Military vehicles Books

Book SynopsisUsing rare first-hand accounts from Me 262 pilots, Robert Forsyth examines what it was like to fly the world's most advanced interceptor in the deadly skies over Germany in 194445. Right from its operational debut in the summer of 1944, the Me 262 outclassed anything the Allies had in terms of speed and firepower ratio, offering a formidable punch with four 30 mm Mk 108 nose-mounted cannon, and a Jumo 004 jet engine. The problem the Luftwaffe faced, however, was one of numbers. Towards the end of the war, availability of machines and trained pilots was scarce, and it is only thanks to the exploits of a handful of veteran Jagdwaffe aces such as Adolf Galland, Walter Krupinski and Johannes Steinhoff, that the aircraft made a significant impact on the air war and was the source of considerable concern to the Allies. Filled with specially commissioned artwork including action-packed ribbon diagrams, battlescenes, armament views and maps, Robert Forsyth offers the definitive technicTrade ReviewThis book provides a great source for the modeller, as both an inspiration and reference, making for an enjoyable read that is well worth the investment. * Scale Aircraft Modelling *I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the Me 262, early jet fighter combat operations, the Allied strategic bombing offensive, and collectors of this series. * Aviation News *Table of Contents(Subject to Confirmation) Chapter 1 In Battle An all-action account from the cockpit of an Me 262 assigned to Jagdgeschwader 7. Chapter 2 Setting the Scene Design, development and production of the Me 262. Chapter 3 Path to Combat Charting the training and careers of two Luftwaffe pilots who flew the Me 262 in combat. Chapter 4 Weapon of war A brief technical appraisal of the Me 262. Chapter 5 Art of War This chapter analyses the evolution of the three-aircraft Kette formation used by JV 44 and variations used by JG 7, as well as differences in attack tactics. Chapter 6 Combat This chapter contains first-hand narratives from Me 262 pilots (both aces and lesser known Jagdflieger). Appendices Listing of Me 262 aces and performance data Index

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Book SynopsisA new study of tank warfare used in the Soviet offensive of Operation Bagration, which destroyed Army Group Center. Operation Bagration, the 1944 summer campaign on the Russian Front, has been called Hitler''s Greatest Defeat. The operation involved substantial tank and armored vehicles on both sides but the German forces were severely hampered by the transfer of dozens of Panzer divisions to France to repel an expected Allied invasion. Forced to make hard decisions, German tank forces in the central Belarus sector were weak compared to the heavy concentration of Panzers in northern Ukraine. The Red Army exploited this vulnerability, crushing Army Group Center, and pushing beyond the Soviet frontier into Poland and East Prussia. With this crucial victory secured, the Red Army conducted successive offensives beyond the Carpathian Mountains, arriving at the Vistula river in Poland, and forcing Romania to switch sides. The Red Army had embarked on aTrade ReviewIt’s an accessible introduction to a large subject and one of the most pivotal battles of World War II. * Military Modelcraft International *Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION DOCTRINE AND ORGANIZATION - Wehrmacht - Axis allies - Other Axis allies - The Red Army - Red Army allies TECHNICAL FACTORS - Wehrmacht - Red Army THE CAMPAIGN - Operation Bagration - The Lvov-Sandomierz Offensive - The Iasi-Chisinau Offensive BATTLE ANALYSIS FURTHER READING INDEX

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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

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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

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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

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

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Book SynopsisA new paperback edition of a now well-established work. Close-ups, details and thematic spreads that shed unique light on the process of warship contruction. In-depth captioning, annotations and an authoritative text.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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

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Book SynopsisThe Mary Rose was one of King Henry VIII''s favourite warships until she sank during an engagement with the French fleet on 19 July 1545. Her rediscovery and raising were seminal events in the history of nautical archaeology. Apart from the Captain and the Vice Admiral, nothing is known about the crew of the Mary Rose - the only evidence about her complement of 415 men rests with their skeletal remains. In The Men of the Mary Rose A.J. Stirland uses archaeological and skeletal evidence to give the reader a welcome insight into the soldiers of the Mary Rose, from their ages and height to their health, diet and physical condition.This book examines the building, sinking and raising of the Mary Rose and her historical context, before moving on to the examination of what the remain of the crew can reveal to us about the fighting men of that period. Many new findings have been made through analysis of their bones, including the effects of some activities and occup

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Book SynopsisThis fascinating title explains and analyzes the history, technology, and service of the Soviet Navy''s nuclear attack submarines, the formidable high-tech boats on the front line of the Cold War at sea. In this highly detailed book, naval historian Edward Hampshire reveals the fascinating history of the nuclear-powered attack submarines built and operated by the Soviet Union in the Cold War, including each class of these formidable craft as they developed throughout the Cold War period.The November class, which were the Soviet Union''s first nuclear submarines, had originally been designed to fire a single enormous nuclear tipped torpedo but were eventually completed as boats firing standard torpedoes. The Alfa class were perhaps the most remarkable submarines of the Cold War: titanium-hulled (which was light and strong but extremely expensive and difficult to weld successfully), crewed with only thirty men due to considerable automation and 30% faster than Table of ContentsIntroduction Weapons Systems and Sensors November Class (Projects 627, 627A and 645) Victor Class (Projects 671, 671RT, 671RTM, 671RTMK) Alfa Class (Project 705) Mike Class (Project 685) Sierra I and II Classes (Projects 945/945A) Akula Class (Project 971) Operational Service Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisA concise, visual guide to Porsche's giant tank hunter.

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Book SynopsisThis is a major new study of Italian naval camouflage schemes developed and used during World War Two. When Italy entered the War in June 1942, the Regia Marina (Italian navy) was a force still under development and both Italian warships and merchant ships faced the War in their peace colours; and nor had any had prewar plans been made for camouflaging ships. At that time all the principal warships were painted in a light matt grey ('grigio cenerino chiaro'), which had been adopted in the 1920s and early '30s. With the advent of War, and the start of convoy traffic to Libya, the need to camouflage ships for purposes of deception, rather than outright concealment, became apparent and the first initiatives were undertaken. In the first part of the book, employing contemporary schematic drawings, photographs and his own CAD profiles, the author describes the development of the varied schemes that were adopted for the capital ships, such as _Caio Duilia_ and _Littorio_, cruisers, destroyers and torpedo boats, landing craft and merchant ships; even the royal yacht and small tugs were given camouflage schemes. In the second, and longest, part he depicts all the ships and their schemes, at different dates, with both sides of a ship shown where possible, in his own beautifully rendered schematic profiles, all in full colour, and it is this section with more than 700 drawings that gives the reader a complete and detailed picture of the whole development of Italian naval camouflage. He also looks in detail at the Greek theatre where there were many exceptions, influenced by the German presence and by the camouflage schemes of captured vessels. This major new reference book will prove invaluable to historians, collectors, modelmakers and wargamers and follows in the wake of the hugely successful Seaforth editions covering German and British camouflage schemes of the Second World War.

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Book SynopsisOften romanticized in print and on the silver screen, real-life pirates were a brutal menace that plagued the high seas. In this book, Angus Konstam separates myth from reality, tracing the history of piracy through the centuries, from the pirates who plagued the Ancient Egyptians to the Viking raids and on to the era of privateers. He discusses the so-called Golden Age of Piracy and colorful characters such as Blackbeard and Captain Kidd, before examining the West''s initial encounters with Eastern pirates off the Chinese coast and the phenomenon of the modern pirate. Highly illustrated with color images and specially commissioned maps throughout, this is a unique exploration of the pirate world.Table of ContentsIntroduction /1.Pirates of the Ancient World /2. Medieval Pirates /3.The Sea Dogs of the Renaissance /4. Mediterranean Corsairs /5. The Buccaneers /6. The Golden Age of Piracy /7. The Pirate Round /8. The Last of the Pirates /9. The Chinese Pirates /10. Modern Piracy /11. Pirates in Fiction /Conclusion /Notes /Select Bibliography /Index

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Book SynopsisThe riveting exploits of a fighter aircraft – and an underrated aerial hero of the Second World WarThe Hawker Hurricane was flying on the outbreak of war in 1939. Six years later, having saved Britain, it was still playing a major part in the war effort.Widely remembered in its fighter role and unjustly left in the shade of the Spitfire, the Hurricane’s role was varied and pivotal: as a fighter, fighter-bomber, anti-tank aircraft and used at sea. Nor was its theatre of operations any less wide: it saw action in France from the beginning of the Phoney War to the outbreak of the Blitzkrieg, in the Battle of Britain, and then as far afield as Russia, Sumatra and Madagascar.In this intensely readable, spirited and classic account, Adrian Stewart describes all the Hurricane’s roles, adventures and achievements. He recounts the exploits of the aircraft’s outstanding pilots who contributed so much towards mastery of the skies and eventual victory.Perfect for readers of John Nichol’s Spitfire and Lancaster.

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Book SynopsisOn June 6, 1944, D-Day, the Allied invasion of northern France began. Thousands of Allied soldiers, along with their equipment and vehicles, landed in Normandy on five main beaches. Most tanks arrived on the beaches by landing craft, and a few days later, after the construction of the temporary Mulberry harbor at Arromanches-les-Bains, tanks, along with supply trucks and more troops, started pouring from the ships into the ever-expanding beachhead. This guide book examines the surviving World War Two tanks, tank turrets and other armored fighting vehicles currently on display in Normandy, France, most of which took part in the fighting following the D-Day landings. The background history of each vehicle is explored, and location details are given. Many of the tanks are exhibited in museums, but a number are on display as war memorials, with some being in difficult-to-find places. Also included are the fascinating, little-known stories of the Allied tank attacks on two separate German beach defense fortifications at Gold Beach, both of which survived the initial Air Force bombing and Navy bombardment. They have been preserved and can be visited. 150 illustrations

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Book SynopsisThe six Douglas D-558 research aircraft, built as two variants, were produced for a US Navy and NACA collaborative project to investigate flight in the high subsonic and supersonic regimes and to develop means of coping with the dangerous phenomena of compressibility and pitch-up which had caused many accidents to early jets. Wind tunnels could not provide the necessary data so pilots had to risk their safety in experimental aircraft which, for their time, achieved phenomenal performance. Both series of D-558 were well-designed, strong and efficient aircraft which enabled test pilots to tackle the unknown in comparative safety. Though delayed by their innovative but troublesome power-plants, and limited by the cost of their air-launched sorties, they went well beyond their original Mach 1 speed objective and continued to generate information that provided design solutions for a whole generation of supersonic combat aircraft. Although the final stage of the D-55 programme, the USN's

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Book SynopsisAt the A-7 Corsair II's peak in the mid-1980s, some 30 US Navy squadrons flew various versions of the aircraft, including six Naval Air Reserve units, and these many of these units saw action across the Middle East. By the time the jet saw combat in Operation Desert Storm (1991), there remained only two fleet squadrons many fleet squadrons having either disestablished or transitioned to the F/A18 Hornet but both of these units (VA-46 and VA-72) played a major role in the campaign to free Kuwait.The book details the technological development and improvements that were introduced to the airframe post-Vietnam (the FLIR targeting pod from 1979 and AGM-88 HARM missile from 1983 being the most important), and how they shaped operational employment of the aircraft. The jet's combat experiences in conflicts during the 1970s (Cambodia), 1980s (Lebanon, Grenada, Libya and Iran), and 1990s (Iraq) are explained in detail, and Peter Mersky's expert analysis is supported by numerTable of ContentsIntroduction 1. The Last Battle 2. Peace After Vietnam 3. The turbulent 1980s 4/ More Action in the Middle East 5. Libya and Iran 6. Desert Shield/Storm Appendices - Colour Plates Commentary Index

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Book SynopsisThis book explores the reconnaissance aircraft used by the British armed forces in the 1970s and '80s, namely the Avro Shackleton, Hawker Siddeley Nimrod, Fairey Gannet and English Electric Canberra. The maritime patrol and airborne early warning (AEW) Shackleton was a descendant of the Avro Lancaster and Lincoln and was in service from 1951 to 1991. The Nimrod, based on the de Havilland Comet, was also a maritime patrol aircraft and served between 1969 and 2011. The Gannet first flew in 1949, but, during the period covered by this book, flew in the AEW role with just one Royal Navy squadron. Finally, the Canberra, which first flew in 1949, was used as a bomber and then mainly in the reconnaissance role. It was finally retired from the RAF in 2006. With over 180 black and white and colour photographs, this book, the fourth in a series covering British combat aircraft of the 1970s and '80s, looks at the aircraft used in the reconnaissance or AEW roles.

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Book SynopsisThe M10 was a fast tank destroyer based on the Sherman chassis. The Achilles was a British adaptation of the M10.

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Book SynopsisAn illustrated study of the design, development and eventual fates of the uncompleted super-battleships intended to be built before and during World War II. Before the start of World War II, the battleship was still king, and all the major powers were designing even mightier battleships to surpass their most modern and powerful classes. But when war broke out, aircraft carriers would dominate naval warfare, and none of these monster warships would ever be completed. In this book, naval expert Mark Stille uncovers these lost battleships as they are reconstructed with the help of superb new full-colour artwork and photos. The US Navy planned five Montana-class ships, based on the Iowas but with a heavier main battery and improved protection, while the Royal Navy began work on three 16in-gun Lion-class fast battleships. The German Navy began to develop its H-class designs, initially an improved Bismarck-class which became more fantastical, culminating in the 141,500-tTrade ReviewExcellent. Chosen as their Book of the Month. * Ships Monthly *Super-Battleships of World War II is well-written, illustrated and presented, and provides a fascinating insight into the culmination of battleship design. * The Naval Review *Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION BATTLESHIP DESIGN PRACTICES Protection Propulsion Firepower THE SUPER-BATTLESHIP CLASSES The United States Navy – the Montana-class The Royal Navy – the Lion-class The Kriegsmarine – the H-class The Imperial Japanese Navy – Design A-150 The Soviet Navy – the Sovetsky Soyuz - class ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSION FURTHER READING INDEX

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Book SynopsisThe M42 Duster was a tracked antiaircraft vehicle developed by Cadillac for the US Army in the early 1950s. The vehicle adapted the Bofors 40 mm AA gun to a modified M41/T41 tank chassis. Although never particularly prolific in the intended air defense role, the Duster did find a niche during the Vietnam War. The M42 was relatively small and agile, and the high rate of fire and loud report from its guns were quite intimidating. These traits, along with simple availability, resulted in the type being pressed into ground combat against infantry and light vehicles, for which it received moderate acclaim. This volume includes over 300 photos of this quirky vehicle. Every nook and cranny of the interior and exterior is shown, along with many fascinating combat photos.

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Book SynopsisUsing specially commissioned artwork and detailing technical specifications, this book explores the Bf 109''s different roles occasioned by wartime necessity, from its employment as a fighter to its evolution as a fighter-bomber.One of the principal types in the Luftwaffe''s inventory at the beginning of World War II, the piston-engined Bf 109 was central to the many initial victories that the Germans achieved before coming up against the unbeatable RAF during the Battle of Britain. Nevertheless, by the second half of 1940 the Bf 109''s operability was widened due to operational needs and it was flown as a fighter-bomber for precision attacks in Southern England. At first ad hoc conversions were made ''in the field'' to allow the aircraft to carry a bomb or extra fuel tank. Such modifications were soon formalised by Messerschmitt, which created the Jabo Bf 109s.Drawing from pilots'' first-hand accounts, author Malcolm V. Lowe explores the number of specialisedTrade ReviewTheir story is told with generous use of first-hand accounts. * Aeroplane *Table of ContentsTable of contents 1. In the Beginnings 2. Deadly Combat 3. New Challenges 4. Grand Finale Appendices - Colour plates commentaries Selected Sources Index

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Book SynopsisThis illustrated history explores the cruiser forces of the Italian and British Royal navies, the jack-of-all trades warships of the Mediterranean Naval War.In 1940, when Italy entered World War II, the Royal Navy was badly overstretched, and its Mediterranean Fleet had to face both the Italian Navy and the German and Italian Air Forces in a battle for supremacy. Although the British and Italian battle fleets squared off against each other, they were both often held in reserve, in case the enemy fleet put to sea. So, it was left to the cruisers to wage their own naval war in the Mediterranean. This involved a range of missions, from escorting convoys and hunting enemy ones, to fighting for control of the sea around key locations such as the waters off Malta and Crete. This superbly illustrated study, written by renowned naval expert Angus Konstam, compares and contrasts the design, weapon technologies and combat performance of the opposing cruiser forces. It also documents severTable of ContentsIntroduction Chronology Design and Development Technical Specifications The Combatants The Strategic Situation Combat Statistics and Analysis Aftermath Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisA comprehensive overview of the strategy, operations and vessels of the United States Navy from 1941 to 1945.Although slowly building its navy while neutral during the early years of World War II, the US was struck a serious blow when its battleships, the lynchpin of US naval doctrine, were the target of the dramatic attack at Pearl Harbor. In the Pacific Theatre, the US was thereafter locked into a head to head struggle with the impressive Imperial Japanese Navy, fighting a series of major battles in the Coral Sea, at Midway, the Philippine Sea, Leyte Gulf and Okinawa in the struggle for supremacy over Japan. Having avoided the decisive defeat sought by the IJN, the US increased industrial production and by the end of the war, the US Navy was larger than any other in the world.Meanwhile in the west, the US Navy operated on a second front, supporting landings in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy, and in 1944 played a significant part in the D-Day landings, the largest and most comTrade ReviewIf you are looking for a complete single volume of USN ships in WWII, you will have found it with this book. You will not be disappointed. * Gunmart *In this superbly illustrated and detailed work, naval expert Mark E. Stille combines new research and archival material to examine the carriers, battleships, cruisers, destroyers and submarines used by the US Navy throughout the war. * Warship World *Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. United States Naval Strategy and Tactics in World War II 2. Operations 3. Carriers 4. Battleships 5. Heavy Cruisers 6. Light Cruisers 7. Destroyers 8. Submarines 9. The United States Navy in World War II – an Assessment Select Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisCurtiss P-40, known to Americans as Warhawk, and to their allies of the British Commonwealth as Tomahawk and Kittyhawk, fought on nearly all fronts of the Second World War, serving with the American, British, Australian, New Zealand, South African, Canadian, Free French, Chinese, Dutch and Soviet air forces. The book presents color profiles of the most popular versions of the aircraft.

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Book SynopsisThis is a gripping account of the ill-fated RAF raid, on 3 May 1944, on the Panzer tank depot and military barracks at Mailly-le-Camp south of Rheims in northern France, part of the softening up process on German military targets, in preparation for the D-Day landings. Raids like this over occupied France were considered relatively low risk affairs and only counted for one third of a mission for the crews concerned. In total, 362 RAF bombers, Lancasters, Mosquitoes and Halifax, from bases in England took part in a raid and although no-one involved anticipated disaster, forty-two Lancasters never returned home. Almost incredibly, those who planned the attack were apparently unaware that four German night fighter bases were located nearby. Luftwaffe fighters wreaked havoc on the bombers as they circled a marker in bright moonlight awaiting the order to attack their targetThis is the story of that battle, bitterly contested and ever-remembered by those who were engaged, one among hundreds that were fought in the skies over Europe between the RAF''s bombers and the Luftwaffe''s night-fighters in the course of World War Two. It lasted less than sixty minutes but cost two hundred and fifty-five lives.

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Book SynopsisThe Pacific Profiles series presents the most accurate WWII profiles of aircraft which served in the South Pacific theatre.Volume Seven covers the Douglas C-47, including numerous derivatives such as the C-53, R4D and DC-3. This was the most universal aircraft type to appear in the South Pacific and was deployed from day one to the cessation of hostilities. It was utilised by every military organisation including eighteen Fifth and Thirteenth Air Force USAAF squadrons, and also by the USN, USMC, RAAF, RNZAF, RAF and Dutch Air Force.Most profiles are presented for the first time, alongside a full explanation of the markings. Frequent trading of airframes between units resulted in wide-ranging heraldry, unit markings and nose art. In particular until now there has been a paucity of information about the markings of Thirteenth Air Force C-47s and USMC R4Ds, a gap largely filled by this volume. This volume illustrates the development of unit markings from the first commandeered DC-3 airlinTrade ReviewIt all makes for a superb reference book for the modeler and enthusiast and well worth the price of admission. I very much like this series and look forward to each new volume. Most highly recommended. * Modelling Madness 07/09/2022 *One impressive feature of the book is the series of drawings, which provide accurate drawings showing the engine and cargo door arrangements for each variant, with photos in many cases accompanying the drawings, verifying the markings provided. * IPMS/USA 16/11/2022 *

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Book SynopsisVolume Eight of the Pacific Profiles series presents the most accurate profiles and histories to date of Imperial Japanese Navy floatplanes which served in the South Pacific theatre, throughout New Guinea and the Solomons. The markings of the six floatplane types deployed in the theatre are covered: the A6M2-N Rufe, E8N2 Dave, E13A1 Jake, F1M2 Pete, E9W Slim and E7K Alf. Floatplane operations commenced in January 1942 with the invasion of Rabaul. Later Rufes were often misidentified as Zeros with their presence in the Solomons seemingly ubiquitous. Petes often fought Allied fighters, with other types focused on reconnaissance and occasional bombing missions, sometimes at night. Most floatplane activity had ceased by late 1943, leaving a handful of stay-behinds operating from Rabaul and Kavieng.Illustrated, unit by unit, are examples of the varied types of markings, camouflage and tail code systems which appeared on floatplanes assigned to sea tenders, shore, ship and submarine-based unTrade ReviewThis is another rather super book in my view. * Military Model Scene *[This book] features original color illustrations, presents fresh information, and corrects and clarifies longstanding errors perpetuated for decades, and includes new markings and information. * Aeroscale 07/09/2022 *

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Book SynopsisVolume Five of this series chronicles aerial warfare primarily in the New Guinea theatre in the critical period between September and December 1942. It can be read alone or as a continuation of the previous four volumes which span the first nine months of the Pacific War.By early September the strategic picture in the theatre had changed markedly within just six weeks. From their new Buna beachhead the Japanese Army commenced a Papuan mountain campaign which threatened the Allied bastion of Port Moresby. Meanwhile the battle for Guadalcanal was raging, with the outcome of the wider Pacific War in the balance.Against this background a strengthened US Fifth Air Force took the fight to the IJA with direct air support. While this was being conducted by P-39s, P-40Es, A-20As and B-25s, raids by B-17s against Rabaul aided US forces in the neighbouring Solomons. RAAF Beaufighters, Beauforts, Bostons and Hudsons also contributed substantially to these efforts.At Rabaul a wide variety of fresh Trade ReviewThis series is literally the most comprehensive and well researched publications on the air campaigns in the South Pacific during World War Two. You will find no finer set of books with amount of detail, selection of photographs, or use of artwork than this series. * Aviation Enthusiast Book Club *...tells of plane-by-plane missions, with losses and combat results, all the while comparing and contrasting both sides' accounts for an accurate depiction of losses. * The Historical Miniatures Gaming Society 02/11/2022 *

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Book SynopsisChoice Outstanding Academic Title for 2015 One of the most significant and controversial developments in contemporary warfare is the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly referred to as drones.Trade ReviewChoice Outstanding Academic Title for 2015Table of Contents Preface Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: The Nuts and Bolts of Drones Chapter Three: Drones and Democracy Chapter Four: Drones and International Law Chapter Five: The Ethics of Drone Warfare Chapter Six: Conclusion: The Way Ahead References

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Book SynopsisThe RAF''s mighty delta-wing Vulcan jet bomber is an enduring image of the Cold War era. A cornerstone of Britain''s nuclear deterrent, it was later adapted for conventional bombing and saw its only active service in the Falklands War. Newly restored with the help of Heritage Lottery Funding, the last airworthy Vulcan B2 XH558 in many ways fills the gap left by Concorde''s retirement.

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Book SynopsisProbably the most famous fighter aircraft of all time, the Supermarine Spitfire reigned supreme and unsurpassed from the biplane era to the dawn of the jet age, a period that included the Second World War. Here is the incredible story of this legendary aircraft, from its genesis in the 1930s to its continued presence at airshows and museums today.

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Book SynopsisA comprehensive look at the letters, documents and contemporary accounts of the Mary Rose - both in her prime and after she was lostTrade ReviewThe authors are to be congratulated on a book which merits usage in the national curriculum. -- International Journal of Nautical Archaeology

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Book SynopsisMany books have been written about the Hawker Hunter, one of the world's great jet fighters. The majority, however, have tended to concentrate on the aircraft's extensive service career. Superbly illustrated with both colour and black-and-white photographs of the Hawker Hunter which has always been one of the most photogenic of all aeroplanes this new title is the first devoted specifically to the Hunter's design and development: how and why the aircraft came into being, the troubles it experienced on the way, its flight test programme and what it was like to pilot. Drawing on many original Air Staff and Ministry documents and also the Hawker aircraft day-to-day diaries, it tells the story of one-off modifications and trials projects, aerodynamic modifications and tests with various weapons, along with proposed developments, including supersonic versions.

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Book SynopsisThe definitive visual guide to the US Army's heavy-equipment transporters

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Book SynopsisA detailed, technical history of the WWII tank and tank destroyer designs of automotive icon Ferdinand Porsche.

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Book SynopsisThe odd-looking "Ontos" self-propelled recoilless rifle(s) was prized by the Marines in Vietnam for its agility and firepower.

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