Military vehicles Books

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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.

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Book SynopsisThe Russian missile cruiser ''Moskva'', until 1995 called ''Slava'', was the first unit of a very interesting type of ship of the project 1164, characterized by, inter alia, 16 anti-ship missile launchers set inclined in the bow section. Project 1164 missile cruisers, which, apart from ''Moskva'', also include ''Varyag'' (ex-''Red Ukraine''), ''Marshal Ustinov'' (ex-''Admiral Lobov'') and ''Ukraine'' (ex-''Komsomolets'', ex-''Fleet Admiral Lobov''), when they entered service, were considered to be among the best in their class. They had enormous firepower, and thanks to their technologically advanced missiles, they were called ''aircraft carrier killers'', due to their primary purpose, which was to destroy American aircraft carriers.''Moskva'' gained its notoriety thanks to the spectacular sinking which took place during the hostilities during the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. After she fired on Snake Island on February 24, whose personnel refused to lay down their arms, on April 13, 2022, she was hit by two anti-ship missiles. At that time, approximately 60 nautical miles south of Odessa, the cruiser was badly damaged. A fire broke out and ammunition exploded.

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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.

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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.

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Book SynopsisThe M16 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage (M16 MGMC) also known as M16 half-track, was a US self-propelled antiaircraft gun built during World War Two. The chassis of the half-rack armored personnel carrier was used to build various variants of self-propelled guns. They were tested on training grounds. Some of them were accepted for military service, series production and then they would see combat. These mainly included self-propelled antiaircraft guns armed with large-caliber 12.7 mm machine guns. In the Autumn of 1941, the first vehicles of this type were tested. The basic requirement of their design was to combine the half-track transporter chassis with a self-propelled revolving turret, the very same as the ones mounted on the bomber aircraft.Trade ReviewThe pages contain highly detailed line drawings of the vehicle, its sytems and various equipment carried. The sumptuous detail doesn't end there, as the vehicles chassis, suspension, transmission and White 160AX engine are also showcased in three-quarter views. The pages close with 1/72 and 1/48 scale plans, plus pull-out 1/35 and 1/16 versions - ideal for modelling projects including AFV Club's newly tooled 1/35 kit. * Airfix Model World *

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Book SynopsisThe PzKpfw III (Panzerkampfwagen III) is a German medium tank designed by Daimler-Benz AG. The first tests of the vehicle took place in 1936. The construction of the PzKpfw III consisted of four main modules: the turret, the front of the hull, the rear of the hull with the engine compartment cover and the lower hull. The first version of PzKpfw III – Ausf. A – was produced in May 1937. Soon after, the Ausf. B and C versions also entered production. Ausf. D version was introduced in January 1938. Early PzKpfw III models were prototype vehicles and were not suitable for mass production on a large scale. They were powered by Maybach HL 108 TR petrol engines with 250 HP. They were armed with 37mm guns and three MG-34 machine guns (two in the turret and one in the hull).

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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 *

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Book SynopsisFirst prototypes of German tank destroyer Sturmgeschütz III (StuG III) were built in 1937 and based on PzKpfw III Ausf. B tank. Vehicles were armed with short-barelled 75mm gun. From spring, 1942, StuG IIIs were equipped with StuK 40 75mm gun. Self propelled guns StuG III served in separated assault artillery units, and later in self propelled guns brigades. They were also used in support units of armoured divisions.Trade ReviewThere are also plenty of kits available in all the main scales, and more […] for modllers, this is a good resource to have plans of all these variants in one place. * Military Model Scene *There are numerous Sturmgeschutz kits in a variety of scales by the likes of Airfix, Dragon and Tamiya, and these drawings will prove useful for checking details. Recommended. * Scale Military Modelling International Magazine *

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Book SynopsisHitler’s drive to modernize his armed forces gained a new momentum with the arrival on stage of Col. Heinz Guderian – the future spiritus movens of German armored warfare doctrine. Behind the scenes German design teams were busy working on prototypes of vehicles that would soon become the tools of the future war – light Pz.Kpfw. I and II, heavy (in keeping with contemporary classification) Pz.Kpfw. IV and medium Pz.Kpfw. III armed with a 37 mm gun. In the early stages of fighting in France it became clear that the vehicle didn’t carry enough punch and in later marks of the tank the 37 mm main gun was superseded by a 50 mm weapon. The ultimate version of the Pz.Kpfw. III was armed with a short barrel 75 mm gun, the largest that the tank’s turret could accommodate.

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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.

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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 *

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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).

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Book SynopsisThis series of books provides details of all USN warships from 1893 to the present day. Every class and individual ship has an entry providing details of its procurement, dimensions, and characteristics, and a summary of each ship's history and development. Profusely illustrated with photos. An essential manual for all US Navy enthusiasts and historians.

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Book SynopsisThe book describes service of famous Avro Lancaster I/III bombers used by Polish pilots in Britain during 1941-1945.The book has includes 200 photographs (many of which have not been published before) and 30 color profiles (plus top and bottom views of representative aircraft).

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Book SynopsisThis series of books provides details of all USN warships from 1893 to the present day. Every class and individual ship has an entry providing details of the procurement, dimensions and characteristics, and a summary of each ship's history and development. Profusely illustrated with photos. An essential manual for all US Navy enthusiasts and historians.This is volume four, part two - Destroyers (1918-1937).

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Book SynopsisThe supersonic fighter in the Polish Air Force of the MiG-21MF is described in unparalleled detail. Includes many unpublished photos from the private collections. Color schemes and markings are described and illustrated in a series of specially commissioned color profiles.

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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.

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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.

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Book SynopsisThe American battleship USS “California” has almost thirty years of extraordinary history. Built in 1921, it was one of the most powerful battleships of the US Navy in the interwar period. It was characterised by an interesting and harmonious silhouette, which changed significantly several times. During the war, despite its age, the ship was still modern and heavily armed. The USS “California”, known among naval enthusiasts and often chosen by modellers, became the subject of another study by Witold Koszela, who in a series of precise drawings recreated the silhouette of this battleship from the Second World War. On 24 A4 pages and 2 folded sheets we can find a historical description, technical data and professional drawings showing the ship in the years 1944–1945, as well as drawings of superstructures, armaments and details, together with sectional views and color charts.Trade ReviewThe book would be very useful for the modeller and for readers who love this sort of scaled drawing and exploded view… * Miniature Wargames *

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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.

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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 *

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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 *

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Book SynopsisThe author of this monograph would like to inform his reader right away that he does not claim to cover the following topic as fully as it could possibly be. At the present time, there are many historical documents, schematic drawings that once were placed in secret archives, memories of historical persons, and participants of long past events. So, if the author tried to describe and publish all the materials about the only plane that took an active involvement in the Second World War - it would be a multivolume publication with an appendix consisting of a thick folder with numerous drafts…The purpose of this monograph is the author’s desire to introduce the reader to a remarkable fighter aircraft, that which had a great influence on both the pre-war development of Soviet aircraft, and the military developments that occurred in the first few months of the war between Germany and the USSR. And at the same time about its creator - Nikolai Nikolaevich Polikarpov, who had the unspoken title of "King of fighters" during his lifetime. Those readers, who are interested in the technical matter of the topic, could refer to some earlier publications about the I-16 aircraft. Unfortunately, only one publication was published in English. But you may find Russian-language publications, detailed declassified drawings, and a technical description of the aircraft in the global network.

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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 *

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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 *

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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 *

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Book SynopsisThe Bf 109 F aircraft flown by the Luftwaffe aces are shown. This book consists of 16 pages and features detailed scale plans in both 1/72 and 1/48 scales. It includes 12-14 colour profiles, providing a visual guide to various markings. Caption is presented in English, complemented by colour profiles captions, which are provided in Polish.

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Book SynopsisThis new photo album is number 34 in the MMPBooks/Stratus Camera On series and vol. 1 features over 160 photographs of captured and destroyed Soviet aircraft from the Eastern Front in World War Two. Most of the photographs were taken in situ, during and after the Operation Barbarossa - the attempted Nazi invasion of Russia.

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Book SynopsisSuzutsuki (Japanese large World War II destroyer) Akizuki type, in service from 1943 to the end of the war. "Suzutsuki" was the third ship in a series of large Akizuki-type destroyers specifically designed as anti-aircraft defense ships, whose main armament consisted of 8 universal guns of 100 mm caliber, with excellent ballistic characteristics.

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Book SynopsisMichael Napier details the critical role of air power in the skies over Afghanistan, from the ten-year occupation by the USSR in the 1980s through to the US and NATO campaign from 2001 to 2021.US and British forces, strongly supported by air power, invaded Afghanistan in late 2001 in response to the Al Qaida attacks on 9/11. What began as a small-scale operation of 2,500 troops with the limited objective of destroying Al Qaida became ever larger, growing to over 100,000 troops ten years later. This experience matched that of the Soviets after their invasion in late 1979, when they saw a massive increase in resistance by Mujahidin.Afghan Air Wars details how Soviet aircraft including the MiG-21, MiG-23, Su-17 and Su-25, as well as Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopters supported Soviet offensives in the Panjshir Valley and other regions. Despite these high-octane operations and overwhelming air superiority, Soviet forces eventually withdrew.Trade ReviewA must for anyone interested in modern air power. * History of War *Table of ContentsAuthor's note Chapter 1: An Introduction to Afghanistan Chapter 2: The Soviet Experience 1979–1989 Chapter 3: US and NATO intervention 2001–2005 Chapter 4: Taliban Insurgency 2006–2008 Chapter 5: ISAF Takes Back Control 2009–2014 Chapter 6: Endgame 2015–2021 Endnotes Appendices Abbreviations Bibliography Index

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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.

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Book SynopsisAmong the most successful armoured vehicles produced by American industry - known as the Arsenal of Democracy - during the Second World War were the M2 and M3 half-tracks. They served on every battlefront and were as recognizable as other famous American wartime vehicles like the Sherman and the Jeep, and around 40,000 were produced between 1941 and 1945\. They were easy to assemble, operate and maintain, and their versatility allowed them to fulfil a variety of purposes. This volume in Pen & Sword's LandCraft series traces the design, development and manufacturing history of the M2/M3 and describes its operational role within the Allied armies. A selection of archive photographs showing the M2/M3 in action gives a graphic impression of how adaptable these vehicles were and records the range of equipment they could carry. The book is an excellent source for the modeller, providing details of available kits, together with specially commissioned colour profiles demonstrating how the M2/M3 used by different units and armies appeared.

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Book SynopsisCreated from what was left of the gigantic stockpiles of Soviet armoured fighting vehicles after the end of the Cold War, the Russian armoured forces were reorganized in the early 1990s. Ground forces were involved in a series of conflicts in border states, nationalistic insurrections of minorities following the end of the Soviet Union, and the lifting of its iron fist on these regions. From Chechnya to the Crimea to the Ukraine, Modern Russian Tanks explores the main battle tanks, armoured fighting vehicles, armoured personnel carriers, self- propelled guns and missile-launching platforms in service since 1990. Organised by type and then alphabetically by manufacturer, the entries include the BMD-3, BMPT Terminator, T-90 and T-15 main battle tank, and their variants, as well as the Buk missile system responsible for shooting down the Malaysian Airlines 777 jet over Ukraine in 2014. Illustrated with expert colour profile artworks for each entry and completed with technical specifications, Modern Russian Tanks is a detailed reference guide for modellers and enthusiasts with an interest in modern military technology.Trade ReviewThis new hardback from Amber Books is one of their 'Technical Guide' series, and brings us up to date with images and details of the various types of armoured vehicles in service with the Russian military. As a long time armour enthusiast, and modeller, this is ideal… A very handy new reference. -- Robin Buckland * Military Model Scene *Table of ContentsIntroduction Main Battle Tanks T-10 heavy tank – some kept in storage during the 1990s. PT-76 amphibious light tank – still in service. T-54/55 – up to 2,800 currently in reserve. T-62 – up to 2,500 currently in reserve. T-64 – up to 2,000 currently in reserve T-72 – 1,900 in service. T-80 – 450 in service. T-90 – 350 in service. T-14 Armata – prototypes/pre-production vehicles completed. APCs/Armoured Cars Kamaz Typhoon Mine-resistant ambush-protected truck – 290 in service. Ural Typhoon Mine-resistant ambush-protected truck – 180 in service. Bulat APC – in production. BTR-90 APC – at least 80 in service. BTR-80/82A APC – over 1,200 in service. BTR-70 APC – about 100 in service. BTR-60 APC – over 3,500 in reserve. BRDM-2 Armoured car – 1,000 in service. MT-LB APC – 1,500 in service. Infantry Fighting Vehicles BMD-1 – in service. BMD-2 – in service BMD-3 – over 100 in service BMP-1 – 500 in service. BMP-2 – 3,000 in service. BMP-3 – over 700 in service. VPK-7829 Bumerang – unknown number of prototypes completed. Kurganets-25 – unknown number of prototypes/pre-production vehicles completed. T-15 – unknown number of prototypes/pre-production vehicles completed. Tank Destroyers 9P148 Konkurs – 60 in service 9P149 Shturm-S/SM – over 40 in service. 9P157-2 Khrizantema-S – 30 in service. 9P163M-1 Kornet-T – in production. Self-Propelled Artillery 2S1 Gvozdika 122mm self-propelled Howitzer – over 500 in service. 2S3 Akatsiya 152mm self-propelled Howitzer – over 900 in service. 2S4 Tyulpan 240mm self-propelled gun-mortar – 120 being modernised. 2S5 Giatsint-S 152mm self-propelled Howitzer – over 200 in service. 2S7M Malka 203mm self-propelled Howitzer – about 30 being modernised. 2S19 Msta-S/2S19M1 and 2S19M2 Msta-SM/2S33 Msta-SM2 152mm self-propelled Howitzer – over 450 in service. 2S9 Nona self-propelled 120mm Mortar – still in production. 2S34 Chosta 120mm self-propelled Howitzer – in production. 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV 152mm self-propelled howitzer – prototypes/pre-production vehicles completed. TOS-1 220mm salvo rocket launcher – in service. ZSU-23-4 Shilka – over 100 in service. 9K22 Tunguska – 250 in service/being modernised. 9K35 Strela-10 – over 350 in service. Glossary and Abbreviations Index

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Book SynopsisThe history of the little-known yet controversial T-80 and its subsequent variants. The Soviet T-80 Standard Tank was the last tank fielded before the Soviet collapse, and the most controversial. Despite having the most sophisticated fire controls and multi-layer armor ever fielded on a Soviet tank, its turbine power plant (rather than a conventional diesel) remained a source of considerable trouble throughout its career. Steven J Zaloga charts the little-known history of the T-80, covering the initial construction, through the development to the subsequent variants, the T-84 and Russia’s enigmatic “Black Eagle Tank.” Accompanying detailed cut-away artwork illustrates the unusual design features that made the T-80 so controversial.Table of ContentsIntroduction · Design and Development · Construction · Variants · Service History · Conclusion · Colour Plate Commentary · Bibliography · Index

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Book SynopsisFor more than 30 years, the Nile river gunboat was an indispensable tool of empire, policing the great river, and acting as floating symbols of British imperial power. They participated in every significant colonial campaign in the region, from the British invasion of Egypt in 1882, to the Battle of Omdurman in 1898, when Britain finally won control of the Sudan. After that, the gunboats helped maintain British control over both Egypt and the Sudan, and played a key role in safeguarding British interests around the headwaters of the Nile--a region hotly contested by several European powers. Featuring specially commissioned artwork, this comprehensive volume offers a detailed analysis of the Nile river gunboats'' entire career, from monitoring British colonial interests to defending Egypt against the Ottoman Turks in World War I.Table of ContentsIntroduction /Design and Development /Gunboat Histories /Firepower /Protection /Propulsion /Conditions on Board /Gunboats in Action /Bibliography /Index

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Book SynopsisThis new book will be an essential reference for modellers and wargamers who build and paint World War II British armoured fighting vehicles. It provides extensive information on different types of vehicles, describing when they were used, by whom and for what purpose. In addition, the many modifications made to vehicles during the war are included, with guidance on how to create these for models. Step-by-step building and painting guides illustrate vehicles in 1/35, 1/72 and 1/76 scale. This book features models, often with a comparison of models from different manufacturers, for the following: M3 Grant Mk1, including a North African version; Cromwell Mk IV; Royal Marine Centaur; Cavalier Observation Post; Sherman M4A1 and Crab; Crusader III AA Mk 1; Matilda; Morris and Guy Quads; Bedford QLs; Scammell Pioneer Heavy Artillery tractor conversion; Anti-tank guns, e.g. the 'Pheasant', field guns, anti-aircraft guns, etc and, finally, figures which include uniform painting guides.Trade ReviewThere is some great material, hints and tips in here, which I think will help both beginner and experienced modeller alike. Tom is a very capable modeller and he demonstrates his skill very well in his models. Recommended without any hesitation. -- Robin Buckland, Military Model Scene * Military Model Scene *

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