{"product_id":"world-war-ii-us-gunships-9781472844699","title":"World War II US Gunships","description":"\u003cb\u003eBook Synopsis\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe XB-40 and XB-41 were secret, little-known experimental modifications of the B-17F and B-24D, respectively, into heavily-armed bomber gunships sometimes referred to as bomber escorters. They were developed during early World War II in response to the lack of a USAAF long-range fighter aircraft able to escort and protect regular B-17 formations making the round trip from Britain deep into Germany. Using many formerly-classified documents from his large microfilm collection, William Wolf presents their previously-unpublished history. It describes in depth for the first time the politics and development and associated problems of both escorter types.   Unfortunately, these protecters were found wanting in several ways - after the addition of guns and ammunition they became overweight and tail-heavy causing center of gravity problems and each encountered numerous delays in the development and delivery of their various armament additions and improvements, particularly the Bendix chin tur\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eTable of Contents\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e1. Bomber Escorter Concept 2. XB-40\/YB-40 Bomber Escorter 3. XB-41 Bomber Escorter 4. Other Bomber Escorters Further Reading Index","brand":"Bloomsbury Publishing PLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49408764674391,"sku":"9781472844699","price":12.59,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0817\/1739\/5799\/files\/9781472844699.jpg?v=1730504118","url":"https:\/\/bookcurl.com\/products\/world-war-ii-us-gunships-9781472844699","provider":"Book Curl","version":"1.0","type":"link"}