Military vehicles Books

Book SynopsisIn December 2020, the first Sukhoi Su-57, codenamed Felon by NATO, entered service with the Aerospace Forces, making it Russia's most recent combat aircraft. It is a multirole aircraft combining the functions of both a fighter and strike aircraft, with design features that include stealth, supersonic cruising speed and maneuverability, the latest sensors and weaponry, and network-centric warfare capability. Fully illustrated with over 170 full-colour photographs, this book describes the trials of the T-50 prototypes and the implementation of the Su-57 into series production, as well as looking at the design, characteristics and combat capabilities of this fifth-generation fighter. 170 illustrations

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Panther remains one of the most popular tanks in all of history. Modelers, gamers, and tank enthusiasts travel all over the world to see the few remaining examples.

Read more less

Book SynopsisUsing first-hand accounts and rare and unpublished images, this highly illustrated title tells the full story of the German reconnaissance troops in World War II.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

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis is a detailed visual guide of the M60 tank; 340 photos both show the vehicle's design details and help readers visualize the tank's operational history.

Read more less

Book Synopsis1972 to date (all marks), Dubbed 'Warthog' – or just 'Hog' – the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II is the world's undisputed close air-support attack jet. As tough as it is ugly, it has built a fearsome reputation as a tank buster and infantry killer in conflicts around the globe, and its GAU-8 Avenger 30mm cannon strikes fear into the hearts of all unlucky enough to be on the wrong side. Steve Davies gets up close and personal to look at the Hog's anatomy, engines and firepower, as well as presenting compelling first-person insights into what it takes to fly and maintain., Author: Steve Davies is a freelance aviation journalist and photographer. He is an authority on the USAF and the author of Haynes Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird Manual (with Paul F. Crickmore), Boeing B-52, F-15 Eagle and F-16 Falcon Manuals. Steve lives in Cambridge.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn the late 19th and early 20th century, a combination of coastal defence for the homeland and fleet defence for the East Indies became the established naval strategy for the Royal Dutch Navy and set the template for the world wars. Battleships were too expensive to build and maintain, so after World War I, there was significant investment in submarine development and construction. A handful of modern light cruisers and a new class of destroyers were also constructed during the interwar years to serve as a small Fleet-in-Being in the East Indies, as well as to support the actions of the navy's submarines. The light cruiser HNLMS De Ruyter and the Java-class light cruisers were the most powerful units of the new fleet whilst the backbone of the destroyer fleet was the Admiralen-class and the Tromp-class of destroyer leaders. Beginning in December 1941, the Dutch Navy played a very active role in the defence of the East Indies against the Japanese during World War II. The Battle oTable of ContentsIntroduction Major Surface Vessels of the Koninklijke Marine Submarines of the Koninklijke Marine Risk Theory and its Impact on the Operations of Koninklijke Marine Warships, 1941-42 Conclusion Bibliography Index

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisAerial mining by RAF Bomber Command was a vital part of the Allied war effort claiming far more tonnage of Axis shipping destroyed than direct attack by either Coastal or Bomber Command itself. Minelaying operations commenced in April 1940 and expanded dramatically as the war progressed, yet today this vital campaign and its wide-ranging achievements against Axis merchant vessels, Kriegsmarine ships and U-boats are virtually unknown.The Invisible Campaign, based on Air Ministry and Admiralty archival material, together with squadron records, veteran accounts and logbooks as well as contemporary publications and press releases, provides the most detailed account of Bomber Command's minelaying operations and their effects ever written.Historian Jane Gulliford Lowes looks at the aims of the campaign and how it was implemented, together with the measure of its success and how it compared against the mining operations implemented by the Luftwaffe and Kriegsmarine. The role of Arthur Bomber' Harris in overseeing minelaying operations is assessed and the experiences of the men who delivered the campaign, particularly the hazards they faced, are explored.Featuring a foreword by renowned historian James Holland, The Invisible Campaign - Bomber Command Gardening Operations 1940-1945 sheds new light on a little-discussed but important and ultimately highly successful aspect of Bomber Command and is a must-read for anyone interested the RAF's in wartime bombing operations.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe history of this famed vessel is presented through over 200 photographs and accompanying narrative.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn illustrated history and A-Z of bombers with 750 photographs, in a newly updated edition.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFirst flown in 1952, the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress became the ultimate expression of Cold War very heavy bomber design. The last of the famous Fortress' series of aircraft produced by the legendary Seattle-based company, the B-52 was created over a weekend in a hotel suite in Ohio, resulting in a design that gave America's post-war Strategic Air Command, led by General Curtis Le May, an additional nuclear-capable edge. The B-52 was almost as big as Convair's B-36 Peacemaker, the largest serial-produced piston-powered aircraft ever built. The B-52 could carry a very similar bomb load, but flew it further, higher and faster. The turbojet-powered B-52 utilized techniques Boeing had learned from the Model 450 B-47 Stratojet and was designed to meet the Strategic Air Command's ever-changing needs in the nuclear age. Like its predecessors, Boeing's B-52 proved to be a highly flexible aircraft, capable of carrying increasing payloads, meaning it has remained in service well beyond its ex

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe perfect guide to Nelson''s Navy for all those with an interest in the workings of the great fleet.Patrick O''Brien provides the forward to this edition of the most successful Conway Maritime title. The book is eminently readable and is the first single-volume work to cover in such depth this vast and complex subject.Written by one of the world''s leading authorities on the sailing navy the book contains considerable original research to give a clear and authentic picture of the Senior Service as a whole.The book is also of interest to all those with enthusiasm for the literature based on the Nelsonic-era.Table of ContentsForeword Preface PART 1: BACKGROUND 1 The Wars with France 2 Early Naval History 3 The Naval Administration 4 Britain and the World PART 2: TYPES OF SHIPS 1 The Principles of Ship Design 2 Ships-of-the-Line 3 Frigates 4 Unrated Ships and Vessels PART 3: SHIPBUILDING 1 Ship Construction 2 Fitting of ships 3 Masts, Sails and Rigging 4 Armament PART 4: OFFICERS 1 Officers’ Entry and Training 2 Commissioned Officers 3 Warrant Officers 4 Officers’ Living Conditions 5 Ship Administration PART 5: NAVAL RECRUITMENT 1 The Problem of Naval Recruitment 2 The Press Gang 3 Other Methods of Recruiting PART 6: SEAMEN AND LANDMEN 1 Seamen’s Conditions of Service 2 Seamen and Petty Officers 3 Landmen, Artifi cers and Servants 4 Mutiny and Desertion PART 7: MARINES 1 Role and Organisation 2 Marines in Service 3 Marine Equipment and Uniform PART 8: TECHNIQUES 1 Basic Seamanship 2 Ship Handling 3 Boat and Anchor Work 4 Gunnery and Fighting 5 Navigation 6 Disaster at Sea PART 9: SHIPBOARD LIFE 1 The Organisation of the Crew 2 The Ship’s Day 3 The Necessities of Life 4 Rewards and Pleasures 5 Medicine and Health 6 Discipline PART 10: DOCKYARDS AND BASES 1 The Work and Facilities of the Dockyards 2 The Dockyard Workforce 3 Home Anchorages and Naval Bases 4 Overseas Bases 5 The Victualling Organisation PART 11: FLEETS 1 The Distribution of Fleets 2 Fleet Administration 3 Fleet Tactics 4 Signals PART 12: THE SEAMAN’S WORLD 1 Winds and Currents 2 The Merchant Marine 3 Other Naval Services PART 13: FOREIGN NAVIES 1 The French Navy 2 The Spanish Navy 3 The American Navy 4 Other Foreign Naval Forces PART 14: TACTICS 1 Fighting Tactics 2 Blockade 3 Convoys and Cruisers 4 Amphibious Operations 5 Victory and Defeat Afterword Appendices Sources Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe most iconic planes of WWII, the Supermarine Spitfire, Hawker Hurricane, DeHavilland Mosquito and the Avro Lancaster, were all powered by one engine, the Rolls-Royce Merlin. The story of the Merlin is one of British ingenuity at its height, of artistry and problem-solving that resulted in a war-winning design.Published to coincide with the 75th anniversary of VE Day and the 80th anniversary of the start of the Battle of Britain, Merlin is the extraordinary story of the development of the Rolls-Royce engine that would stop Hitler from invading Britain and carry the war to the very heart of Germany.The story of the Merlin engine encompasses the history of powered flight, from the ingenuity of the Wright Brothers to the horrors of World War I, and from the first crossing of the Atlantic to the heady days of flying in the 1920s. There is also the extraordinary story of the Schneider Trophy an international contest wherein nations poised on the precipice of war competed for engineering Trade ReviewPraise for Merlin ‘Merlin paints a finer, more detailed and complete portrait of the aero engine and the people who made it than almost any other single volume on the subject …Illuminating and entertaining’ Pilot magazine ‘To get deeper into the nuts and bolts of aviation, Graham Hoyland spent a year taking apart the story of the Merlin and putting it back together in a form that roars beautifully from the very start’ Simon Calder, Independent ‘A stirring account of how these hand-wrought machines, geared for speed and encased in elegant airframes … delivered us in 1940 … Merlin depicts a heroic age of smashed land, air and water speed records … and the extreme bravery of those pioneers, who incurred many fatalities. Hoyland marries the drama and excitement with a clear focus on the technical: he puts you in the cockpit and into the very guts of the machines … Anyone with a serious interest in engineering will find much to enjoy and appreciate.’ Colin Greenwood, The Spectator Praise for Graham Hoyland ‘Illuminating and entertaining’ The Times ‘A towering work full of twists and turns’ Independent ‘Richly enjoyable’ Daily Mail

Read more less

Book SynopsisA comprehensive, illustrated account of the new generation of advanced tanks to emerge during the last 15 years of the Cold War, showcasing major improvements in armor protection, gunsights, and fire-control systems.Focusing on the technology of the period, author Steven J. Zaloga explains how the demands of a potential Cold War battlefield spurred the development of the 20th century's most advanced tanks. He considers the final versions of the Soviet T-72, T-64, and T-80 and assesses their strengths and weaknesses. He also explores how the failure of the US-German MBT-70 project led to America's development of the M1 Abrams tank, and to Germany's all-new Leopard II. The British development of the Challenger tank is also considered, as is the lesser-known Leclerc tank developed by France, the smallest and lightest of any of the western designs. Featuring superbly detailed new illustrations and many photos, this volume pinpoints the key technology of the era, incluTable of ContentsINTRODUCTION THE TANKS, DOCTRINE, AND ORGANIZATION Soviet Union United States Germany UK France TANKS IN BATTLE TECHNICAL ANALYSIS Protection Firepower Combat effectiveness FURTHER READING INDEX

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Boeing YC-14 was prototype aircraft intended to replace the Lockheed C-130 Hercules. The aircraft never entered full production, and just two prototypes were built. Author John Wimpress was a member of the YC-14 design team, providing him intimate knowledge of this rare aircraft.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA photo-history of this pivotal and iconic World War Two bomber

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn illustrated guide to one of the most important US military helicopters

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe story of the Consolidated B-36 is unique in American aviation history. The aircraft was an interesting blend of concepts proven during the Second World War combined with budding 1950s high-tech systems. The program survived near-cancellation on six separate occasions during an extremely protracted development process. It was also the symbol of a bitter inter-service rivalry between the newly-formed US Air Force and the well-established US Navy over which of which of the two organizations would control the delivery of atomic weapons during the early years of the Cold War. Entering service in 1948, the B-36 was a remarkable design. It was the largest mass-produced piston-engine aircraft ever built, having the longest wingspan of any combat aircraft in history. Importantly, in terms of the developing Cold War at least, the B-36 was the first bomber capable of delivering any of the weapons in America's nuclear arsenal without modification. To achieve this part of its role, the Peacemaker had an operational range of 10,000 miles, being capable of intercontinental flight without refuelling. It is difficult to imagine a modern aircraft remaining airborne for two days without refuelling - but such missions were relatively routine for the B-36 crews. Whilst there were, at the time of its service, questions around its flight speed, the Peacemaker flew so high that this was considered of little concern - few fighters of its era could reach the same altitudes, and operational surface-to-air missiles were still in the future. The B-36, despite its seemingly conventional appearance, pushed the state-of-the-art technology further than any other aircraft of its era. Its sheer size brought with it structural challenges, while its high-altitude capabilities led to engine cooling and associated problems. However, all of these were finally overcome, and the B-36 served well as the first Big Stick' of the Cold War.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA fascinating insight into a very topical aircraft design.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book examines the last generation of high-performance British propeller-driven fighters, types such as the Firecrest, late mark Spitfires and Seafires, Spiteful and Seafang, Sea Fury, late mark Tempests, Hornet and Sea Hornet, M.B.5 and Wyvern. From about 1942 onwards these extraordinary and very complex aeroplanes brought British piston fighter development to its zenith, but then in a very short space of time the new jet engine wiped this generation away. Perhaps it would not have been possible to take piston power any further anyway but the turboprop might have been a longer-term alternative, though in the end the only British type with this form of powerplant would be the Westland Wyvern naval strike fighter.Chapters look at the engines involved including the Rolls-Royce Merlin 130 series, Griffon and Eagle, Napier Sabre and Bristol Centaurus, propellor developments (contra-rotating) and then take each fighter type in turn. The coverage described their development and testing and includes quotes and passes from flight test reports.Additional appendices look at some British one-off designs and testbed programmes, then the only fighter types flown abroad powered by these engine types (the Australian CA-15 and Argentine IAe 30) and finally two similiar unbuilt projects proposed by Sweden (the J 27 Mustang lookalike) and Switzerland (the N-6). Illustrated with over 300 photos, many previously unpublished, this is a must for enthusiasts of World War II aviation and the history of the British fighter.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFollowing the First World War the major naval powers entered into an agreement restricting the construction of capital ships and limiting the numbers that signatories were allowed to maintain, so numerous ships were scrapped or disposed of and the majority of planned vessel were either cancelled whilst being built or never laid down. By the late 1920s the Royal Navy’s battle force comprised of the two Nelson-class ships, the battlecruisers ‘Hood’, ‘Renown’ and ‘Repulse’, and ‘Revenge’ and Queen Elizabeth-class ships, all designed before the First World War. In 1928 the Royal Navy began planning a new class of battleships which was put on hold with the signing of the Treaty of London. In 1935, realising its battle fleet was becoming dated as other nations laid down new classes of battleships, the Royal Navy recommenced planning capital ships within treaty limitations. The result was the King George V-class battleships. Regarded by some as the worst new-generation battleships in the Second World War the King George V-class were Britain’s most modern battleships during the conflict and saw action in some of the most famous engagements from the sinking of the ‘Bismarck’ in 1941 to the surrender of Japan in 1945. This book charts the story of the King George V-class from its conception and design through to the operational history of the ships in the class.Table of ContentsAcknowledgements; Introduction; 1 Treaty Battleships; 2 Anatomy of the King George V-Class; 3 HMS ‘King George V’: Construction and Work Up; 4 HMS ‘Prince of Wales’: Construction and Work Up; 5 The ‘Bismarck’; 6 The Atlantic Charter; 7 Mediterranean Interlude; 8 The Singapore Strategy; 9 The Loss of HMS ‘Prince of Wales’; 10 ‘We Are All in the Same Boat Now’; 11 The Arctic Convoys; 12 ‘The Severest Test of Any’; 13 Operation Husky; 14 North Cape; 15 Tungsten; 16 The Eastern Fleet; 17 Goodwood; 18 The British Pacific Fleet; 19 Operation Iceberg; 20 Victory Over Japan; 21 After the War; 22 The Wreck of HMS ‘Prince of Wales’; Epilogue; Appendix I: Commanding Officers; Appendix II: King George V-Class and North Carolina-Class: A Comparison; Appendix III: HMS ‘Prince of Wales’ Battle of the Denmark Strait Roll of Honour; Appendix IV: The Atlantic Charter; Appendix V: Admiral Pound’s Minute; Appendix VI: HMS ‘Prince of Wales’ Roll of Honour, 10 December 1941; Endnotes; Bibliography; Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade ReviewPart of the Legends of Warfare: Ground series, this is a largely pictorial look at Germanys early war main battle tank with chapters on revisions Ausf. A through to N. Each chapter starts with an introduction to the model and the basic technical and performance specs, then its on to the photos and captions. As such this is very like the Images of War series of books. The photos are all mono, except for those of the panzer II Ausf. L thats been restored at Bovington Tank Museum. -- Armourer Magazine and Classic Arms & Militaria Magazine, December 2020

Read more less

Book SynopsisDuring the Second World War, RAF Lancaster bombers took the conflict into the very heart of Hitler's Third Reich, and flew some of the most daring operations of the war. Surprisingly, of the 7,377 Lancasters built only two survive today, one in Britain and one in Canada., Produced with the full cooperation of the RAF's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and illustrated with incredible photographs, this book gives a rare and fascinating insight into how the Lancaster bomber was constructed, flown and operated, together details of how it is serviced and maintained., Authors:Jarrod Cotter is one of the lucky few to have flown in a Lancaster. He served for nine years in the RAF before working as Deputy Editor of 'FlyPast' magazine, and has written three other books., Paul Blackah is a member of the crew responsible for keeping the RAF's Lancaster flying and was a chief technician in the RAF for over 20 years., Icon titles were originally published in the classic, larger manual size and have now been produced in a smaller format containing the same information.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis pocket manual focusing on the most famous aircraft of all time presents an accessible collection of fascinating historical documents which give a unique insight into the Spitfire.Developed in 1938 from a Schneider trophy-winning design by the aeronautical engineer and designer R.J Mitchell, the Supermarine Spitfire went on to become the definitive Allied fighter of the Second World War, and ranks amongst the most famous aircraft of all time.This pocket manual presents an accessible collection of fascinating historical documents to help readers explore the technical and tactical developments relating to the design and use of this famous aircraft. Sources include the Air Ministry''s original specification for a single-seater day and night fighter, handling trials of the Spitfire prototype K-5054, squadron fighting tactics, pilot''s log books and pilot''s notes for the Mark V, air group reports and tactical papers.Collectively these give a unique insight into the Spitfire, ill

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis unique insight into RAF Reaper operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria is based on unprecedented research access to the Reaper squadrons and personnel at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire and Creech Air Force Base in Nevada, USA. The author has observed lethal missile strikes against Islamic State jihadists in Syria and Iraq alongside the crews involved. He has also conducted extensive interviews with Reaper pilots, sensor operators, mission intelligence coordinators, and spouses and partners. The result is an intimate portrait of the human aspect of remote air warfare in the twenty-first century.

Read more less

Book SynopsisDISCOVER THE EXHILARATING TRUE STORY BEHIND THE ACTION-PACKED CLASSIC FILM''GOOSE AND MAVERICK MOVE OVER . . .'' Admiral James Stavridis________March 1969.American jets are getting shot down at an unprecedented rate over Vietnam. In an urgent effort to regain the advantage the Admirals turn to a young naval aviator called Dan Pedersen.Officially, the programme he set up was called the US Navy Fighter Weapons School. To everyone else it was known simply as TOPGUN.Pedersen''s hand-picked team of instructors - the Original Eight - were the best of the best. Together, they revolutionised aerial warfare and rediscovered the lost art of fighter combat.This is the extraordinary, thrilling story of how TOPGUN saw America reclaim the skies, by the man who created it.________''It''s hard to read Dan Pederson''s Topgun and not think of Tom Cruise. A pleasure to read'' Wall Street Journal

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Lockheed C-141 Starlifter was a new-build design by Lockheed and proved adaptable to many roles, from carrying outsized cargo to dropping paratroops. The C-141 was used in difficult environmental conditions, such as the heat and extreme humidity of Vietnam, the deserts of the Middle East, and the frozen ice pack of Antarctica. Modification programs enabled the C-141 to make full use of its capabilities, by adding in-flight refueling plus extending the length of the fuselage. The plane was a valued and appreciated USAF asset in numerous missions, from disaster aid and humanitarian relief to doing their part in Operation Desert Shield/Storm, and in the war on terror. The aircraft were eventually retired en masse in 2006 simply as a result of wear and tear. This book covers in detail all aspects such as interior/exterior configurations, cargo capabilities, missions, and modifications made throughout its service life.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Deutsche Afrika Korps (best known as simply Afrika Korps) built up a well-deserved reputation as a superb fighting machine. While this was founded on the leadership and tactical genius of its legendary commander Erwin Rommel and the fighting skills of its officers and men, another vital element was its equipment in general and armour in particular. This superbly illustrated Images of War book reveals the full range of German armoured vehicles that saw service in North Africa over the two year period 1941 to mid-1943\. As well as the formidable panzers , such as the Tiger and Panther tanks, there were Sturmartillerie equipments, reconnaissance vehicles, half- tracks, armoured cars, Panzerkampwagens and motor cycles. All had their roles to play. While the Allies triumphed in North Africa ultimately, the combination of German design and engineering with superb generalship and fighting spirit, very nearly changed the course of the Second World War in 1942\. Military historians and equipment enthusiasts will find this a fascinating and authoritative book.

Read more less

Book SynopsisInitially designed as a fast medium bomber, the Junkers Ju 88 was also used as a Zerstörer heavy fighter by the Luftwaffe. It saw its combat debut over Poland in 1939, and heavy fighter variants saw action on every front up to VE Day. The ultimate Ju 88 fighter variant was the G-model of 1944, which boasted a FuG 220 or 227 radar, an astounding array of cannon and machine gun armament and advanced Junkers Jumo or BMW engines. A dedicated nightfighter, the first Ju 88G-1s entered service with the Nachtjagd in the summer of 1944, replacing Ju 88C/Rs as well as some Bf 110Gs. Despite suffering heavy losses in the final months of the war, Ju 88Gs also inflicted serious casualties on Bomber Command throughout the war.From patrolling over the Bay of Biscay, to the Arctic circle opposing Allied convoys and, most successfully, as radar-equipped nightfighters engaging RAF heavy bombers during defence of the Reich operations from late 1941, this is the story of tTable of ContentsChapter One: Early Beginnings Chapter Two: Radarless Nightfighters Chapter Three: Bloody Bay of Biscay Chapter Four: Arctic Operations Chapter Five: Ju 88G – Ultimate Nightfighter Appendices Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe British Scorpion and Scimitar are among the most successful armoured reconnaissance vehicles ever built and, almost fifty years after the initial design was introduced, updated versions are still in service today. These compact, manoeuvrable and fast-moving light tanks played a significant peace-keeping role in conflict zones around the world and went into action during wars in the Falklands, the Gulf and Iraq. They are also a popular subject with tank modellers and enthusiasts which is why David Grummitt's expert history and guide is such a valuable source of reference. As well as describing in detail their technical development and operational history, he gives a full account of the wide range of modelling kits and accessories available in all the popular scales. Included is a modelling gallery which features six builds covering a range of Scorpions and Scimitars serving with different nations and a section of large-scale colour profiles which provide both information and inspiration for modellers and military enthusiasts alike.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTable of ContentsIntroduction /Flying Wing Evolution /The XB-35 /The YB-49 /|Disaster and Diminuendo /Flying Wing Legacy Bibliography /Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn illustrated history of the iconic Boeing 707.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWith war against Germany looming, Britain pushed forward its carrier program in the late 1930s. In 1938, the Royal Navy launched the HMS Ark Royal, its first-ever purpose-built aircraft carrier. This was quickly followed by others, including the highly-successful Illustrious class. Smaller and tougher than their American cousins, the British carriers were designed to fight in the tight confines of the North Sea and the Mediterranean. Over the next six years, these carriers battled the Axis powers in every theatre, attacking Italian naval bases, hunting the Bismark, and even joining the fight in the Pacific. This book tells the story of the small, but resilient, carriers and the crucial role they played in the British war effort.Table of ContentsIntroduction 350 words Outlines the origins of naval aviation, and the growing importance of aircraft carriers in naval warfare. Design & Development 2,400 words Covers the chronological development of these Carriers, and covering modifications made during their operational lives. Operational History 2,250 words Follows the service history of each of the 14 Fleet Aircraft Carriers covered in this volume. Carrier Operation 2,150 words Describes the way aircraft were handled on a typical British wartime fleet aircraft carrier, including a description the wat launcing operations were conducted. Carrier Aircraft 2,000 words This section provides a brief description of the types of aircraft carried by these carriers, and their relative merits, and touches on the way they were used in action. Carriers in Action 2,400 words Provides a brief description of three actions involving British aircraft carriers; Taranto (1940), Matapan (1941) and the sinking of the Bismarck (1941) Bibiography 250 words

Read more less

Book SynopsisDesigned with little more than a passing nod to the international naval treaties of the inter-war period, the Imperial Japanese Navy's heavy cruisers were fast and heavily armed. Like the other vessels of the Japanese Navy, the heavy cruisers were technologically superior to and far more innovative than their Allied rivals, whom they met in many of the major Pacific Theatre battles, including Midway and Leyte Gulf. Mark Stille continues his study of the IJN of WWII with this fascinating topic, addressing the design and development of all 18 ships in the six heavy cruiser classes, from pre-war construction and mid-war alterations, to their operational histories and eventual fates.Table of ContentsIntroduction Japanese naval strategy and the role of the heavy cruiser Japanese heavy cruiser doctrine Japanese heavy cruiser design and development and impact of the Washington and London Naval Treaties Japanese heavy cruiser weapons Japanese heavy cruiser radar The Heavy Cruiser Classes Furutaka Class Aoba Class Myoko Class Takao Class Mogami Class Tone Class Analysis and Conclusion

Read more less

Book SynopsisAlthough many modelers can master the basic techniques of construction, it is with the painting and finishing of their kits that many begin to struggle. It is this skill that gives the model its distinctive look and feel and separates the good model form the truly great one. This title will present a detailed, step-by-step approach to addressing the difficulties involved in creating realistic, colorful finishes to armor and aviation models using a variety of different media and techniques. The book swill be aimed at both the beginner and the intermediate modeler looking to improve their skills and, through clear text and photography will give a chapter-by chapter guide to the subject. Each stage will deal with a particular element of the painting and finishing process, whether it be creating camouflage schemes or dealing with markings and decals, to build into a comprehensive study of the subject. Relevant tools and materials will be included in sidebars, whilst a Gallery feature will

Read more less

Book SynopsisA visual guide to some of the most important American ground vehicles of the Second World War

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe biggest success of the Focke Wulf company during the Second World War was the choice of a radial engine for the Fw 190 fighter, in this way avoiding to compete against Messerschmitt for the in line engines. The decision of the Oberkommando der Luftwaffe to assign the few turbojets available to the Messerschmitt and Arado firms and the discovery of the terrible aerodynamic effect known as compressibility buffeting by mid-1942, made the life of fighter designers of the time very interesting. The Kurt Tank team proposed to install a centrifugal turbojet of his design in the nose of an Fw 190 A/3 with the intention of replacing it with a Jumo 004 B when available in 1943. Several designs followed that were able to use all turbojets, turboprops, ramjets and rocket engines, either projected or at their disposal. They constitute the documental foundation of this book. After failing in the TL Jagdfleugzeug contests in March 1943, Volksflugzeug in September 1944 and Hochleitungs Nachtjäger in January 1945, Focke Wulf could finally overcome its competitors with the great Jägernotprogramm design Ta 183. Although it was too late to intervene in the Second World War, it served as inspiration for numerous designs of other countries during the first years of the Cold War.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less