyers, from the modernized World War II-era Fletcher-class to the Forrest Sherman-class. The finest American destroyers of World War II had surprisingly long careers into the Cold War and the missile age. The 175-strong Fletcher-class was the largest class of US Navy destroyers ever built, and most received some modernization after World War II. A handful were converted into ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare) escorts and one was even converted into the US Navy's first guided missile destroyer. Many Sumner-class destroyers were also kept in service, with the last decommissioned in 1973. The Gearing class was the classic US Navy wartime destroyer to have a second Cold War career, some being modified into picket ships and others into ASW escorts. Ninety-five were extensively modernized under the Fleet Modernization and Rehabilitation (FRAM) program which allowed them to serve until 1980. The majority ofTable of ContentsINTRODUCTION USN COLD WAR DESTROYER DESIGNS USN COLD WAR DESTROYER WEAPONS Guns Missiles Torpedoes ASW weapons USN COLD WAR DESTROYER SENSORS Radars ASW sensors COLD WAR GUN DESTROYERS AT WAR AND IN PEACE THE DESTROYER CLASSES The Fletcher class Sumner class Gearing class Norfolk class Mitscher class Forrest Sherman class ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSION FURTHER READING INDEX

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Book SynopsisWith rare, often unpublished photographs and full captions Hitler's Heavy Tank Battalions provides a superb record of the Wehrmacht's Schwere Panzerableilung on operations between 1942 and 1945. In addition to the Tiger I and successor Tiger II heavy tanks, these battalions were equipped with Pz.Kpfw III's, Flakpanzer IV, Sd. Kfz 7/1 self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, Sd.Kfz 9 and 10 halftracks, Sd.Kfz 2 and Kettenkrad gun tractors. The Tigers required substantial maintenance and the Berge Panther armoured recovery vehicle played a key role. Heavy tank battalions saw action on the Eastern Front, in Italy and North West Europe before being pushed back to Berlin for the final defensive battles and there are graphic photographs and descriptions of vehicles on operations in all these theatres. While feared by the Allies in the early years, these units suffered increasing attrition from anti-tank artillery, ground attack aircraft and mechanical issues. Modellers and equipment buffs in particular will find this latest Images of War book extremely useful and fascinating.

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Book SynopsisA classic reference work in a new and affordable softcover format. More than 525 beautifully executed colour ship profiles. A unique and incomparable collection of camouflage schemes.

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Book SynopsisA comprehensive and dramatic re-telling of the Guadalcanal and Solomons naval campaign the daring Allied offensive to protect Australia and the South Pacific from Japanese invasion.Following the disastrous Java Sea campaign, the Allies went on the offensive in the Pacific in a desperate attempt to halt the Japanese forces that were rampaging across the region. With the conquest of Australia a very real possibility, the stakes were high. Their target: the Japanese-held Solomon Islands, in particular the southern island of Guadalcanal. Hamstrung by arcane pre-war thinking and a bureaucratic mind-set, the US Navy had to adapt on the fly in order to compete with the mighty Imperial Japanese Navy, whose ingenuity and creativity thus far had fostered the creation of its Pacific empire. Starting with the amphibious assault on Savo Island, the campaign turned into an attritional struggle where the evenly matched foes sought to grind out a victory. Following oTable of ContentsI. Now What? – Strategic situation in Summer 1942 II. Learning on the Landing – The Invasion of Guadalcanal III. The Sleeping Watch – The Battle of Savo Island IV. Expensive Bait – Battle of the Eastern Solomons V. I am Aoba – The Battle of Cape Esperance VI. Not Quite Midway – Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands VII. Barfight in the Dark – The First Naval Battle of Guadalcanal VIII. The Reckoning Begins – Second Naval Battle of Guadalcanal IX. Just When You Think – Battles of Tassafaronga and Rennell Island X. Cartwheeling – Bismarck Sea, Landings on New Georgia and Vella Lavella XI. Guadalcanal – Minus All the Mistakes XII. Anti-Climax – Isolation of Rabaul

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Book SynopsisA fascinating study of the specialized vehicles, kit and techniques of the Long-Range Desert Group who pioneered long-range desert warfare in World War II and worked closely with the embryonic SAS.The Long Range Desert Group was one of the most famous special units of World War II, operating heavily modified vehicles deep behind enemy lines to gather intelligence and support the raids of David Stirling''s new Special Air Service.When war broke out, a pre-war explorer and army officer, Ralph Bagnold, convinced Middle East Command of the need for a reconnaissance force to penetrate into Italian-held desert. Bagnold tested four types of vehicles over rocks and through soft sand to find the best one for his new unit. He selected the Chevrolet WB (30 CWT) as the signature vehicle of the Long Range Desert Group because it is ''fast, simple and easy to handle''. With left-hand steering, horizontal grill and round fenders on the rear wheels, these trucks proved themseTable of ContentsINTRODUCTION BAGNOLD BLAZES A TRAIL Pirates of the high sea THE LRDG AND THE NORTH AFRICAN CAMPAIGN Chevrolet WB (30-cwt) Ford 01 V8 (15-cwt) command/pilot car Ford F8 pick-up and Chevrolet 1311 Ford F30 CMP (30-cwt) Chevrolet 1533X2 30-cwt Willys MB Jeep THE HEAVY SECTION AND THE MACK NR4 The Heavy Section ANCILLARY AND SUPPORT VEHICLES Medical truck Radio truck Bofors and Breda truck TRICKS OF THE TRADE Water condensers Sun compass Sand channels FURTHER READING INDEX

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Book SynopsisThe fifty-ton British Centurion tank, developed during the darkest days of the Second World War, was designed to out-gun and out-perform the latest German tanks, such as the formidable Panzer V Panther. It was one of the most successful tanks ever produced, and this volume in the TankCraft series by Robert Jackson is the ideal introduction to it. The Centurion came into service too late to test its ability in action with German armour, but in the post-war world it earned a fearsome reputation in action during the many conflicts of the Cold War era, from the Middle East to Vietnam. Nearly 4,500 were built, serving with the armies of some twenty nations. The Centurion's chassis was also adapted to fulfil a variety of tasks, including armoured recovery, bridge-laying and guided weapons carrier. As well as tracing the history of the Centurion, Robert Jackson's book is an excellent source of reference for the modeller, providing details of available kits and photographs of award-winning models, together with artworks showing the colour schemes applied to these tanks. Each section of the book is supported by a wealth of archive photographs.

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Book SynopsisOne of the most versatile fighting vehicles in the British army and many other forces for a quarter of a century, the Universal Carrier - more popularly known by its original title of Bren Gun Carrier - was developed as a fast and agile infantry-support vehicle. In this volume in Pen & Sword's LandCraft series, Robert Jackson traces its design and manufacturing history and describes its operational role throughout its long career. The Bren Carrier served in every theatre of the Second World War, from northwest Europe, North Africa and the Soviet Union to the Far East. Then, with the war over, it was operated by many belligerents in a string of other conflicts around the world, including Israel's struggle for independence and the war in Korea. A selection of archive photographs showing the Bren Carrier in action gives a graphic impression of how adaptable it was and records the variety of equipment it could carry. The book is an excellent source for the modeller, providing details of available kits together with specially commissioned colour profiles which illustrate how the Bren Carriers used by different units and armies appeared.

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Book SynopsisIn spite of the relatively small numbers involved, the Tiger I and Tiger II tanks of the German Army and Waffen-SS heavy Panzer formations played a central role in resisting the Allied invasion of France in the summer of 1944\. British and American tank crews found to their dismay that the Tigers could survive numerous hits while a single round from one of their 88mm guns was enough to penetrate the strongest armour. In his latest book in the TankCraft series Dennis Oliver uses archive photographs and painstakingly researched, exquisitely presented colour illustrations to examine the part these powerful tanks played in the Normandy battles and also the units that operated them. As with previous titles, a large part of this book showcases available model kits and aftermarket products and accessories, complemented by a gallery of skillfully constructed and painted models. Descriptions of technical details as well as modifications introduced during production and in the field are also provided giving the modeller all the information and knowledge required to recreate authentic miniature representations of the Panthers that fought in the fields and hedgerows of Normandy during the summer of 1944.

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Book SynopsisCombining the destructive firepower of the 75mm gun with the mobility of the Pzkpfw IV medium tank , the Jagdpanzer IV was quite possibly the most effective tank destroyer of the Second World War. From early 1944 these vehicles were allocated to the anti-tank battalions of Panzer and Panzergrenadier divisions and saw action in Normandy, the Ardennes and the final battles in Germany . In his latest book in the TankCraft series, Dennis Oliver uses contemporary photographs and meticulously researched, superbly presented colour and monochrome illustrations to tell the story of these self-propelled anti-tank guns and the units which operated them in the German defence of the Western Front. As with all the books in the TankCraft series, a large part of this work showcases available model kits and aftermarket products, complemented by a gallery of expertly constructed and painted models. Technical details as well as modifications introduced during production and in the field are also explained giving the modeller all the information and knowledge required.

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Book SynopsisFew tank designs have been as effective, versatile and long-lived as that of the British Centurion. Conceived during the Second World War as the answer to the superior German Tiger and Panther tanks and to the lethal 88mm gun, this 52-ton main battle tank incorporated the lessons British designers had learned about armoured fighting vehicles during the conflict, and it was free of the major faults that had impaired the other British tank designs of the time. The Centurion was so successful that it served in the British Army and in numerous other armies across the world from 1945 until the 1990s. Pat Ware's highly illustrated history of this remarkable tank covers its design and development, its technical specifications and the many variants that were produced. He tells the story from the design brief of 1943, through testing and trials to the tank's entry into service. And he traces the course of the Centurion's subsequent career as it was up-dated, up-gunned and adapted to operate in varied conditions and conflicts all over the world including Korea, the Indo-Pakistan wars, Vietnam and the Arab-Israeli wars. His expert account of this remarkable fighting vehicle is accompanied by a series of colour plates showing the main variants of the design and the common ancillary equipment and unit markings. His book is an essential work of reference for enthusiasts.

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Book SynopsisAuthor Chris McNab and photographer Patrick Bunce go above and below deck to discover how a supercarrier is built, examining its structure, systems, departments, flight deck and hangar deck. With the full cooperation of the US Navy, they join the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) to discover how a supercarrier operates, looking at flight operations, logistics and life onboard. Commissioned in 1977, this awesome carrier has a complement of more than 6,000 crew and an embarked air wing of anything up to 90 aircraft, together capable of delivering more than 150 combat sorties per day. Few manmade objects in the modern world represent power projection as emphatically as the supercarriers of the US Navy. Emerging in the aftermath of the Second World War in the Forrestal and Enterprise classes, the supercarrier concept has become most potently embodied in the great Nimitz-class vessels, ten of which have been commissioned since 1975. It is these warships, plus the now emerging supercarriers of the Gerald R. Ford class, that form the lethal heart of the US Navy’s Carrier Strike Groups (CSGs), previously known as Carrier Battle Groups (CBGs). Author Chris McNab and photographer Patrick Bunce go above and below deck to discover how a supercarrier is built, examining its structure, systems, departments, flight deck and hangar deck. With the full cooperation of the US Navy, they join the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) to discover how a supercarrier operates, looking at flight operations, logistics and life onboard. Commissioned in 1977, this awesome carrier has a complement of more than 6,000 crew and an embarked air wing of anything up to 90 aircraft, together capable of delivering more than 150 combat sorties per day. Illustrated with more than 250 photographs, many taken specially for this manual aboard the Dwight D. Eisenhower by internationally respected photographer Patrick Bunce, the Haynes Supercarrier Manual offers an unrivalled look at the greatest warships afloat in the 21st century. • Published with full cooperation of the US Navy. • Features super carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. • Insights into how a US super carrier operates and the working lives of its crew. • Fully illustrated with specially commissioned photography. The Haynes Super Carrier Manual offers unrivalled insights into understanding how a modern US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is operated. Published with the cooperation of the US Navy, authors Chris McNab and Patrick Bunce take readers inside a super carrier to reveal how and why they are at the heart of global American military force. The Haynes Super Carrier Manual offers unrivalled insights into understanding how a modern US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is operated. Chris McNab is an author and editor specialising in military history and military technology. He has published more than 40 books, including several for Haynes. He lives and works in South Wales. Patrick Bunce is a US-based photographer who has contributed to a wide range of military book and magazine publications. Introduction Chapter 1 History of the supercarrier Chapter 2 Structure, major systems and departments Chapter 3 Flight deck, hangar deck and key flight personnel Chapter 4 Flight operations Chapter 5 Major electronic and defensive systems Chapter 6 Carrier logistics Chapter 7 Daily life and operations Bibliography and further readingTable of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1 History of the supercarrier Chapter 2 Structure, major systems and departments Chapter 3 Flight deck, hangar deck and key flight personnel Chapter 4 Flight operations Chapter 5 Major electronic and defensive systems Chapter 6 Carrier logistics Chapter 7 Daily life and operations Bibliography and further reading

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Book SynopsisApache at War is a senior British pilot's vivid and uncompromising account of flying this and other combat helicopters in action. Tautly, often graphically written, here is a memoir of the author's service flying close-support helicopters with the AAC, from patrolling 'Bandit Country' in Co.

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Book SynopsisThe F-104 Starfighter was one of the most fascinating aircraft of the Cold War era in Europe. Several European air forces operated the aircraft, with Germany alone having 916 Starfighters in its inventory. The General Electric J-79 engine howl was unique and filled the European skies for many years. This book covers Starfighter pilot training in the US, weapons training in Italy and Portugal, NATO competitions, technical specifications and the controversial accident issues in the 1960s. With over 220 images, many unpublished outside Germany, this book, the second volume of two covering the Starfighter in German service, provides a dynamic look at this versatile multi-purpose aircraft in service with the Luftwaffe and Naval Air Wings.

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Book SynopsisOriginally intended as a trainer, the Anglo-French Sepecat jet, equipped with the very latest in weapon-aiming and navigational equipment, eventually became the backbone of the RAFs tactical strike-attack and recce forces for a decade from the mid-1970s. In these pages, the Jaguar Boys pilots, engineer and ground crew tell of the aircrafts drawbacks and joys, their sadness at losses, and their pleasure at its development into a readily-deployable and outstandingly-capable fighter-bomber for the post-Cold War era. Then came the Gulf War which signalled the start of a hectic sequence of operational adventures and upgrades for the Boys and seasoned veterans tell of action over Iraq and in the Balkans. One of the best-loved of RAF types, the Jaguar commanded a fierce loyalty and affection which shines through in these accounts of an aircraft that will live forever in the memory.Trade ReviewStories appear from the Cold War, Gulf War and Balkan eras and are enjoyable and educational. * Jets *What sets this book apart is that it is far more than one’s man account. Jaguar Boys is the story of the ground attack and reconnaissance aircraft told by those who flew in it and those who were responsible for ensuring it was well maintained. * Eastern Daily Press *

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Book SynopsisThis new photo album is number 32 in the MMPBooks/Stratus "Camera On" series and is the second volume to cover such equipment as Luftwaffe search lights and range finding equipment, of which the book contains 140+ photographs. The majority of the photos are from private collections taken by ordinary German soldiers, not professional propagandists. In this volume, we endeavour to show this rarely illustrated equipment in some detail but still show it as the soldiers viewed it as both their work place and also their home, not the highly posed and polished views of the official photographers.This book is an invaluable reference for military historians and modelers alike.

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Book SynopsisAn illustrated study of the big guns of Hitler''s army the Wehrmacht''s field artillery, its capabilities and its role in German fighting units of World War II. Often overshadowed in military history by the tanks and aircraft of Blitzkrieg, Germany's artillery was key to its methods of waging war throughout World War II. Field artillery remained the primary killer on the battlefield, often responsible for three-quarters of combat casualties inflicted.Redressing the balance, this book surveys the major Wehrmacht guns of the war, and the basic organizational structure of the German field artillery. Its primary focus is on the divisional field guns, especially the lFH 18 10.5cm field howitzer and the 15cm sFH 18 field howitzer that formed the backbone of German artillery. A brief survey is also made of the infantry guns used at the regimental level, and of corps-level heavy artillery. The issue of the use ofBeutewaffen, captured war-booty field guns, is also looked Table of ContentsIntroduction Artillery organization Infantry guns Light infantry guns Heavy infantry guns Divisional artillery Old and eccentric: the 7.5cm field gun Backbone of the artillery: the 10.5cm light field howitzer 10.5cm gun battery organization 10.5cm leFH 18 operation The 10.5cm mountain howitzer The 15cm heavy field howitzer GHQ artillery 10cm gun 12.8cm K 81 gun 15cm guns 17cm gun K 18 in Mörserlafette 21cm Mörser 18 21cm Kanone Beutegeschütze Rocket artillery 15cm Nebelwerfer 41 21cm Nebelwerfer 42 28/32cm schwere Wurfgerät Artillery in combat Artillery on the Eastern Front 1941–45 Artillery on the Western Front 1944–45 Further reading Index

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Book SynopsisSoviet Tank Units 1939–45 offers an highly-illustrated guide to the main armoured fighting vehicles used by the Red Army during World War II. This compact volume includes sample unit structures and orders of battle from company up to corps level, providing an organizational context for key campaigns throughout the war. Organised chronologically, the book offers a comprehensive survey of Soviet-employed armoured fighting vehicles by campaign, including the German invasion of 1941, the defence of Moscow, the Stalingrad counter-offensive, the battles of Kharkov and Kursk, Operation ‘Bagration’, and the final defeat of Axis forces in Berlin, Vienna and Budapest in May 1945. All the major and many minor tank that saw action on the Eastern Front is featured. The guide also includes numerous Lend-Lease Armoured fighting vehicles well as many examples of Soviet light vehicles, self-propelled guns, tractors and trucks. Packed with 250 full-colour artworks and photographs with exhaustive specifications, Soviet Tank Units 1939–45: Identification Guide is a key reference source for military modellers and World War II enthusiasts.Table of Contents1. Prewar Development 2. Defending the Motherland 3. Kursk and Kharkov 4. The Destruction of the Wehrmacht 5. Victory in Europe 6. Victory in the East Appendices Orders of battle, glossary, terminology, total production numbers. Index

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Book SynopsisA new analysis of the technology and tanks that faced off against each other on opposite sides of the Iron Curtain, during the very height of the Cold War.From the 1960s onwards, there was a generational shift in tank design and warfare with the advent of CBR (chemical, biological, radiological) protection and a move away from HEAT ammunition to APFSDS. This shift confronted the growing threat of guided anti-tank missiles and saw the introduction of composite armor. Soviet heavy tanks and tank destroyer/assault guns became obsolete, giving way to the technological might of the T-62 and T-64, while NATO forces employed the Chieftain, AMX-30, Leopard I, and M60, plus the initial attempt at a common US-German tank, the MBT-70. Using detailed illustrations and contemporary photographs, this companion volume to NVG 301, Tanks at the Iron Curtain 194660 focuses on key battle tanks and their technology to give a comprehensive overall picture of hTrade ReviewThe writer compares tank production figures, gun and ammunition, armour, and estimated combat effectiveness of opponent tanks. A good review of this big subject with photos and impressive artwork, recommended. -- John Ham * Tankette *This is an easy-to-read volume stacked with great images of cold war tanks, this is definitely a book worth picking up especially war gamers wo either play or plan to play A Cold War gone hot scenario. -- Jason Hubbard * Irregular Magazine *Table of ContentsIntroduction The Tanks, Doctrine, and Organization Soviet Union: The Rise of the Missile Tank Warsaw Pact United States: The Missile Tank Debacle; Radical Alternatives; M48/M60 Improvements United Kingdom West Germany France Tanks in Battle Technical Analysis Firepower T-62 vs. NATO tanks Fire control Protection Tank Armor of the 1960s Mobility Tank Comparisons Combat Effectiveness of NATO/Warsaw Pact Tanks: Further Reading Index

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Book SynopsisUsing first-hand accounts and rare and unpublished images, this highly illustrated title tells the full story of the German reconnaissance troops in World War II. When the Wehrmacht was first formed in 1935, tactical reconnaissance was carried out by motorcycle rifle units (Kradschützen). However, with the development and large-scale introduction of wheeled armoured vehicles in the late 1930s, motorized reconnaissance battalions (Aufklärungs-Abteilungen) were introduced. Equipped with a mixture of armoured cars and motorcycles, they often operated far ahead of battlefront to survey the terrain, observe enemy positions and identify enemy forces key information required ahead of any armoured assault. In the second half of the war, with Germany on the strategic defensive, armoured reconnaissance troops found themselves increasingly drawn into combat operations, and even holding sectors of the line. At thTrade ReviewIf you have any interest in WWII, this is an absolute must-read. * Wargames Soldiers & Strategy Magazine *Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Motor Reconnaissance 2. Armoured Cars 3. Motorized Battalion 4. 1939 – Poland 5. 1940 – France 6. North Africa 7. Soviet Union 8. 1943 – The Force Grows 9. Modern Reconnaissance 10. Captured Vehicles Index Acknowledgements

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Book SynopsisAn illustrated history of the iconic Boeing 707.

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Book SynopsisAn insight into the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the British Army's most successfull post-war tank, The Centurion is significant in the history of British armoured fighting vehicles as well as being one of the most important post-war Western tanks. Introduced into British Army service in December 1946, versions of Centurion were still serving with British forces in the Iraq War of 2003, some 58 years later. Centurions have also seen combat in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, in the Middle East wars, and in the Indo-Pakistan War (1965) where it fought against US-supplied M47 and M48 Patton tanks. The Haynes Centurion Tank Manual is published in association with the Tank Museum and has been written with full access to the museum's Centurion collection., Author: Simon Dunstan is an author, filmmaker and photographer who has written more than 50 books on military history to his credit. He is the author of The Centurion (1980) and Centurion vs T-55 (2009). He lives in London.

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Book SynopsisA fascinating and detailed exploration of one of the most famous warships of the Ancient world - the trireme - and its tactical employment by the opposing sides in the 5th-century BC Graeco-Persian Wars.You may be familiar with the Athenian trireme but how much do you know about the ram-armed, triple-oared warships that it dueled against at the battles of Artemision, Salamis and the Eurymedon River? How similar or different were these warships to each other? And why did the Persians rely on Phoenician vessels to form much of their navy? Much attention has been devoted to the Greek trireme, made famous by modern reconstruction with only passing notice given to the opposing Persian navy's vessels in illustrated treatments. Join us on the Aegean as, for the first time, we reveal a rarely attempted colour reconstruction of a trireme in Persian service. Compare the form, construction, design, manoeuvrability, and tactical deployment of the opposing triremes, aided by stunning illusTable of ContentsIntroduction Chronology Design and Development Technical Specifications The Combatants Combat Statistics and Analysis Aftermath Glossary and Abbreviations Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisBeating its biplane rivals in a 1936 Reich Air Ministry design competition, the Arado Ar 196 provided the Kriegsmarine with possibly the best shipborne reconnaissance seaplane of World War II. Replacing the Heinkel He 60 biplane as the standard catapult-launched floatplane embarked on the Kriegsmarine's capital ships, the Ar 196 flew an assortment of combat missions during World War II, including coastal patrol, submarine hunting, light bombing, general reconnaissance and convoy escort sorties. The first vessel to take its Ar 196A-1s to sea was the pocket battleship Graf Spee, which embarked two in the autumn of 1939. The battleships Bismarck and Tirpitz could carry six Arados each, the battlecruisers Gneisenau and Scharnhorst four and smaller pocket battleships and cruisers two. Shore-based aircraft were also operated from coastal ports on the Channel, Baltic, North Sea and Bay of Biscay coasts, as well as in the Balkans and Mediterranean. In this tTable of Contents1. The Last Floatplane 2. First Blood 3. Ahead of the Atlantic Wall 4. The Seven Seas 5. Eastern Front and the Mediterranean 6. War's End and Foreign Use Appendices - Colour Plates Commentary - Bibliography - Index

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