Osprey Publications

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AH-64 Apache Units of Operations Enduring Freedom & Iraqi Freedom
After the attacks on 11 September 2001, Apache units made significant contributions to the Coalition campaign against Taliban and al-Qaeda forces in Afghanistan. Functioning as the 'killer' part of US Army Hunter-killer teams, Apaches sought out and brought overwhelming firepower to bear on Taliban and al-Qaeda forces, as well as providing direct support to Coalition troops on the ground. Apaches spearheaded the advance of the 3rd Infantry and the 101st airborne divisions into Iraq, engaging in some of the heaviest fighting along the western axis of advance. Weather and enemy fire took a heavy toll on Apaches operating in Western Iraq, but the resilience and flexibility of the Apache was central to the success of this campaign.

USAF F-4 Phantom II MiG Killers 1972-73
The F-4 Phantom II was the USAF workhorse fighter-bomber for the Linebacker campaign, which eventually saw US forces withdraw from Vietnam 'with honour' in 1973. This book covers the F-4 attacks on numerous targets in North Vietnamese cities such as Hanoi and Haiphong, as well as its engagements with Vietnamese MiG-19s and MiG-21s hell-bent on defending the north from 'Yankee air pirates'. The USAF's only ace crew, which scored their five kills during 1972, is also covered in a book containing many detailed photographs, a large proportion of which haven't been published before.

US Navy A-7 Corsair II Units of the Vietnam War: Arriving on station with the USS Ranger (CVA-61) in early December 1967, the first Corsair II squadron became operational immediately and sustained its first combat loss three weeks later. This book tells how the A-7 soon proved its worth supporting ground operations in South Vietnam. As it continued to serve in the ground support role, the navy swiftly introduced the A-7E which soon ran into difficulties with supply lines - perhaps on account of what many perceived to have been a rushed introduction to service. Once these teething problems were resolved, the A-7E became the primary air-to-ground aircraft of the fleet.

Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat: So formidable an opponent did the Iraqi airforce consider the F-14 that during the Iran-Iraq war, they ordered their pilots not to engage F-14s and the presence of one in an area was usually enough to empty it of Iraqi aircraft. Officially losses where tiny; only one F-14 was lost in aerial combat (to a MiG-21), one to a control problem and one downed by a ground-to-air missile. This book looks at the F-14's Iranian combat history and includes first hand accounts from the pilots themselves. It will consider key engagements and the central figures involved, illustrating the realities, successes and failures of the Iranian air campaign.

57th Fighter Group First in the Blue Aviation Elite Units 39 :Organized in January 1941, just as the United States was building up military forces for its inevitable entry into World War II, the 57th Fighter Group was the first USAAF fighter unit to go into action in North Africa. It went on to establish a number of other 'firsts' during its illustrious combat history in this theatre. Flying P-40 Warhawks, the pilots of the 57th entered combat in August 1942 and fought throughout the final Allied advance from El Alamein through the Axis surrender in Tunisia, the capture of Sicily and the invasion of Italy. Converting to the P-47D Thunderbolt in late 1943, the 57th continued pounding the retreating Axis forces in Italy until the end of the war in Europe. The 57th Fighter Group produced a number of aces during the war, and was also recognized for its pioneering achievements in the fighter-bomber role.

Jasta 18 The Red Noses Aviation Elite Units 40: The history of Royal Prussian Jagdstaffel (or Jasta) 18 is one of the more unique and complex of German fighter squadrons of World War I. In fact, the unit could be said to have had something of a 'split personality'. Formed in Flanders at the end of October 1916, the Jasta was first commanded by Oblt von Grieffenhagen, who led it to 35 victories in nine months. In August 1917, the aggressive and demanding Oblt Rudolf Berthold took over the Staffel and brought a cadre of seasoned pilots with him from his former command. Berthold moulded his new unit into a dedicated group of hunters, and left his stamp on the unit with a striking colour scheme of red-nosed Pfalz and Albatros fighters with dark blue fuselage and tail surfaces. This book tells the complete story of the unit, the victories, the defeats and the great aces who flew the red-nosed fighters.

VF-11/111 'Sundowners' 1942 95 Aviation Elite Units 36: Fighting Squadron 11 was established at San Diego in August 1943, beginning a half-century record that spanned aerial combat in three wars from the piston to the jet age. The squadron produced seven aces while fighting in World War 2, Korea and Vietnam. From World War 2 until after the Cold War, the 'Sundowners' established an unexcelled record 'at the tip of the spear' in naval aviation history. The author, Barrett Tillman, is the world's most prolific US naval aviation author and he has published over two-dozen titles on the World War 2 period alone.

479th Fighter Group 'Riddle's Raiders' Aviation Elite Units 32: Formed in October 1943, the 479th FG claimed an impressive history against the Luftwaffe during the final year of the war. Originally flying P-38s, the 479th's pilots had a fierce pride of arms. They earned a Presidential Distinguished Unit Citation in the late summer of 1944 and were also credited with the USAAF's first German jet kill in July 1944. Eventually transitioning to the P-51D in September 1944, the 479th excelled with the Mustang. The 479th FG was credited with scoring the last aerial victory claimed by the Eighth Air Force's VIII Fighter Command, on 25 April 1945. By VE-Day, 29 pilots flying in the group had earned "ace" status.

23rd Fighter Group Chennault's Sharks Aviation Elite Units 31: Famous for the fearsome sharksmouths that adorned their planes, the 23rd FG fought a guerrilla war against the Japanese, steadily moving pilots and aircraft from one remote air base in China to another to keep the enemy off balance. Because China could only be supplied by air from India, there were constant shortages of aircraft, fuel and ammunition with which to contend. The 23rd FG met these challenges head-on, and by the end of the war its pilots had compiled a score of 594 aerial victories and nearly 400 ground kills. The human cost was high, however 126 pilots lost their lives in China while serving in the 23rd.

4th Fighter Group - Debden Eagles Aviation Elite Units 30: Formed around a nucleus of pilots already seasoned by their experience as volunteers in the RAF's Eagle Squadrons, the 4th Fighter Group was established in England in October 1942. Initially flying Spitfires, the Debden Eagles went on to fly the P-47 and P-51, becoming, in July 1943, the first Eighth Air Force fighter group to penetrate German air space. The group's record of 583 air and 469 ground victories was unmatched in the Eighth Air Force, and the group produced a cast of characters that included legendary aces Don Blakeslee, Pierce McKennon, "Kid" Hofer, Duane Beeson, Steve Pisanos and Howard Hively. Involved in the D-Day landings, Operation Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge and the crossing of the Rhine, the group's achievements came at a high price, with a 42 percent casualty rate. Packed with first-hand accounts, detailed aircraft profiles and full combat histories, this book is an intriguing insight into the best-known American fighter unit in World War II.

Jagdgeschwader 7 'Nowotny' aeu29: When the revolutionary Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighter first appeared in the skies over northwest Europe in mid-1944, it represented one of the greatest challenges to Allied air superiority. The first group to solely fly jet fighters, Jagdgeschwader 7 was tasked with wrestling back command of the skies. Put almost immediately into action, despite fuel shortages, poor training and problems with the jet engine, victories quickly followed against both US and British aircraft. By the end of the war, the Jagdgeschwader had claimed nearly 200 enemy aircraft destroyed in daylight bomber raids during 1945. This book follows the history of the JG 7 unit, examining how their courage, determination and the most advanced aircraft in the world were simply not enough to ensure victory. In the final section of the book Robert Forsyth details how JG 7 were eventually defeated by gradual losses, restricted operating conditions, lack of fuel and overwhelming Allied fighter strength.

USAS 1st Pursuit Group (Aviation Elite Units 28: Starting operations in the relatively quiet Toul sector in March 1918, the 1st Pursuit Group initially flew Nieuport 28s, given to the Americans because the French did not want them. Expanded by the arrival of additional squadrons, the 1st Pursuit Group went to war in earnest over Château Thierry in July, initially suffering heavy losses. Re-equipped with Spad XIIIs, the battle-seasoned group went on to fame over St. Mihiel and the Argonne, claiming the most enemy kills by any group in the USAS - partly thanks to the American 'ace of aces', Eddie Rickenbacker, and balloon-busting ace, Frank Luke, both of whom were also awarded the Medal of Honour. Discover the history of America's first fighter aces in this book as first-hand accounts, rare photographs and a wide variety of accurate, full-colour profiles reveal their thrilling combat experiences.

Jagdverband 44 Squadron of Experten (Aviation Elite Units 27): There was no Luftwaffe fighter unit like Jagdverband 44. Formed in February 1945, the unit grew out of Hitler's bizarre decision that the Me 262 jet fighter should be used as a bomber, despite its potential in the daylight defensive battles over the Reich. Seen as a grave mistake by Göring, a small fighter unit was formed in southern Germany to 'prove' the Me 262's ability as an interceptor. Formed with some of Germany's most experienced fighter pilots, Jagdverband 44 numbered a disproportionately high number of leading aces in its ranks, to the extent that it was said that the Knights' Cross was the unofficial badge of the unit. With numerous first-hand accounts from pilots and detailed colour profiles, this book is a fascinating account of the dramatic birth of the jet fighter and the impact it had during the bitter struggles of 1944-45.

Jagdstaffel 2 'Boelcke' Von Richthofen's Mentor (Aviation Elite Units 26): By August 1916, the German Air Service was fighting a losing struggle in the skies over the Battle of the Somme. In response, an entirely new type of fighting formation came into being -the Jagdstaffel, a unit designed solely as a fighting squadron. One of the most famous was Jasta 2, formed and led by Germany's premiere fighter ace Oswald Boelcke. Renamed Jasta 'Boelcke', the unit would carry its first commander's legacy to spectacular success in late 1918. This title examines the tactics, personalities and achievements of this ace squadron which finished the war with an immense 336 victories, second only to Richthofen's own unit in confirmed kills.

332nd Fighter Group - Tuskegee Airmen
(Aviation Elite Units 24) The USAAF's Tuskegee Experiment, designed to prove that African-Americans were not capable of flying combat aircraft, resulted in the creation of one of the USAAF's elite units. Commanded by Col Bejamin O Davis, the 332nd were able to boast 111 aerial kills, 150 strafing victories and even the sinking of a German destroyer by the war's end. The group were both feared and respected by the Germans, who called them the 'Schwartze Voglemenschen' (Black Birdmen), and revered by others because they never lost a bomber under escort to enemy air attack - a feat unmatched by any other fighter group in World War 2. This book will reveal the true story of the unit who rose above discrimination to achieve elite status.

Jagdgeschwader 51 'Mölders' (Aviation Elite Units 22): JG 51 were one of the Luftwaffe's top wartime fighter units, yet their story has never been told in English. The unit's history encapsulates the fortunes of the Luftwaffe's fighter arm as a whole - the heady successes of the early months, the steady attrition and the growing strength of the opposition during the mid-war years, and the final chaos and collapse of the last days. But it is perhaps the details of the pilots who served with the unit that sets JG 51 apart. During the course of the war it numbered more Knight's Cross winners among its ranks than any other. And it is their stories - their successes, exploits and eventual fates - which brings this history to life.

Very Long Range P-51 Mustang Units of the Pacific War: (Aviation Elite Units 21) These pilots called themselves the 'Tokyo Club'. It was a simple task to become a member. All you had to do was strap yourself into a heavily loaded P-51 Mustang, take off from Iwo Jima, fly 650 miles north over the sea - often through monsoon storms - in your single-engined aircraft to Japan, attack a heavily defended target and then turn around and fly home despite a shrinking fuel supply and perhaps battle damage as well. Do it once and you earned membership in the club. Do it 15 times and you earned a trip home. But make one mistake or have one touch of bad luck, and you had a very good chance of ending up dead. This book tells the little-known story of these brave men and their efforts to defeat the aerial forces defending Japan.

Jagdgeschwader Nr II Geschwader 'Berthold'

(Aviation Elite Units 19)

After struggling with inadequate supplies of aircraft and matriel, the veteran pilots of the Geschwader would go on to enjoy incredible successes against French and American opponents in September 1918. Aces who flew the famous blue-fuselaged Fokkers of JG II included such stalwarts as Josef Veltjens (35 kills), Georg von Hantelmann (25 kills), Franz Bchner (40 kills) and Ulrich Neckel (30 kills). This volume contains many first-hand accounts by these and other notable aces, which reveal the esprit de corps and camaraderie these airmen displayed in their struggles against superior numbers up to the war's final grim days.

Groupe de Combat 12, 'Les Cigognes'
This book traces the combat history of the most famous and highest-scoring fighter group in France's World War I Aviation Militaire. Groupe de Combat 12 boasted the highest-scoring Allied fighter pilot, René Fonck, and France's most celebrated hero of the air, Georges Guynemer. Its ranks included numerous other famous aces, such as Rene's Dorme, Alfred Heurteaux, Albert Deullin, and American volunteers Edwin Parsons and Frank L. Baylies. Additionally, Guynemer was instrumental in developing France's premier series of fighter planes, the SPAD VII, XII, XIII and XVII.

49^th Fighter Group: The 49th FG was sent to Australia in early 1942 to help stem the tide of Japanese conquest in Java. Too late to save the island, the group went into action in the defence of Darwin, Australia, where the Forty-Niners' handful of P-40E Warhawks were thrown into combat alongside survivors from the defeated forces that had fled from the Philippines and Java. This book assesses the outstanding performance of the 49th FG, pitted against superior Japanese forces. By VJ-Day the group had scored 668 aerial victories and won three Distinguished Unit Citations and ten campaign stars for its outstanding efforts.

Jagdgeschwader 52: Jagdgeschwader 52 (JG 52) was the most successful and highest-scoring fighter unit, not just in Germany's World War 2 Luftwaffe, but in the entire annals of aviation history. No other fighter group has ever come close to matching its staggering total of around 9000 enemy aircraft shot down in combat. And yet, because much of that combat took place over the tractless wastes of the Russian front, very little has been written in English about the exploits of this charismatic unit. This book provides a full combat history of JG 52 and its members, including the three top-scoring aces of all time, who claimed a total of 900 victories between them.

JAGESCHWADER 27 AFRIKA: Synonymous with the Afrika Korps and the campaign in North Africa, JG 27 provided Rommel's army with fighter protection for virtually the whole roller coaster ride that was the war in the Western Desert from 1941-43. The third volume in the Aviation Elite series on a German fighter geschwader, this book will once again prove popular with Luftwaffe enthusiasts and hobbyists alike.

N0.43 SQUADRON: Known as the 'Fighting Cocks', No. 43 Squadron has been a part of the RAF since 1916, and is still in service today. This volume deals exclusively with the unit's exploits during WW2, covering its service during the evacuation of Dunkirk and the Battle of Britain, as well as the years spent supporting the Allied cause in North Africa and the Mediterranean.

352^nd Fighter Group: Nicknamed the 'Bluenosed Bastards of Bodney' due to the garish all-blue noses of their P-51s and their wartime base in Norfolk, the 352nd was one of the most successful fighter groups in the Eighth Air Force. Initially equipped with P-47s, the group transitioned to P-51s just prior to D-Day, and it was with the Mustang that its pilots enjoyed the greatest success. This book also discusses the various markings worn by the group's three squadrons, the 328th, 486th and 487th FSs.

354th Fighter Group: This book charts the career of the 354th FG or "Pioneer Mustang Group", the group responsible for debuting the Merlin-engined P-51 B in the European Theatre of Operations (ETO) in December 1943. The 354th FG was to subsequently spend the first seven months of its time in the ETO protecting Eighth AF bombers, and many pilots became aces during this period.

COM090 AV-8B Harrier II Units Desert Storm
When Iraq invaded Kuwait in August 1990, a coalition of nations launched Operation Desert Shield in order to defend Saudi Arabia. The Harrier II was among the first tactical air assets to be deployed to the region to support ground forces in their efforts to halt the advance of Iraqi forces at the border with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. During Operation Desert Storm, the five units flying the AV-8B in-theatre became some of the top tactical squadrons of choice by air mission planners for allied battlefield preparation and close air support.

COM089 USAF F-100 Super Saber Vietnam War $22.95: While the F-105 Thunderchief and F-4 Phantom flew the majority of the fighter-bomber missions over North Vietnam, the Thunderchief's service predecessor, the F-100 Super Sabre, stayed on to fight the air war in South Vietnam until June 1971. Although it was designed as an air defense fighter, and was later given nuclear capability as the mainstay of Tactical Air Command's deterrent posture, it was the F-100's toughness, adaptability, and reliability that made it ideally suited to the incessant 'taxi-rank' close support and counter-insurgency missions in Vietnam.

Junkers Ju 88 Kampfgeschwader on the Russian Front Combat Aircraft 79: The Ju 88, "Wunderbomber" was the main punch of the Luftwaffe's bomber arm during the initial invasion of the Soviet Union and went on to provide critical ground support to the advancing Wehrmacht. This book tells the complete story of the Ju 88's activities on the Eastern Front including their participation in the campaign against the arctic convoys and the several variants employed. Written and illustrated by renowned Luftwaffe expert John Weal, this book completes Osprey's trilogy on one of the most important German aircraft of World War II.

A-26 Invader Units of World War 2 Combat Aircraft 82: Designed to combine the bombing capability of the B-26 Marauder with the versatility of the ground-attack A-20 Havoc, the A-26 Invader would become the USAAF's attack bomber par excellence. Capable of flying low-level strafing or conventional bombing missions by simply changing the nose configuration of the aircraft, the Invader first saw action in 1943 in the Pacific Theatre attacking Japanese-held islands. Arriving in Europe several months later, the A-26 served with distinction for the remainder of World War 2. In fact, the design proved so successful that it would go on to fly combat missions for a further two decades. Written by military aviation expert, Jerry Scutts, and illustrated with brand-new colour profiles and rare photography, this is the first book to focus exclusively on the A-26's missions in World War 2.

Typhoon Wings of 2nd TAF 1943 45 Combat Aircraft 86: The Typhoon was the RAF's heavyweight fighter-bomber of choice to support the British and Canadian armies during the invasion of northwest Europe. In this book Chris Thomas extols the great importance of the Typhoon wings in the ultimate Allied victory in Europe. He describes their destruction of German radar in the lead-up to D-Day, the use of large-scale rocket projectiles in land battles and pinpoint attacks on German command and control centres, which crippled the Wehrmacht's ability to respond quickly to Allied troop movements. But not everything went smoothly for the Typhoon wings. Their epic battle with highly effective German flak installations prompted Air Chief Marshal Sir Harry Broadhurst to remark 'I suppose that flying one of these aircraft was the most dangerous task the Air Force has ever asked anybody to do'.

Lockheed SR-71 Operations in Europe and the Middle East Combat Aircraft 80 First employed in the Far East over North Vietnam and North Korea, American military intelligence quickly realized the SR-71 'Blackbird's' potential value over European targets. In 1976, SR-71 Detachment 4 commenced operations from the RAF base at Middenhall in the UK. Its mission was to monitor Warsaw Pact troop movements along the Iron Curtain and photograph the various ports that were home to the Soviet Union's nuclear submarine fleet. Despite the best efforts of the USSR, they were never able to intercept a 'Blackbird' in flight.Written by an expert on SR-71 operations, this book picks up where Combat 76: Lockheed SR-71 Operations in the Far East left off.

US Navy A-1 Skyraider Units of the Vietnam War Combat Aircraft 77: Nicknamed the 'flying dump truck', the A-1 was a key component in naval air wings from the end of World War II into the 1960s, allowing the aircraft to play its part in the escalating conflict in Vietnam. Both A-1 attack and EA-1F airborne early warning aircraft saw action in Southeast Asia from 1960 through 1969, when the last examples were finally retired from carrier decks. The A-1s in particular bombed targets in both North and South Vietnam, despite the aircraft being highly vulnerable to enemy flak and fighters. Co-written by a two-tour Vietnam War combat veteran in the A-1, this is the first book that focuses exclusively on the aircraft's service in Vietnam

Vulcan Units of the Cold War: Combat Aircraft 72: The best of the three RAF jet bombers in the early years of the Cold War, the Vulcan was designed as the Avro 698, and possessed fighter-like manoeuvrability at low level despite its size. First flown in August 1952, the Vulcan entered service in February 1957. Most were equipped to carry the Blue Steel stand-off missile, but in 1966 around 50 Vulcans were re-deployed in a tactical low-level bombing role. Three flew during the Falklands War, and the last Vulcans in service were used as aerial tankers until April 1984. This book examines the design of the Vulcan, exploring the improvements made to its engine and its evolving combat role. The illustrations include many in-flight photographs and detailed colour profiles. This is a timely examination of a distinctive and ground-breaking aircraft.

B-26 Marauder Units of the MTO Combat Aircraft 73: The revolutionary design of the B-26, with its seemingly impossibly short and dangerous wingspan initially gained it a reputation as a 'widow maker'. However, improvements to the design and the development of effective combat tactics enabled these units to make the B-26 a very effective and safe combat aircraft which went on to play a major role in the defeat of Axis forces in North Africa, Italy, France and Germany. Packed with first-hand accounts and rare previously unpublished photographs, this book examines how hastily trained crews proved the B-26 to be a highly reliable, effective medium bomber, establishing the Marauder as one of the truly great aircraft of World War II.

Lockheed SR-71 Operations in the Far East Combat Aircraft 76: Even before the first operational flight of the U-2 spy plane, aircraft designers began work on the type's replacement. The result was the SR-71. First deployed on March 9, 1968, this tri-sonic 'hotrod' flew its first operational sortie over North Vietnam just 12 days later. Thereafter, the SR-71 roamed freely, capturing photographic, radar and electronic intelligence. This book examines the impact this aircraft had, not only on North Vietnam but during the Cold War as a whole, gathering information about the Soviet nuclear submarine fleet based in Vladivostok as well as the port's defenses, monitoring the actions of North Korea and flying four 11-hour, non-stop sorties into the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq War in the late 1980s.

Junkers Ju 87 Stukageschwader of the Russian Front Combat Aircraft 74 :This final volume of the Osprey trilogy on the Luftwaffe dive-bomber charts its fortunes in the oughest theatre of all: the Eastern Front. Written by John Weal, a leading authority on the Luftwaffe, this book examines how, following its comprehensive defeat over the English Channel in the summer of 1940, the Stuka was able to restore its fearsome reputation over the Eastern Front.

Il-2 Shturmovik Guards Units of World War 2 (Combat Aircraft 71): Over 43,000 Il-2/10s were built between 1941 and 1955, more than any other combat aircraft in history, making this one of the most important Soviet aircraft deployed in World War II. Built originally as a two-seater, the Il-2 had lost the rear gunner's position by the time it started to reach frontline units. Armed with ground-attack rockets, the aircraft proved deadly against Wehrmacht panzers as pairs of Il-2s roamed the frontline at low level. However, the Shturmoviks (armoured attackers) were vulnerable to attack from the rear by enemy fighters, so Ilyushin reverted to the two-seat layout in September 1942. Oleg Rastrenin provides a fascinating account of the complex development history of a plane that was crucial to Russia's defence. From Stalingrad to Kursk to Berlin, this book charts the aeroplane's vital contribution to the most famous battles of the Eastern front.

F-14 Tomcat Units of Operation Enduring Freedom (Combat Aircraft 70): The legendary F-14 Tomcat was the weapon of choice to strike against the enemies of the United States in the wake of the September 11 attacks, with F-14s flying thousands of bombing missions on al-Qaeda and Taliban positions. Written by aviation expert Tony Holmes, this book explores the F-14 pilots and aircraft involved in Operation Enduring Freedom, with insights into the tactical approach and strategic aims provided by officers. Exclusive access to mission reports, combat diaries, fullcolour artwork and photographs from the author's collection reveal the battle experiences of the most famous modern fast jet.

US Navy PBY Catalina Units of the Pacific War (Combat Aircraft 62): Deadly in its primary role as a submarine hunter, the PBY Catalina was the scourge of the Imperial Japanese Navy's submarine force. Its amphibious traits also made the aircraft well suited to air-sea rescue, and thousands of Allied airmen were saved from a watery grave by PBY crews. Using personal interviews, war diaries and combat reports combined with original Japanese records and books, Louis B Dorny provides a view on the role of the Catalina from both side of the war. Illustrated with over 80 photographs and colour profiles detailing aircraft markings, this is the definitive history of an insight into the PBY's use by the US Navy and Allied forces in the Pacific during World War 2.

F-117 Stealth Fighter Units of Operation Desert Storm (Combat Aircraft 68): During the final years of the 20th century, the most significant break-through in military weaponry was the concept of Stealth technology, and the first mass-produced weapon to utilize this to perfection was the F-117 Nighthawk. Originally delivered in 1982, its existence was officially denied until the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, when it entered the public spotlight over the skies of Baghdad. Illustrated with stunning color photographs of the F-117 above Iraq, and complemented by numerous personal accounts from the pilots themselves, this book explores the history and combat experience of one of the most secretive planes ever built

US Navy PBY Catalina Units of the Atlantic War (Combat Aircraft 65): Several books have been written about US naval patrol aviation in World War 2, but none do full justice to the role played by patrol squadrons of the US Navy in the longest, most bitterly fought campaign of the war - the Battle of the Atlantic. From the Arctic to the Equator, anti-submarine aircraft of the US Navy patrolled both sides of the stormy Atlantic alongside their allied counterparts, escorting merchant shipping through submarine-infested waters - the crucial lifeline from the United States to Great Britain and the Mediterranean, and staging troops and supplies for the ultimate liberation of North Africa and Europe. This book details the PBY Catalina, without contest the most successful flying boat ever designed, and a key element in the success of the Atlantic War

B-2A Spirit Units in Combat
(Combat Aircraft 64)
The B-2A 'Spirit' was an aircraft conceived to fight the Cold War but which has proved invaluable to both the 'New World Order' and more recently the 'War on Terrorism'. The combination of low-observability, precision strike, range and payload flexibility has made the 'Spirit' the weapon of choice when America hits its enemies at the start of a campaign. Spirits have fired the first shots of Operation 'Allied Force' over Kosovo and Serbia, as well as operations 'Enduring Freedom' and 'Iraqi Freedom'. Despite the tremendous cost of the aircraft - each unit is literally worth its weight in gold - the B-2 has had an impact on modern warfare which has vastly exceeded this small force of 21 bombers. Developed in utmost secrecy, the B-2's gestation saw the use of new computer design and manufacturing techniques and ultra-modern synthetic materials making it the most revolutionary aircraft in terms of design and performance. This book examines these incredible aircraft.

US Marine Corps and RAAF Hornet Units of Operation Iraqi Freedom
(Combat Aircraft 56)
Some 84 of the 250 Hornets committed by Central Command to Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) proudly bore MARINE titling on their rear fuselages. A further 14 were marked with the distinctive kangaroo roundel of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The exploits achieved by the units that flew these jets into combat is detailed in this volume, the third of three titles published in the Combat Aircraft series on what has been dubbed by many TACAIR insiders the 'Hornet's War'. Although the bulk of this book deals with the major hostilities phase of OIF I, which ran from 20 March to 20 April 2003, the decade of pre-war OSW missions and ongoing post-war OIF II operations are also covered in significant detail from the Marine Corps perspective. Profusely illustrated with rare frontline photography and more than 30 specially commissioned colour artworks, this book also features the combat experiences of 24 pilots and Weapons Systems Officers.

USAF F-4 PHANTOM II MIG KILLERS 1965-68

The USAF introduced the F-4C Phantom II into the Vietnam war in April 1965 from Ubon RTAB, Thailand. The F-4C/D soon became the Air Force's principal fighter over the North, destroying 85 MiGs by the close of 1968. This book describes how the USAF turned a gunless naval interceptor into an opponent to the more nimble VPAF MiGs. The roles of key personalities such as Col. Robin 0ldany are discussed, together with armament and markings, crews and engagements.

ARAB MIG-19 & MIG-21 UNITS IN COMBAT: This book tells, in great detail, the story of the MiG-21 in Egyptian, Syrian and Iraqi service. The material is drawn from official sources and from the private collections and recollections of men who flew, or met, these aircraft in combat.

B-29 SUPERFORTRESS UNITS 0E THE KOREAN WAR: A very heavy bomber and a sky giant during World War II, at that time the B-29 was the most advanced combat aircraft in the world. By the time North Korea attacked its southern neighbour in 1950, the B-29 had been reclassified a medium bomber.

PBJ MITCHELL UNITS OF THE PACIFIC WAR: Flown exclusively by the US Marines, the PBJ was one of those rare examples of an air force type being procured by the navy due to its ability to do exactly the job that was required of it. This book outlines the aircraft's history and technology, and takes a closer look at the men who flew it.

IRANIAN F•4 PHANTOM II UNITS IN COMBAT: Different versions of the jet have provided the backbone of the frontline strength of the Iranian air force since the 1970s, and whole generations of Iranian pilots and ground personnel have been trained to fly and maintain them. This book removes the veil of secrecy surrounding Iranian Phantom II operations since the Iran/Iraq war.

B-17 FLYING FORTRESS OF THE MTO: Although the Fifteenth Air Force was dismissed as 'minor leaguers' by the Eighth Air Force, strategic bombers from this outfit had done a 'major league' job on Axis targets in southern Europe following its formation in Italy in November 1943. At its peak strength, the Fifteenth's B-17 force comprised six groups of four squadrons each, all controlled by the 5th Bomb Wing. Having been a part of the Fifteenth Air Force in 1944, author Bill Hess has long been waiting to write a definitive account on 'his air force'.

LANCASTER SQUADRON 1944• 1945: The second of two volumes on the British bomber icon of World War II, this book details Bomber Command's massive nocturnal bombing campaign, its support for the D-Day landings, Tallboy raids against the U-boat pens in France and the battleship Tirpitz in Norway, and the final daylight missions of 1945.

B•17 FLYING FORTRESS UNITS: The Boeing B-17, which has come to epitomize the American war effort in Europe, took the fight to Germans from the late summer of 1942 through to VE-Day. This second of two volumes covers the 14 Bomb Groups of the Third Air Division. First hand accounts, period photography, profile artworks, and nose art scrap views bring to life aircraft from each of the groups within the Third Air Division.

B-29: The ultimate piston-engined heavy bomber of World War II, the first production B-29s were delivered to the 58th Very Heavy Bomb Wing in the autumn of 1943. By the spring of 1944 the Superfortress was bombing targets in the Pacific, and by wars end the aircraft had played as great a part as any weapon in ending the conflict with the Japanese. Indeed, the Final dropping of two atomic bombs from the B-29 convinced the Japanese to sue for peace.

PV Ventura/Harpoon Units of WWII: A development of the successful Lockheed medium twins of the late 1930s, the PV Ventura/Harpoon family of patrol bombers saw widespread service with both the US Navy/Marine Corps and the TAF and Commonwealth from October 1942 onwards. This book covers each of these variants in complete illustrated detail.

B-25 Mitchell Units of the MTO: This volume is the first ever published on the Mediterranean Theatre of Operations during World War 2 of the B-25, and includes first-hand accounts, 30 color profiles and a full appendices listing all units.

Lancaster Squadrons 1942-43: The RAFs most successful heavy bomber of World War II, the Avro Lancaster formed the backbone of Bomber Command during the large-scale night bombing campaign against occupied Europe. This first of two volumes covers the early daylight raids, the first 1000 bomber raids on Germany and the epic Dambusters mission of 16/17 May 1943 by the No. 617 Squadron.

US Navy F-4 Phantom MIG Killers 1971 •73: The second of two books on the Navy's Phantom II MiG killers of the Vietnam War, this book covers the numerous actions fought out over North Vietnam during the Linebacker I and II operations of 1972-73. No fewer than 17 MiGs were downed during this period, five of them by the Navy's sole aces of the conflict, Lts Randy Cunningham and Willie Drixoll of VF-96.

Middle East Wars 1947--82: Tracing the development of hostilities in the Middle East, this book covers the period from the establishment of the first proper Israeli Air Force in 1948 to the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982. Israel's War of Independence against its Arab neighbors, the inevitable "round two", the Suez Crisis of 1956, the Six Day War of 1967, the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982 are all detailed in this fascinating chronicle of war in the Middle East. A Combat Aircraft Series book.

Conflict in the Balkans: Exposing the true scale and significance of the deployment of air power in the Balkans, this book details the activities of NATO and UN aircraft as well as local pilots in the former Yugoslavia. A Combat Aircraft series book.

B-24 Liberator Units of the 15^th Air Force:The B-24 was heavily utilized in the North African and Mediterranean theatres by the USAAF's Fifteenth Air Force, with operations over the Ploesti oil fields in Rumania being some of the most famous missions undertaken by the big American "heavy" in WWII. This volume is the third of five titles in the Combat Aircraft series devoted to charting the operational history of the consolidated heavy bomber, and is the first single volume to exclusively cover the Fifteenth Air Force's B-24 units.

Mitsubishi Type 1 Rikko "Betty" Unit: The most produced Japanese bomber of the war, the G4M saw action on every front from the first day of the Pacific conflict through to VJ-Day. Built by Mitsubishi for the Imperial Japanese Navy, the "Betty's" very long range made it a key weapon during the opening year of the war. In this first series of volumes examining the key Japanese aircraft of WWII, Dr. Osami Tagaya details the aircraft's extensive combat history, and lists all the units which operated the bomber.

B-26 Invader Units Over Korea: Although a hangover from WWII, the seemingly antiquated B-26 Invader proved to be one of the hardest worked assets employed by the UN forces in Korea for the duration of the conflict. Over 200 bomber and reconnaissance variants saw action in Korea, and many were adorned with some of the most colourful nose art ever carried by American combat aircraft in any

MIG-21 Units Of The Vietnam War: Having honed their piloting skills on the subsonic MiG-17 and transonic MiG-19, the Vietnamese Peoples' Air Force (VPAF) received their first examples of the legendary MiG-21 supersonic fighter in 1966. Soon thrown into combat over North Vietnam, the guided-missile equipped MiG-21 proved a deadly opponent for the USAF, Navy and Marine Corps crews striking at targets deep into communist territory. Well over 200 MiG21 s were supplied to the VPAF, and the numerous models and the schemes they wore are chronicled in great detail in this unique volume:

Allied Aviation of World War I: Extremely informative, this companion volume to German and Austrian Aviation of World War I, brings the same easy-to-follow, but objectively analytical style of aviation archivist and former pilot, Hugh W. Cowin, to bear on American, British, French, Italian and Russian military aviation developments of the period. Besides giving interesting new perspectives on both well known and obscure aircraft, the writer deals with both aircraft designers and leading fighter aces of the Allied Powers. With an impressive selection of more than 195 pictures, this indexed reference is an indispensable aid to better understanding this formative era of military aviation.

Mig 3 Aces: The MiG-1/3 family of fighters was built to satisfy a Soviet Air Force requirement for an advanced, fast, high-altitude fighter. Entering service in the spring of 1941, the problematic MiG-1 had its handling issues rectified with the hasty production of the MiG-3. Many of these were destroyed on the ground when the Germans launched Operation Barbarossa. Nevertheless, enough examples survived to allow pilots such as Stepan Suprun and Aleksandr Pokryshkin to claim a number of victories in the type. This book tells the complete story of the men who made ace in the first examples of the famous MiG fighter. Aircraft of the Aces 102; Khazanov; 96 pages.

ACE100 Ki-44 Tojo Aces of WWII
The 100th title of Osprey's celebrated Aircraft of the Aces series covers a subject sure to be of interest to historians of World War II. The Ki-44 'Tojo' was a fast-climbing, heavily armed point-defense interceptor that was used successfully in slashing hit-and-run tactics that caught Allied pilots by surprise. This exciting title from author Nicholas Millman brings the Ki-44's role in the Pacific theatre to vivid life, accompanied by full-color plates and archival photographs.

Fiat CR.32 Aces of the Spanish Civil War Aircraft of the Aces 94: The CR.32 Falco was a handsome and highly manoeuvrable biplane fighter. During General Franco's fight with the Republicans for the control of Spain from 1936 39, no fewer than 477 CR.32s were involved, with an astounding 709 confirmed aerial victories, and an additional 320 kills claimed, for just 62 losses. As these statistics reveal, the CR.32 was the unrivaled master of the skies over Spain. By the war's end, the five leading aces of the conflict were all Spanish CR.32 pilots. Their exploits, and those of the other leading CR.32 aces, are examined for the first time in English in this exciting volume.

Brewster F2A Buffalo Aces of World War 2 Aircraft of the Aces 91: Although designed and built for the US Navy, the F2A fought in only one major US engagement, the battle of Midway, in which F2A pilots managed to shoot down a number of Japanese fighters. Soon replaced by the navy, the F2A was exported to Britain, where it was nicknamed the 'Buffalo' thanks to its stubby appearance. The British sent most of these fighters to the Far East where they were used in the defence of Singapore and Malaya. It was in the Winter War, however, that the F2A truly found a home. Calling the plane simply the Brewster, the Finnish flew it against the invading Russians. Overall 37 Finns achieved ace status flying the Brewster, and it was the Finnish fighter of choice until succeeded by the Bf 109 in 1943.

Fiat CR.42 Aces of World War 2 Aircraft of the Aces 90: The Fiat CR.42, a logical development of the Fiat CR.32, was the last single-seat fighter biplane to be produced. It entered service with the Italian Regia Aeronautica in May 1939 before being exported to Belgium, Hungary and Sweden. Its combat debut came when the Belgian air force threw its fleet into action during the German invasion of the Low Countries on 10th May 1940. Despite being quickly overwhelmed, the Belgian pilots managed to make a number of aerial claims. The CR.42 became heavily involved in the fighting in North Africa and although it was gradually replaced by more modern fighters, it continued in a point defence and ground support role until the end of the war. Drawing on research from a range of sources, this book examines the extensive employment of the Italian fighter plane during the course of World War II.

Italian Aces of World War 1 Aircraft of the Aces 89 The Italian aces of World War One have gone down in history as the irrefutable masters of the skies in the battle against their Austro-Hungarian enemies. In this often forgotten theatre of warfare these remarkable pilots gave the Italian forces an undisputed air superiority and left an enduring legacy as extraordinary men. Having interviewed the descendants of almost every Italian ace from the Great War, Paolo Varriale uncovers these fighters' incredible and sometimes tragic histories. Years of painstaking research has culminated in this truly groundbreaking study which brings to life the exploits of such famous aces as Baracca, Ruffo and Piccio, and the lesser known Riva, Sabelli and Nardini. Letters, diaries and unpublished photographs shed light on previously unknown personal and unit insignia, exposing many myths and making this a commanding addition to the aviation history of World War One.

Pusher Aces of World War 1 Aircraft of the Aces 88: Pusher fighters, designed with the engine at the rear and the machine gun at the front, may have looked ungainly, yet they were able to hold their own remarkably well against their German counterparts. This is the story of the unusual pusher and its many aces, including Lanoe Hawker VC, who formed and led Britain's first fighter squadron before dying in a ten-minute duel with Manfred von Richtofen, American 'cowboy' ace Frederick Libby, third-ranking French ace Charles Nungesser and the aggressive Belgian ace Fernand Jacquet. Packed with colourful artwork of a variety of pusher designs, paint schemes, and camouflage from many different nationalities, this book guides you through the twists and turns of this bizarre yet surprisingly successful fighter during World War 1.

Spitfire Aces of Burma and the Pacific Aircraft of the Aces 87: The arrival of the Spitfire in Burma came at a crucial time as the RAF struggled against the Japanese to support the Chindit operation on the ground. Proving a huge boost to morale, the Spitfire played a large part in defeating the enemy, and covering the subsequent Allied advance through Burma, protecting the ground troops and providing vital supplies. Covering this little documented aerial war, this book tells the stories of the 54 aces who flew against the Japanese, and also those who fought in India and Australia. Full-colour artwork reveals the markings and paint schemes of this most-famous of British planes, whilst first-hand accounts and archive photographs bring the aerial battles of Burma, India and Australia to life.

Ki-43 'Oscar' Aces of World War 2 Aircraft of the Aces 85: Dubbed the 'Oscar' by the Allies, the Ki-43 Hayabusa Peregrine was the most prolific Japanese fighter of World War 2. Designed for manoeuverability and speed, the low-wing model meant that firepower and safety had to be sacrificed, with only two machine guns per plane. Despite this, more Japanese pilots achieved Ace status flying the Hayabusa than any other plane. This book expertly charts the experiences of the pilots and discusses the early stages of the war in South-East Asia, China, Burma and New Guinea. Accompanied by detailed appendices and specially commissioned artwork, this is the first volume in English to focus exclusively on the exploits of the Ki-43.

P-36 Hawk Aces of World War 2 AA86: The Curtiss P-36 was considered a revolution in performance design in comparison to other US fighters. Yet by the time of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor the P-40 was increasingly supplanting the P-36, which the US then exported to France under the guise of the Hawk 75. Flown by the French, captured by the Germans, sold to the Finns, transferred to India and Africa, and even incorporated into the RAF, the Hawk 75 saw service in every theatre of operations and in a variety of combat environments. This book depicts the fascinating life of a plane that fought on both sides in the war, with colour artwork, photographs and first-hand accounts.

Malta Spitfire Aces Aircraft of the Aces 83: The siege of Malta during World War II is one of the great epics of aerial warfare. Described in 1942 as both a 'fighter pilot's paradise' and 'the most bombed place on earth', Malta suffered 154 consecutive days and nights of bombing, 100 nights more that London suffered during the Blitz. The destruction of Axis convoys by Malta-based aircraft proved to be one of the decisive factors in the defeat of Rommel's forces in North Africa. This vital position would have been lost if it had not been for the successful defence of the island by a handful of greatly outnumbered Royal Air Force fighter squadrons. This book details the heroic story of the Spitfire Aces based on Malta. Drawn from an international team of Australians, British, Canadians, New Zealanders, Rhodesians and South Africans these pilots fought against extreme deprivation, physical hardships and overwhelming odds in one of the most crucial and decisive air battles of World War II.

American Nightfighter Aces of World War 2 Aircraft of the Aces 84: The Americans lagged behind their European contemporaries in military aviation in the late 1930s, and it took the Battle of Britain to awaken America to the necessity of having aircraft that could defend targets against night-time attack by bomber aircraft. This book examines the numerous aircraft types that were used by the US in this role, beginning with the early stop-gap conversions like the TBM Avenger, Lockheed Ventura and the A-20 Havoc (P-70). It goes on to detail the combat history of the newer, radar-equipped Hellcats, Corsairs and Black Widows that were designed to seek out enemy aircraft and which registered most of the kills made by the Navy, Marine Corps and USAAF in 1944 45. With full-colour profiles and rare photographs, this is an absorbing account of an underestimated flying force: the American Nightfighters.

Soviet MiG-15 Aces of the Korean War: (Aircraft of the Aces 82): The Soviet Union began assisting the People's Republic of China in its establishment of a modern air force in 1950, when Soviet Air Force regiments were sent to train local pilots. China's involvement in the Korean War in late October 1950 inevitably drew Soviet pilots into the war, with a total of 52 Soviet pilots scoring five or more victories there. The history of these covert actions has been a long-buried secret and this book is the first English publication to detail the only instance when the Cold War became 'hot'. This book uncovers Soviet combat experiences during the Korean War from detailed unit histories and rare first-hand account. With access to extensive Russian archives, the authors offer an enthralling insight into an air war that has been largely covered up and neglected. Illustrated with previously unpublished photographs and detailed full colour profiles, this book is a unique opportunity to read about an often-forgotten aspect of the Cold War

American Spitfire Aces of World War 2 (Aircraft of the Aces 80): The first few American volunteers in World War 2 flew Spitfires with the RAF during the Battle of Britain. Many more joined their ranks, often posing as 'Canadians', eventually forming three Eagle squadrons who earned a fierce fighting reputation. When the United States entered the war its fighter sections were issued with Spitfires and eventually the Eagle Squadrons were transferred to the Eighth Air Force. Discover the experiences of a variety of American aces in their own words through first-hand accounts, interviews and combat reports, in a thrilling read that transports the reader from the Battle of Britain to the deserts of North Africa and Fortress Europe itself.

Bristol F2 Fighter Aces of World War I (Aircraft of the Aces 79): This is the history of the best Allied fighter-destroyer of World War I and the pilots who flew it. Numerous ace teams earned the 'Biff' grudging respect from its German opponents, as the crews operated the plane not as a standard two-seater, but as a single-seat with a 'sting in the tail' in the form of a rear gunner with a Lewis machine gun. This book charts the development of the plane from its inauspicious beginnings to the revised model operating with a new kind of tactics. Numerous first-hand accounts and combat reports give a fascinating insight into the combat experiences of the pilots themselves.

Albatros Aces of World War 1 Part 2(Aircraft of the Aces 77: From September 1916 until late 1918, biplanes from the Albatros firm formed the primary equipment of Germany's fighter forces. Starting with the D I of 1916, these aircraft underwent a continuous programme of development and production to the D Va of late 1917. Albatros fighters reached their zenith of deadly efficiency in the spring of 1917, when the Albatros D III took a heavy toll of Allied aircraft. Nearly every one of the 81 Jagdstaffeln, or fighter squadrons, operated one or more types of highly decorated Albatros aircraft at some point in their history. This book is a follow-up to Osprey Aircraft of the Aces 32 World War 1 - Albatros Aces, and provides a look at the design and production of the Albatros series. It also details the careers of some of the war's best known and lesser-known aces. The exploits of such luminaries as Ernst Udet, Max Müller, Karl-Emil Schäfer and Julius Buckler are recounted through their own first-hand accounts, rare archival photography and superb colour artwork

SE 5/5a Aces of World War I (Aircraft of the Aces 78): The Royal Aircraft Factory SE 5/5a was, along with the Sopwith Camel, the major British fighting scout of the last 18 months of the war in France. It equipped several major squadrons, the first being No 56 Sqn in April 1917. This unit became famous for the number of aces it had among its pilots, including Albert Ball, James McCudden, Geoffrey Bowman, Richard Maybery, Leonard Barlow, Hank Burden and Cyril Crowe. In all, 26 aces flew the aircraft with No 56 Sqn alone. Other well-known units were Nos 1, 24, 29, 32, 40, 41, 60, 64, 2 AFC, 74, 84, 85 and 92 Sqns. A number of Victoria Cross winners also flew SE 5/5as, namely Ball, Mannock, McCudden, Beauchamp Proctor and Bishop. Among the aces, no fewer than 20 scored more than 20 victories. In all, there were almost 100 SE 5/5a aces, and a large number of them are profiled in this volume. Supporting the text are more than 110 photographs, 37 brand new colour artworks and detailed appendices listing every pilot who 'made ace' on the SE 5/5a

More Bf 109 Aces of the Russian Front (Aircraft of the Aces 76): The four-year long Eastern Front campaign fought between Germany and the Soviet Union produced not only the greatest number of aces, but also the highest individual and unit scores ever recorded in the history of aerial warfare. An ideal complement to its bestselling predecessor, this fully illustrated volume covers the Luftwaffe fighter pilots credited with scores of between 50 and 100; every single one of them amassing a greater number of victories than the highest and most celebrated of any British or American World War II ace. Despite these huge personal totals, the names of these pilots who fought against the Red Air Force remain almost unknown to many English speaking readers. More Bf 109 Aces of the Russian Front rectifies that omission, providing first-hand accounts from the combat veterans themselves, as well as never-before published photographs, vividly conveying the terrible experiences of the protagonists in this difficult theatre of war.

Royal Navy Aces of World War 2 (Aircraft of the Aces 75): The Fleet Air Arm (FAA) of the Royal Navy served with distinction in every theatre of war throughout World War II. From its poorly equipped beginnings - it started the war with few suitable, modern, carrier-born fighters - to the final campaigns over the Japanese home islands, the FAA proved an effective fighting force wherever it went. FAA Pilots had the distinction of being responsible for both the first, and last, enemy aircraft to be shot down during the war. Featuring first hand accounts, combat reports, photographs from private collections and an array of colour plates depicting the range of profiles and symbolic markings that were used, this book will detail the history and combat experiences of these forgotten pilots who served with such distinction for the Allied cause.

Soviet Lend-Lease Fighter Aces of World War 2 (Aircraft of the Aces 74): By the end of 1941 the Soviet Union was near collapse and its air force almost annihilated, leaving large numbers of surviving pilots with no aircraft to fly. To help prevent this collapse the UK eventually supplied a total of 4300 Hurricanes and Spitfires to the USSR. After the United States entered the war, the Americans extended Lend-lease to include direct supply to the Soviets as well as the British, and among the aircraft sent were almost 10,000 fighters. Although the aircraft were outdated and often unsuitable to Russian conditions, they served when they were needed, and a number of Russian pilots became Heroes of the Soviet Union flying Lend-lease aircraft. The Soviet government tried to conceal or minimize the importance of Lend-lease fighters well into the 1980s, and the pilots who flew them were discriminated against as 'foreigners'. Only in recent years have these pilots felt free to admit what they flew, and now the fascinating story of these men can emerge

Early German Aces of World War I (Aircraft of the Aces 73): The Fokker Eindecker (monoplane) started the true age of fighter aviation. With the development of its revolutionary synchronised machine gun system, the Eindecker caused consternation in the ranks of Allied airmen as its pilots began to reap a grim harvest of victims in 1915. The exploits of aces like Max Immelmann and Oswald Boelke became legendary on both sides of the front, and they received the adulation of the German public, along with such honours as the first awards of the Orden Pour le Mérite (the 'Blue Max') to airmen. These men created the tactics and principles of German fighter aviation as they did so. By the final months of 1916, the monoplanes had been replaced by the next generation of biplane fighters from Fokker and Halberstadt flying together in new fighter formations - the Jagdstaffeln. This book charts the successes of the 'lone hunters' of 1915 until their eventual replacement.

Pfalz Scout Aces of World War 1
(Aircraft of the Aces 71)
The Pfalz Flugzeug Werke, located at Speyer am Rhein in Bavaria, was the third in the great triumvirate (along with Fokker and Albatros) of German fighter manufacturers in the Great War. When World War I broke out in 1914, Pfalz initially produced copies of the Morane-Saulnier parasol monoplanes for the German air service. With the advent of the famed Fokker Eindeckers with their synchronized machine guns, Pfalz entered the fighter market with the Pfalz E.I and its successors, all monoplanes which were similarly armed. Though never as as numerous as the Albatros or Fokker designs, the D III/IIIa was flown in combat by many well-known aces: Werner Voss, Carl Degelow, Erich Löwenhardt, and the balloon buster Fritz von Röth, among others. This book examines the little-known aircraft flown by these incredible men.

F-86 Sabre Aces of the 51st Fighter Wing
(Aircraft of the Aces 70)
The 51st Fighter Wing initially flew the F-80C in the Korean War, but in 1951, the 51st brought in high-scoring World War 2 ace Colonel Francis Gabreski to assume command when it converted from the F-80 over to the newly arrived F-86E. His recruits included his elite 4th Wing pilots, and by the end of the war, the 51st had two pilots who achieved the status of "Double Ace" as well as the highest scoring ace of the war, Joe McConnell. This book describes the 51st Wing's tenure with the Sabre that led to their high scoring sprees of 1953.

Beaufighter Aces of World War 2

Entering service at the end of the Battle of Britain, the pugnacious Bristol Beaufighter was deployed in numbers by Fighter Command just in time for the start of the Luftwaffe's night 'Blitz' on Britain. Flown by specialised nightfighter squadrons - several of them elite pre-war Auxiliary Air Force units - it was the first nightfighter to be equipped with an airborne radar as standard. Thus equipped, it combined the ability to 'see' the enemy at night with the devastating hitting power of four cannon and six machine guns. This book covers the exploits of the men who made ace in the Beaufighter and includes stunning original artwork together with first hand accounts of the action.

LAGG & LAVOCHKIN ACES OF WWII : This book examines the LaGG family of fighters, that were amongst the first mod:rn piston-engined interceptors made available to the Red Air Forces in early 1941.

P-40 WARHAWK ACES OF THE PACIFIC: The first USAAF fighters to engage the Japanese in World War 2, a handful of P40s rose to defend Pearl Harbor from attack on the morning of December 7,1941. This book examines The Warhawk's wartime exploits and all of its aces including 'aces-in-a-day' Mel Wheadon and Joe Lesika.

RUMANIAN ACES OF WWII: First seeing action in the wake of the German invasion of the USSR in June 1941, the Royal Rumanian Air Force had been allied to the Luftwaffe since the Romanian government signed a Tripartite Pact with Germany and Italy in November 1940. This book reveals how, despite suffering heavy losses to the numerically superior Russian forces, the Rumanians inflicted even greater casualties on the communists.

SOPWITH CAMEL ACES OF WWI: Responsible for destroying 1,294 enemy aircraft between June 1917 and November 1918, the Camel was the most successful fighting scout employed by either side in terms of the sheer number of victories that it scored. More than 5,490 examples were constructed, and this book covers its combat use on the Western Front, in Palestine, on the Italian front, and in the Home Defense role in the UK and in Russia.

FOKKER D VII ACES OF WWI: JG 1 received the first examples of the D VII to reach the frontline in late April. Built to oppose the new generation of French SPAR Xllls and British SE 5as and Camel fighters the D VII was arguably the best all-round fighting scout of the Great War.

Croatian Aces of World War 2: This book reveals how, by 1944, Croat air groups were defending Yugoslavia from British and American air raids, and in the final months of the war a handful of surviving pilots fought on until final defeat in May 1945.

 Hungarian and Bulgarian Aces of World War 2: In June 1941, Hungarian pilots joined Germany in the invasion of Russia where they fought on until 1945. Bulgaria, on the other hand, never declared war on Russia, although if supported German efforts in Yugoslavia and Greece by declaring war on the Western Allies. This book commemorates the 20 aces who hailed from Hungary and Bulgaria.

Aces Of The Mighty Eighth: The three most distinguished and best known US fighter aircraft of World War II were undoubtedly the P38, the P-51 and the P-47. This book assesses the relative strengths and weaknesses of each legendary aircraft, and uncovers the personalities and achievements of their greatest 'ace' pilots

Dolphin And Snipe Aces Of WWI: This book focuses on the combat careers of the last of the famous Sopwith fighters to enter service during World War 1, the Dolphin and the Snipe, both of which were built on the strong scouting heritage of the Pup and Camel.

Spad XII/XIII Aces of WWI: This book details the exploits of the pilots who flew the hugely successful SPAD XII and the trickier Spad XII

P•40 Warhawk Aces Of The MTO: Thrown into action following the Torch landings of late 1942, the "green" American pilots flying the obsolescent P-40F suffered cruelly at the hands of seasoned German fighter pilots flying superior machines. This book charts the careers of the 23 men who succeeded in making ace during that time, despite the advent of much better P-47 and P-51 fighters.

Gloster Gladiator Aces: Never before has a single volume been devoted exclusively to the intrepid and disparate band of pilots who could claim to be Gladiator aces. Flying the ultimate British biplane fighter, the likes of Sheen, Tuck and Carey are featured in this volume, as they were among the many early war aces who cut their teeth in Fighter Command on the Gladiator.

American Volunteers' Group Colors and Markings: The American Volunteer Group, or Flying Tigers, have remained the most famous outfit to see action in World War II. Manned by volunteers flying American aircraft acquired from the British, the AVG fought bravely in the face of overwhelming odds in China and Burma prior to the US entry into World War II> This volume dispels the myths surrounding the colors and markings worn by these famous fighters.

Austro-Hungarian Aces of WWI: World War I brought with it the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which for centuries had dominated Central Europe. Serbia fell in 1915, but when Italy declared war the Austro-Hungarians were still faced with a two-front war - a static front against Italy, and a far more fluid one against Russia. Austro-Hungarian fighter pilots performed bravely and often very effectively under extremely difficult geographic, climatic and operational conditions.

British & Empire Aces of WWI: At the outset of World War I the British had some 110 assorted aircraft, used mostly for the visual reconnaissance role. With the advent of faster and more agile single-seaters, the Allies and their adversaries raced to outdo each other in the creation of genuinely effective fighters with fixed forward-firing machine gun armament. This volume traces the rapid development of the fighter in World War I and the amazing exploits of the British and Empire aces who flew them..

Fokker DRI Aces of WWI: Undoubtedly the most famous fighter type to see service on either side during world War I. The Fokker Dr.I was a revelation when it entered service on the western front in 1917. The DrI remained in service on the Western Front until replaced by the superior Fokker D VII in May 1918. Just weeks prior to that, however, Germany's leading ace, the great Red Baron, had been killed at the control of a DRI.

American Aces of World War I: American fliers arriving in Europe from September 1917 brought with them no aircraft. Instead, US units had to obtain machines mainly from the British and French. From early 1918 American pilots were issued with SPAD fighters and they never looked back.

P-40 Warhawk Aces of the CBI: The first of four volumes covering the exploits with the P-40 during WWII, this book details the colorful experiences of the elite pilots of the AAF's Tenth and Fourteenth Air Forces in the "forgotten" China-Burma-India theatre during WWII. This Warhawk became synonymous with the efforts of the AAF in the CBI, being used by some 40 aces to claim five or more kills between 1942-45.

Italian Aces of WWII: The Italians were the junior partners of the Axis alliance in the European war, and although operating less capable aircraft than the Luftwaffe, the Regia Aeronautica and ANR still produced 102 pilots who qualified as aces by scoring five or more kills. Flying aircraft such as the Macchi 200-202, Fiat G.50 and biplane Fiat CR.42, the Italian fighter pilots were recognized by their Allied counterparts as brave opponents blessed with sound flying abilities, but employing under-gunned and under-powered equipment.

P-39 Airacobra Aces of WWII: The first American fighter fitted with a tricycle undercarriage and mid-mounted engine, the P-39 proved less than successful in the hands of its launch customer, the US Army Air Force (AAF). Around a dozen AAF aces scored five kills with the P-39, although this total was far outstripped by the Soviet Red Air Force, whose pilots rated the Aircobra as one of the best lend-lease fighters of the war. The exploits of both air forces are covered in detail in this title, as is the limited use made by the RAF of the Aircobra in 1941

DC-3 Dakota: The mainstay of the US domestic airline network prior to World War 2, some 400 DC-3s had been built by Douglas up to the bombing of Pearl Harbor in December 1941. Included in this volume are photographs of all the major prototype, pre-production and civil and military service variants under construction at the Douglas plant, as well as in service with various operators and air arms across the globe.

Lockheed Constellation: The first volume in an exciting new series, this book uses the best professionally photographed archival material available, sourced directly from a number of US airlines as well as from Lockheed themselves, to illustrate just how complex it was to build what was arguably the world's most stylish piston-engined airliner the majestic Constellation.

F-S6 Saber Of The 4th Fighter Interceptor Wing: The 4th Fighter Interceptor Wing (FIW) was sent to Korea in December 1950 expressly to deal with the threat posed by the all-new MiG-15 fighter that had made its combat debut the previous month. It remained the sole Sabre wing in-theatre for a full year, its pilots tangling with Russian-flown MiGs up over the Yalu River on a near-daily basis. Through sheer skill and superior machinery, the 4th FIW prevailed, and the skies over North Korean remained firmly in UN control.

Dakota: The DC-3 revolutionized air transport firstly in the USA, and then the world. The mainstay of the US domestic airline network prior to World War II, some 400 DC-3s had been built by Douglas up to the bombing of Pearl Harbor in December 1941. Today, some 400 DC-3s remain in revenue-earning service, Included in this volume are photographs of all the major prototype, pre-production and civil and military service variants under construction at the Douglas plant, as well as in service with various operators, and air arms, across the globe.

F-80 Shooting Star Units Over Korea: The USAF's first successful jet fighter, the F-80 actually made a name for itself in combat as a strike bomber during the Korean War. A Shooting Star also shot down the first MiG-15 lost during the campaign in what is believed to have been the world's first ever jet-versus-jet engagement. Aside from the fighter-bomber F-80C, photo-recce RF-80A/Cx and 'hack' two-seat T33s are also featured.

FOCKE•WULF FW 190: Arguably Germany's best fighter of the war, the Fw190 caught the RAF by surprise when it appeared in 1941. If remained unmatched in combat until the advent of the Spitfire Mk IX late the (allowing year. This volume illustrates the Fw190': varied operations through a handpicked selection of professional black and while images taken during the war ears, plus a color section reproducing archival photography that has not been sees in print since the war.