Osprey Publications

US Destroyers 1934 45: Pre-war classes New Vanguard 162: Since the beginning of the 20th century, destroyers have been all-purpose ships, indispensable in roles large and small from delivering the mail at sea to screening other vessels and, where larger ships were not present, forming the front line in battle. This title details the 169 ships of ten classes introduced in the 1930s: early 1,500-tonners and 1,850-ton destroyer leaders designed to conform to the 1930 London Naval Treaty, plus the successor 1,570-ton Sims class and 1,620- and 1,630-ton Benson and Gleaves classes. In wartime, most 1,500-tonners and leaders initially saw front line duty in the Pacific but were relegated to secondary assignments as newer vessels arrived; while the later 1,620- and 1,630-tonners became the standard destroyers of the Atlantic War. This volume reveals the fascinating design story behind these pioneering classes from the constraints of peacetime treaties to advances in propulsion engineering, and wartime modifications. With an operational overview of their service and tables listing all ships by class, builder, and initial squadron, this is the definitive guide to the pre-war US destroyer classes.

Ships of the American Revolutionary Navy New Vanguard 161 Mark Lardas explores the origins of American warships, primarily light and medium frigates, built for the Continental Navy during the years 1776 1783. This was the first navy of the United States and much of the fleet was comprised of ships that had been modified from existing vessels, converted into warships to provide a crucial service during the American Revolutionary War. Despite having no real funding, this unique fleet had a surprising amount of success against the might of the Royal Navy, and this title discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each design, and the differences between European and American warships of the time. With a close look at how these ships performed in key battles, as well as the exploits of John Paul Jones the founding father of the United States Navy this is a complete, illustrated overview of the ships' service and development until France's entry into the war and the subsequent decline in importance of the Continental Navy.

T-62 Main Battle Tank 1965 2005 New Vanguard 158 The Soviet Army hastily developed the T-62 in a struggle to compete against the rapid proliferation of NATO tanks in the 1960s. It was essentially a modification of the widely-manufactured T-55 tank with the addition of a new 115mm gun. Within the USSR itself, the T-62 was quickly superseded, but it was widely exported, becoming a critical component of the Egyptian and Syrian armies in the 1973 Yom Kippur conflict and heavily influenced later designs of the M1 Abrams and Challenger tanks. In the first English-language history of this tank, Steven Zaloga examines the development of the T-62 using detailed combat descriptions to bring to life the operational history of this tank from the deserts of the Sinai to the harsh terrain of Afghanistan

Staghound Armored Car 1942 62 New Vanguard 159 The Staghound was a unique World War II armored vehicle - designed and manufactured in the US, but intended solely for the British army. Since its combat debut in Italy in 1943 until the end of the war it had performed particularly valuable service in a reconnaissance role where its speed and armor ensured that it was able to extricate itself from trouble as required without additional support. This book examines the development of this category of armored cars and offers a detailed analysis of the extensive combat use of the Staghound in British service as well as in the service of other Allied countries including Canada, New Zealand and Poland.

Landing Craft, Infantry and Fire Support New Vanguard 157: Described by one soldier as "a metal box designed by a sadist to move soldiers across the water," the Landing Craft, Infantry was a large beaching craft intended to deliver an infantry company to a hostile shore, once the beachhead was secured. The LCI and its vehicle-delivery counterpart, the Landing Ship, Medium were widely used by the allies during World War II. Later, the hulls of these ships were used as the basis for a fire support ship. While the landing ships were phased out after the Korean War, some fire support craft remained in use throughout the Vietnam War. This book tells the developmental and operational history of this important tool of American amphibious military strategy that spanned three wars.

British Airships 1905 30 New Vanguard 155: This book reveals the fascinating story of the cat and mouse duel between the airship and another pioneering form of technology the submarine during World War 1. Detailed cut-away drawings reveal the design and development of the airship, during and after the war, whilst full-colour illustrations depict the airship in dramatic action shots. A tragic accident in 1930 brought the airship's military service to an end, resulting in a tiny window in which they were used and little acknowledgement over the years. Ian Castle gives deserved attention to an aeronautical wonder that for a short amount of time played a crucial service to the defence of Britain.

British Battleships 1939 45 (1) Queen Elizabeth and Royal Sovereign Classes New Vanguard 154: With the outbreak of World War II, Britain's Royal Navy and her fleet of battleships would be at the forefront of her defence. Yet ten of the 12 battleships were already over 20 years old, having served in World War I, and required extensive modifications to allow them to perform a vital service throughout the six long years of conflict. This title offers a comprehensive review of the development of these British battleships from their initial commissioning to their peacetime modifications and wartime service, with detailed descriptions of the effectiveness of the main armament of individual ships. With specially commissioned artwork and a dramatic re-telling of key battleship conflicts, this book will highlight what it was like on board for the sailors who risked their lives on the high seas.

Kriegsmarine Auxiliary Cruisers New Vanguard 156: Despite being relatively unknown compared to famous ships like Graf Spee or Bismarke, or the more famous U-boats, the Auxiliary Cruisers were immensely successful, not only in the number of enemy ships they sank, but in the resources which were tied up trying to track them down. The Royal Navy's auxiliary cruisers tended to be merchant vessels used to protect convoys from attack. The German Auxiliary Cruisers, however, heavily armed and usually carried torpedo tubes as well as guns and even sometimes their own aircraft. These ships were aggressive predators, searching the sea lanes for unsuspecting enemy merchants, and were not only capable of destroying enemy merchant ships, but also of defending themselves against well-armed enemy warships. This book looks at the specifications and designs of the 11 Auxiliary Cruisers, as well as their combat histories, their eventual fates, and the careers of some of the most famous commanders

M551 Sheridan US Airmobile Tanks 1941 2001 New Vanguard 153: Since the advent of airmobile warfare, there have been numerous attempts to support paratroopers with attached armored vehicles. This book tells the story of the US experience with air-mobile tanks, starting with their efforts in World War II. However, full success was not achieved until the production of the M551 Sheridan. The history of this tank provides the focal point of this book, highlighting the difficulties of combining heavy firepower in a chassis light enough for airborne delivery. The book examines its controversial debut in Vietnam, and its subsequent combat history in Panama and Operation Desert Storm. It rounds out the story by examining the failed attempts to replace the Sheridan with other armored vehicles.

T-80 Standard Tank The Soviet Army's Last Armored Champion NV172: The Soviet T-80 Standard Tank was the last tank fielded before the Soviet collapse, and the most controversial. Despite having the most sophisticated fire controls and multi-layer armor ever fielded on a Soviet tank, its turbine power plant (rather than a conventional diesel) remained a source of considerable trouble throughout its career. Steven J Zaloga charts the little-known history of the T-80, covering the initial construction, through the development to the subsequent variants, the T-84 and Russia's enigmatic "Black Eagle Tank." Accompanying detailed cut-away artwork illustrates the unusual design features that made the T-80 so controversial.

Kriegsmarine Coastal Forces: New Vangaurd 151: Although often overlooked in favour of the U-boats or battleships, the vast majority of the Kriegsmarine was formed of the smaller vessels of the coastal forces. These ships and boats, which included minesweepers, torpedo boats, patrol boats, and blockade breakers, gave crucial service to Germany during the war, and many continued serving for decades after the surrender in such tasks as clearing minefields. Also included in these forces was Hitler's yacht, the Ostwind. This book reveals the history of the vessels that formed the backbone of the Kriegsmarine, and combines fascinating anecdotes, detailed technical information, and full-colour artwork.

War Elephants New Vanguard 150: Elephants have been deployed as weapons for centuries, particularly in South and South-East Asia, where war elephants constituted the bulk of most armies in the region from antiquity right up to the 19th century. This book offers an insight into the incredible history of these 'living tanks,' focusing on the design of the equipment and armament that made them so terrifying. The author, Konstantin S Nossov, traces the history of war elephants, from their deployment against Alexander the Great's army at the battle of Gaugamela, through to their use in the 19th century by the armies of South-East Asia, analyzing the battle formation and tactics of war elephants in action and how these tactics developed.

Tudor Warships (2) Elizabeth I's Navy New Vanguard 149: In his second volume on the Tudor navy, naval expert Angus Konstam covers the extraordinary transformation of the Tudor fleet during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. This period witnessed the birth of a whole new breed of warships designed to dominate the seas and expand the corners of the empire. Detailing warfare during the age of Sea Dogs such as Sir Francis Drake and Walter Raleigh, and the landmark event of the Spanish Armada, he explains the technological innovations that allowed this small but efficient navy to defeat the larger Spanish fleet. Packed with new research, in- depth analysis, photographs, full-colour reconstructions and detailed cutaway artwork, this book is a must for any lover of maritime history, and for anyone who wants to understand how Britain came to rule the waves, creating and retaining her supremacy across the seas throughout the age of fighting sail.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Robotic Air Warfare 1917-2007 van144: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are the most dynamic field of aerospace technology, and have only emerged from the shadows recently, despite having been in use for decades. After some limited use in World War II, UAVs emerged as substitutes for manned reconnaissance aircraft in missions deemed too dangerous to risk an aircrew. This book examines the development of UAV technology and speculates on its future potential. Packed with rare, recently declassified photographs and detailed full-colour cutaways, this title goes on to investigate the deployment of UAVs, from early Israeli airforce use to their current role over Iraq and Afghanistan today

US Patrol Torpedo Boats World War II New Vanguard 148: Motor torpedo boat development began in the early 1900s, and the vessels first saw service during World War I. However, it was not until the late 1930s that the US Navy commenced the development of the Patrol Torpedo or PT boat. The PT boat was designed for attacking larger warships with torpedoes using its 'stealth' ability, high-speed and small size to launch and survive these attacks although they were employed in a wide variety of other missions, including rescuing General MacArthur and his entourage from the Philippines. This book examines the design and development of these unique craft, very few of which survive today, and goes on to examine their role and combat deployment in World War II.

American Light and Medium Frigates 1794 1836 New Vanguard 147: The 'Original Six' frigates were commissioned by the new-born US Navy at a staggering cost of nearly $700,000. Designed to be light and fast, these warships enabled America to project its power across the globe. Among the ships Mark Lardas examines is USS Constellation: the first ship to be commissioned by the United States Navy. Alongside stirring accounts of engagements during the Barbary Wars, the author explores the design and development of these frigates, explaining the shortcomings that led to their replacement by larger, heavier 44-gun models by 1800. Packed with contemporary illustrations of US frigates and their British and French rivals, this book follows the escalation of the naval 'arms race' during the 18th century.

Imperial Japanese Navy Battleships 1941-45 - New Vanguard 146: The Imperial Japanese Navy of World War II surpassed the Allied and Axis fleets in innovation and technology. This title covers the 12 Japanese battleships that saw service between 1941 and 1945, including the mighty Yamato. Each class is considered in light of its design and construction, its armament and wartime modifications. The author, Mark Stille, uses primary sources and dramatic photographs to tell the story of these mighty battleships at war, including their major engagements during the raid at Pearl Harbor and the battle of Midway. The first English language book to include photographs from the prestigious Fukui Collection, this investigation will fascinate any naval enthusiast

British Submarines of World War I (New Vanguard 145): As the major powers engaged in an arms race in the early years of the 20th century, the Admiralty was tasked with developing that deadly stalker of the high seas - the submarine. In 1905, briefed with creating a vessel that could be employed on an enemy's coastline, the Admiralty took several technological leaps forward to match Germany's own revolutionary vessels. Written by an influential expert in the field and covering all classes of submarine developed and deployed during the war, this book includes great technical detail, gripping operational accounts and is accompanied by artwork. With fascinating details of daring submarine raids in the Baltic and the Dardanelles, this book reveals the exceedingly dangerous world of early submarine warfare which claimed an extraordinary number of lives on both sides and paved the way for a new kind of naval warfare in the 20th century and beyond.

Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk (New Vanguard 116: The successor to the legendary Bell UH-1 'Huey', the Sikorsky UH-60 first flew in 1974 and was christened the Black Hawk. It has become one of the most versatile and successful utility helicopters currently in service and has been used widely, from the invasion of Grenada to the ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. An attack helicopter configured with missiles, rockets, machine guns and cannon, the Black Hawk is also capable of undertaking a wide range of missions on the battlefield, including troop transport, command and control and aeromedical evacuation. Although the Black Hawk is most recently associated with the disaster in Mogadishu, this book looks past Hollywood interpretations to investigate the design, development and operations of what is arguably the most important helicopter in the world today, with fantastic full-colour digital artwork and up-to-date information about the Black Hawk's role in Iraq. Also examined are the more unconventional missions the Black Hawk has been used in, from drug-busting operations in South America to peacekeeping operations around the world

US Cruisers 1883-1904 The birth of the steel navy (New Vanguard 143: By the end of the Civil War the US Navy was the most advanced in the world, but in subsequent years America's naval might dwindled. However, in the 1880s a 'New Navy' was born and at the forefront of its fleet were the mighty cruisers. Naval historian Lawrence Burr details how these cruisers allowed America to rebuild their navy, exploring the design and development of these ships. Placing these advances in context, through vivid accounts of how US cruisers performed in the Spanish-American War of 1898, notably at Manila Bay and Santiago, he investigates the emergence of the US Navy as a major power. Illustrated with early photographs and full-colour artwork, this is a concise history of the birth and development of a modern navy that was the precursor to the development of modern steel fleets around the world.

Sherman Firefly (New Vanguard 141): The most powerfully gunned tank fielded by the Allies during World War II was the Sherman Firefly. An ordinary American-built Sherman modified by the British, the Firefly had the firepower that could finally match the awesome German tanks that had dominated Europe. David Fletcher examines the controversy that dogged the Firefly and the psychological boost the tank provided to Allied forces. Exploring its successes and failures on the battlefield and providing a realistic assessment of the tank's worth, this is essential reading for anyone wanting to know the facts about a tank variant that quickly developed its own mythology.

Armored Trains. New Vanguard 140; Zaloga. First seen during the American Civil War and later appearing in the Franco-Prussian War and the Anglo-Boer Wars, the armored train came to prominence on the Eastern Front during World War I. It was also deployed during the Russian Civil War and the technology traveled east into the Chinese Civil War, and the subsequent war with Japan. It saw service on the Russian Front in World War II, but was increasingly sidelined because of its vulnerability to air attack. Examines the origins and development, focusing equally on the technical detail and on the fascinating story of how armored trains were actually used in combat. Ideal for the armor, history and railroad enthusiast alike; 48 pages.

US Nuclear Submarines: The Fast Attack: (New Vanguard 138): The adoption of nuclear power revolutionized submarine design and means that vessels can stay underwater for months, trailing the enemy or training weapons on land targets from secret positions, "always there, never seen." Jim Christley, a former submariner, explores here the influence of Admiral Hyman Rickover in cautiously introducing these stealthy machines of war, and frankly discusses the power and perils of using nuclear reactors at sea. Using unique and detailed artwork, he outlines the many evolving aspects of design within the submarine classes, from the very first nuclear submarine, USS Nautilus, to the classes under construction even now.

Japanese Tanks 1939-45 (New Vanguard 137): Japan was the only country outside Europe and North America to manufacture a significant number of tanks in World War II. Indeed, Japanese tank production in the 1930s was much greater than that of many European armies, due to the conflict in China. Japan was in the forefront of tank technology in the 1930s, introducing a number of innovations such as diesel tank engines. By 1940, the Japanese tank force was the fifth largest in the world, following those of the Soviet Union, France, Britain, and Germany. Japanese tank units played a key role in the early victories of December 1941--January 1942 against the US Army in the Philippines and the British Army in Malaya. However, after 1941, the shift in strategic focus of the Japanese war effort changed industrial priorities from the needs of the army to warship and aircraft construction so that tank production fell in the later years of the war. Likewise, the development of new tanks was stymied by the low priority afforded to army requirements. British and American assessments of Japanese tanks were unfavorable after combat encounters in the campaigns of 1944-45 because in most cases the Allies were facing tanks designed a decade earlier. Japan's most modern tanks were reserved for a last-ditch defense of the Home Islands in 1945 -- a final battle that never took place.

Churchill Crocodile Flamethrower (New Vanguard 136): A fire-breathing monster on the battlefield, the Churchill Crocodile was one of the most awe-inspiring weapons of World War II. Tank expert David Fletcher chronicles the development of the flamethrower tank, examining the dramatic effect of these tanks in battle from use in France to the terrifying attack on the Senio River in Italy, as well as investigating the post-war use of Crocodiles to burn down and sterilize the site of Belsen concentration camp, and their mobilization for the Korean War. Researched using the papers of Reginald Fraser - the genius behind the flamethrowers - and dramatically illustrated with detailed artwork and previously unpublished photographs, this book brings to life the true terror of these tanks

Imperial Japanese Navy Submarines 1941-45 (New Vanguard 135: During World War II the Imperial Japanese Navy was at the forefront of submarine technology. It fielded the largest pre-nuclear submarines in the world, some capable of carrying floatplane bombers, which operated alongside fast combat vessels and midget submarines, all equipped with the best torpedoes available. The Japanese submarine fleet should have been an awe-inspiring force but, despite playing a crucial scouting role and enjoying several notable successes, it was surprisingly ineffective. Using unique color plates, Mark Stille describes the astounding technical advances of this range of vessels, and the wartime tactics responsible for their failure.

Red SAM: The SA-2 Guideline Anti-Aircraft Missile (New Vanguard 134): The Russian SA-2, nicknamed "Red SAM," is history's dominant antiaircraft missile. In 1960 it famously downed Gary Powers' U-2 spyplane, and two years later it was one of the missiles deployed during the Cuban Missile Crisis, which almost sparked a nuclear showdown between America and the USSR. The SA-2 was also deployed in Vietnam, North Korea, Egypt, and even the Gulf War. Using photographs, color artwork, and rare accounts from the weapon's designers, Steven J Zaloga examines the missile's development, linking this to its massive impact on Cold War air campaigns, and investigates the design changes that have helped the SA-2 stand the test of time.

Ancient Greek Warship 500-322 BC (New Vanguard 132): Formidable and sophisticated, triremes were the deadliest battleships of the ancient world and at the height of their success the Athenians were the dominant exponents of their devastating power. Primarily galleys designed to fight under oar power, their main weapon was a bronze-plated ram situated at the prow. This book offers a complete analysis of the most potent battleship of its time; the weapon by which Athens achieved, maintained and ultimately lost its power and prosperity.

US Field Artillery of World War II
(New Vanguard 131) Determined to learn from the lessons of World War I, the US Army developed a new generation of field artillery weapons and tactics during the 1930s. Consequently, in World War II it was the clear leader in field artillery. Providing a thorough examination of the many critical innovations and doctrines, and the impact they had on performance, including the motorization of artillery, Fire Direction Centers, aerial observation, and radio communications. Exploring, in their entirety, the weapons that formed the backbone of the US artillery arsenal in World War II, this book reveals a wealth of detail not readily available elsewhere.

Vietnam Riverine Craft 1962-75 (New Vanguard 128): In 1965 the military situation in the Mekong River Delta of southern Vietnam had deteriorated to such a degree that the decision was made to commit a joint US Army and Navy Mobile Riverine Force to the area. This force was unique in its composition, mission, and the means by which it operated - riverine craft. Comprising the Army's 2d Brigade, 9th Infantry Division, and the Navy's River Assault Flotilla One, it used a variety of watercraft, including heavily modified landing craft, purpose-built patrol boats, and a whole host of auxiliary and support craft. This book explores those craft, and also gives an account of Task Force Clearwater, a much smaller operation in the extreme northern part of South Vietnam.

British Submarines 1939-45 (New Vanguard 129): The submarine was the invisible but formidable weapon of the Royal Navy during World War II. This book examines the three major classes - 'S', 'T' and 'U' - detailing their design, development and modification. The major submarine engagements of the war are recounted, including the Norwegian campaign, the battle of Malta in March 1942, Operation Pedestal, and many other engagements in all theatres between the British subs, German U-Boats and Japanese subs. Using many previously unpublished sources and his own extensive underwater explorations, Innes McCartney gives a highly detailed account of the British submarine.

German Panzers 1914-18 (New Vanguard 127): Panzer warfare is synonymous with the Wehrmacht of World War II. This book examines the story of the Panzer's more mysterious ancestors, the little-known panzers of the Great War. Germany was very slow to develop armored vehicles compared to Britain and France. Efforts to catch-up proved difficult, and only a few dozen German A7V tanks were completed in time to take part in the final campaigns of 1918. As a result, the majority of German panzer units actually used captured British tanks, the Beutepanzer. This book will trace the development of German panzers of the World War One, including the A7V and its intended but unfinished stablemates.

Stryker Combat Vehicles
(New Vanguard 121)
The eight-wheeled (8x8) Stryker combat light armored vehicle was adopted by the US Army in 2002 to provide a comparatively rapidly deployable contingency force with armor protection, tactical mobility, and heavy firepower, as well as advanced command, control communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities. Covering the first new US Army release since the M1 Abrams MBT, this book details the conception, ongoing development and deployment of one of the most highly anticipated new AFVs in recent years, including its service in Iraq and the ensuing controversy surrounding the Stryker's varying successes.

German Battlecruisers 1914-18 (New Vanguard 124): The task of Germany's new Große Kreuzer at the beginning of the 20th century was to form an independent reconnaissance division that was able to perform special tasks. With a speed superiority of at least 3 knots, they should also be capable of fighting in the line, and would thus require heavy armour and good defensive qualities. The battlecruisers that were built did indeed have a remarkable ability to withstand battle damage, as demonstrated by the Goeben, which suffered five mine hits on one occasion. This title details all the classes of German battlecruiser, with particular emphasis on each individual ship's battle experience and deployment in conflict.

Swimming Shermans
Sherman DD amphibious tank of World War II
(New Vanguard 123)
The Sherman DD (Duplex Drive) tank was a brilliant innovation; the design and development of a tank that could float and even 'swim' in water was controversial. Each tank was enveloped in a waterproofed canvas screen, launched at sea from landing craft and then 'swam' to shore, where the screens were deflated, allowing the tanks to operate as fighting vehicles. This book discusses the Sherman DD's many variants, including the prototype Valentine DD tank and examines the successes and tragic failures on the beaches of Normandy and further into North-West Europe, including the challenge of crossing the River Rhine.

HMMWV Humvee 1980-2005 - US Army Tactical Vehicle: The HMMWV, better known as the Humvee or Hummer, has set the world standard for army tactical vehicles since its introduction into the US Army in the 1980s. Designed to be the successor to the jeep of World War II with a greater load-bearing capacity, the Humvee has proven to be adaptable to a wide range of roles, including weapons carrier, missile launcher, command vehicle and other specialized types. This book traces the development and use of the Humvee and its variations, including the latest families of armored Humvees used in Iraq in 2003-05, and its adoption in a peacekeeping role the world over.

NAPOLEONIC NAVAL ARMAMENTS 1792•81: There were many elements to British Napoleonic naval success but one of the key factors was gunnery. Other countries developed different naval weapons to fit their maritime strategy. This title describes the systems of all these countries as well as the fledgling navy of America, detailing the gunnery skills that embarrassed the Royal Navy at the height of their dominance.

British Battlecruisers 1939-45: When war broke out in 1939, only three true battlecruisers remained in the Royal Navy. The HMS Hood would be destroyed in action against the German Battleship Bismarck. Out of the remaining two Battleship (Repulse and Renown) one was sunk by Japanese aircraft off Singapore, whilst the other served with distinction until the end of the war. This book traces the pre-war development of these spectacular warships.

M109 155MM Self-Propelled Howitzer: Entering service in the early 1960s, the M109 Self-Propelled Howitzer has been in production for 34 years and forms the backbone of US Army and Reserve artillery units. This book details the versatile M109, which has served around the globe, seeing service in Southeast Asia, Desert Shield, and Desert Storm.

BELL UN-11 Huey Slicks 1965-76: This tide details all the technological background behind the development and use of the Huey "Slick" in Vietnam, as well as covering all the major uses that this transport aircraft was put to.

Chieftain Main Battle Tank 1965-2003: The concept of the Main Battle Tank emerged from the Centurion Universal tank that was developed at the end of World War II. This book explores the design, development, and operation of one of the most influential vehicles used in modern warfare.

M60 Main Battle Tank 1961-91: Entering service in the early 1960s, the M60 tank was in production for 23 years and formed the backbone of the US Army and Marine Armored units during the Cold War. This book explores the design and operation of such a widely-used vehicle.

German Light Cruisers 1939-45: The German navy of World War II was small in number, but contained some of the most technologically advanced capital ships inthe world. There were only six vessels in this Kriegsmarine fleet: the Emden, Leipzig, Koln, Konigsber, Karlsruhe, and Nurnberg. This book descibes their design, development, and varied operational history throughout the course of the Second World War.

V-2 Ballistic Missile: The German A-4 ballistic missile, better known by its propaganda name of V-2, was the world's first successful ballistic missile. This book examines the combat record of the V-2 in World War II, with a special focus on how a German missile battalion actually prepared and fired its missiles.

American Heavy Frigates 1794-1826: The Constitution, United States, and President; 44-gun frigates built for the United States Navy between 1794 and 1799 are featured. Their victories in the naval War of 1812, as well as their performance against the Barbary Pirates, caught the imagination of the world and spurred all navies into re-examining the class.

German Heavy Cruisers 1939-45: This title covers the design, development, and operational history of the Heavy Cruisers of the Admiral Hipper class

BRITISH MOTOR TORPEDO BOAT 1939•45 During the Second World War, flotillas of the Royal Navy's Motor Torpedo Boats and other coastal forces fought a deadly war for control of the English Channel and the North Sea. This book examines the development and operation of these frail, sleek little warships, and describes the way they were manned and fought.

M24 CHAFFEE LIGHT TANK 1943•85 It wasn't until the last few months of WWII that the M24 Chaffee came into service and extensively used in combat from the Battle of the Bulge to the final campaigns in Germany. This book traces the history of this design, its combat record in World War II, its many variants, and its extensive combat record post 1945.

PIRATE SHIP 1660•1730 Following the success of the Elite Series' Pirates title, this book provides a detailed description and pictorial exploration of the ships that scoured the high seas during the 'Golden age of Piracy'. Concentrating on the vessels of the leading (and most colourful) pirates of their age, the book will incorporate the latest archaeological evidence to produce a fascinating and spirited account of these craft.

NAPOLEON'S GUNS 1795•1815 (2) This volume is the second half of the story of the French artillery during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. It covers the howitzers, mortars, and large siege and garrison guns, placing a special emphasis on their role, technical significance, and operational use.

GREEK & ROMAN SIEGE MACH 399BC-363AD Siege machinery first appeared in the West during the Carthaginian invasion of Sicily in the late 5th century BC, in the form of siege-towers and battering rams. After a 50-year hiatus they re-appeared in the Macedonian armies of Philip II and Alexander the Great, a period that saw the height of their development in the Ancient World. This title traces the development and use of these weapons across the whole of this period.

German Pocket Battleships 1939-45: After the end of World War I, the German Navy came up with the concept of the Panzerschiff, or Pocket Battleship, as a method of circumventing treaty limitations on the size and types of ship Germany was permitted to build. This book covers these three sister ships, the "Deutschland", the "Admiral Graf Spee", and the "Admiral Scheer", which formed the core $16.95 of the Kriegsmarine's fighting power at the start of World War II.

M4 (76MM) SHERMAN MEDIUM TANK 1943-53: The M4 Sherman tank was the mainstay of the Western allies between 1942 and 1945. This title covers the M4 version armed with the 76 mm gun, examining developments such as the HVSS suspension, using much new archive material.

German Battleships 1939-45: In this, the first of a five volume series covering the capital ships of the German Navy of World War II, Gordon Williamson examines the design, development, and operational use of the battleships used by the Kriegsmarine.

MEDIEVAL SIEGE WEAPONS (2) BYZANTIUM: The medieval period was probably the most inventive and varied in military history when it came to the development of non-gunpowder military machines. This book looks at the resulting stone throwing machines that used assorted sources of power from torsion 'energy storage' systems, to manpowered sling devices, counterbalance shiny devices, rockets, and others.

Centurion Universal Tank1943-2003: From 1943 the British began the design of a tank that bore distinct similarities to the German Panther tank. This book details all the variants of the Centurion used in these conflicts as well as covering the specialized variants last used by the British in the Gulf War.

NAPOLEON'S GUNS:1795-1815 (1): Napoleon, as a young artilleryman, was trained with the Gribeauval system, created to standardize the French field artillery. The consistency of the Gribeauval system, along with Napoleon's personal preference for artillery ensured that the French artillery had a strong advantage over their opponents, possessing considerably more guns than any other army. This volume deals with 4-, 8- and 12-pdr guns, light 1-pdr guns and later innovations such as the 6pdr gun, which were used with great success by Napoleon in Italy, Germany and Austria.

BRITISH NAPOLEONIC ARTILLERY 1793-1815(2): Following on from the first volume covering British Napoleonic Artillery, this volume concentrates on the heavy weapons of siege and coastal defenses. This book covers the main equipment used; the 24 pounder siege gun and a variety of mortars. Also covered in detail is the specialist bomb vessel, which was used to snack fortifications in a similar fashion; siege techniques; and the tactical use of siege and coastal artillery.

PANTHER MEDIUM TANK 1945-45: When Germany invaded Russia in June of 1941, Panzertruppe encountered KV series and T-34/76 tanks, far superior in firepower and armour protection to any Panzer in service at the time. It was therefore decided to design a new more powerful medium tank, which could be quickly put into production. This book details the result, the Medium Battle Tank, available for service in January 1943. Later models ensured that it became one of the most feared tanks of WWII

FIGHTING SHIPS OF THE FAR EAST (2) 61BC -1639 AD Over the centuries, naval relations between Japan and Korea appear to have alternated between peaceful trade and outright hostility. However, what passed for mercantile activity was in fact conducted by Japanese pirate fleets, who pillaged the coasts of Korea and China in a long-lasting tradition that culminated in the greatest pirate raid of all: Hicleyoshi's invasion of Korea in 1592. This was the conflict that involved Ming China and almost dragged in Siam, and also led to Korea developing East Asia's most famous warship: the legendary turtle ship, which is described for the first time in full technical detail in this book. Scheduled to ship in January, 2003.

CONFEDERATE RAIDER 1861-65 This book describes the reasons which forced the Confederates to resort to commerce raiding, and outlines the way in which these craft were converted or specially built to perform their role. It details not only the way these craft were operated and manned, but also their brutal attacks, daring escapes, and climactic battles against the large numbers of Union warships forced to hunt them down.

RENAISSANCE WAR GALLEY 1410•1690: For most of the Renaissance period, naval warfare in the Mediterranean was dominated by the war galley, a unique naval vessel for a momentous age. This book examines the development of the war galley from its classically inspired resurrection in the 15th century until its demise in the early 17th century, providing the first ever in-depth study of this remarkable war machine.

British Napoleonic Artillery 1793-1815 (1): This title is the first of two volumes examining the artillery equipment of the British forces during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, along with Wellington's campaigns in India.

Mortars of World War II: The mortar has proved to be one of the most influential and prevalent infantry support weapons of the 20th century. This title covers all variants from the British 3" equipped 'Heavy Weapon Companies', through to the Russian 120mm mortars, which were incorporated into the Tank Corps for the storming of Berlin in 1945.

GERMAN E-BOATS 1939-1945: By the outbreak of World War II, Germany had done much to replace the Kaiser's High Seas Fleet. Although the heary units of the fleet were too small in number to pose much of a threat, Germany was particularly well served by her Nary's smaller vessels, in particular the U-Boats and the S-Boats. Known to the allies as the E-Boats ('Enemy'), they performed sterling duties in the Black Sea and English Channel, where they became a particular scourge.

MEDIEVAL SIEGE WEAPONS (1) AD 585•1385: This book reveals how the combining of technological traditions from the GrecoRoman world, Persia, India and above all China made a massive contribution to the development of siege techniques. Medieval military engineering was equally inventive in terms of mining, counter-mining, the breaking of walls, the use of noxious and chemical fumes and the use of fire-weapons.

M10 & M36 Tank Destroyers 1945•53: This book details one of the only US armored vehicles capable of dealing with the Panther and Tiger during the Battle of the Bulge.

Union River Ironclad 1861 •65: First commissioned in January 1862, these ironclads spent the next two years baffling for control of the Mississippi, fighting in a string of decisive engagements that altered the entire course of the war. This book explains how these vessels worked and were constructed, manned, and fought.

Kriegsmarine U-Boats (2) 1939-45: This title follows from New Vanguard 51: Kriegsmarine U-boats 193945 (1) and charts the continuing development of the U-boat in German service, including the evolution of the Type IX as a long range 'cruiser' intended for solo operations in distant waters.

M8 Greyhound Light Armored Car 1943-1949: The M8 light armored car was the only significant wheeled combat vehicle used by the US Army in World War II. This title describes the design and development of the M8, covering the many variants that were produced during World War II and afterwards, along with a comprehensive survey of its operational use.

Cadillac Cage V100 Commando: Destined to become one of the most influential postwar armored cars, the V-100 Commando was designed as a multipurpose vehicle and could function as an 1 1man personnel carrier, reconnaissance vehicle, convoy escort, command or patrol car and a riot vehicle. This title describes the design, development and operational use of the V-100 Commando, including their continued deployment around the world.

Kriegsmarine U-boats 1939-45 (1): This, the first of two volumes on Germany's World War II U-boats, traces their development from the early U-boats of the Kaiser's Navy, the prohibition on Germany having U-boats following the Armistice in 1918 and the subsequent Treaty of Versailles, and the secret development of U-boats using a 'cover-firm' in Holland, culminating in the formation of the 1 st U-boat Flotilla in 1935 with the modern Type II.

Mississippi River Gunboats of the American Civil War 1861-65: At the start of the American Civil War, both sides scrambled to gather a flotilla on the Mississippi River, converting existing riverboats for naval use. These ships were transformed into powerful naval weapons despite a lack of resources, trained manpower and suitable vessels. The creation of a river fleet was a miracle of ingenuity, improvisation and logistics, and this tide describes their design, development and operation throughout the American Civil War.

U-Boats of the Kaiser's Navy: This book traces the development of the U-boat threat from the Brandtaucher, designed by Wilhelm Bauer, the father of the German submarine arm, in 1850, through to the commissioning of Germany's first U-boat to go into service, the U-1, in 1906. It then covers the main types of World War I U-boat, detailing the operational history of the U-boat service in depth, with a particular Focus on the campaigns in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, as well as the slow build up of anti-submarine measures by the allies.

The 25 pounder Field Gun 1939-72: Of all the British guns in use during the Second World War, the 25 pounder is the gun that best represents Britain's armed forces. It was adaptable, it packed a powerful punch, and above all it was reliable. This book provides a full combat history of a gun that was used in every theatre of the Second World War and saw extensive service in the postwar years, particularly in Korea and during the Malaysian emergency.

Viking Longship: This title hates the evolution of the Viking longship From the one-man canoe of the Scandinavian Stone Age, through the wood-built-ships of 200 BC into the recognizable longboats of the 4th century AD. This title also covers Norman vessels, including the invasion fleet of William the Conqueror

Siege Weapons of the Far East (2) AD 960-1644: Increasingly from the 11th century AD, East Asian armies used exploding missiles and siege cannon to reduce the Fortifications of their enemies. These ranged from heavy siege cannon such as those used during the siege of Pyongyang with the Japanese invasion of the late 16th century. This book details the design and use of the wide range of weaponry available during this period.

88 mm F1aK 18/36/37/41 & PaK 43 1936-45: The German 88mm was by far the most famous and versatile artillery weapon of World War II. It was first used as an antiaircraft weapon by the Condor Legion during the Spanish Civil War and saw further service in the German invasions of Poland and France, where it was first used in its anti-tank role. This role was particularly successful and the 88 became feared by tank crews from North Africa to Russia. This book covers all these variants, explaining their design, development and operational use.

The 25 Pounder Field Gun 1939-72: Of all the British guns in use during the Second World War, the 25 pounder is the one that best represents Britain's armed forces. It was adaptable, it packed a powerful punch, and above all it was reliable. This book provides a full combat history of a gun that was used in every theatre of the Second World War and saw extensive service in the postwar years, particularly in Korea and during the Malaysian emergency.

 Union Monitor 1861 •65: The first seagoing ironclad was the USS Monitor, and its profile has made it one of the most easily recognized warships of all time. Following her inconclusive battle with the Confederate ironclad Virginia on March 9, 1862, the production of Union monitors was accelerated. Further technological advancements were included in subsequent monitor designs, and by the end of the war the US Navy possessed a modern coastal fleet carrying the most powerful artillery afloat.

Panzerkampfwagen IV AUSF 6: (1944-45) The Panzerkampfwagen IV was one of the most numerous and successful German tanks of World War IL Despite the introduction of the Panther and Tiger tanks, the PzKpfw IV remained the backbone of the German armored units until the end of the war. This book details all of the variants of the Panzerkamp(wagen IV with the long guns 7.5cm KwK 40 L/43 and L/48.

Siege Weapons of the Far Fast (1) (300-1300): The prevalence of particular Fortress types in medieval China, Mongolia, Japan and Korea demanded the evolution of different modes of siege warfare in each country. The wealthy walled towns of China, the mountain fortresses of Korea and the military outposts of Japan each presented different challenges to besieging forces, and this book reveals the diversity of tactics and siege-craft that were developed to meet these challenges.

British Napoleonic Ship-of-the-Line: The French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars encompassed a period when rival European fleets vied For naval supremacy, and naval tactics were evolving. The British Royal Navy emerged triumphant as the leading world sea power, and the epitome of Britannic naval strength was the Ship of the Line. This book offers detailed coverage of the complex vessels that were the largest man-made structures produced in the pre-Industrial era.

Sturmgeschutz Assault Gun: The Sturmgeschutz was one of the most numerously produced and effectively deployed of the German armoured vehicles. This books reveals how the Sturmgeschutz provided the backbone of Germany's armoured forces in every theatre and on every front during the long fighting retreat of the final years of the war.

American Civil War Artillery 1861-65: Because of the length of the coastline of the United States, from the beginning American ordnance and engineers placed an emphasis on heavy artillery mounted in coastal defenses. This book details the development and usage of heavy and field artillery from the Union and Confederate armies.

Confederate Ironclad 1861-65: The creation of a Confederate ironclad fleet was a miracle of ingenuity, improvisation and logistics. Surrounded by a superior enemy fleet, Confederate designers, adapted existing vessels or created new ones from the keel up with the sole purpose of breaking the naval stranglehold on the nascent country. Her ironclads were built in remote cornfields, on small inland rivers or in naval yards within sight of the enemy. The result was an unorthodox but remarkable collection of vessels, which were able to contest the rivers and coastal waters of the South for five years.

Jagdpanzer "Hetzer" 38 1944-45: The Jagdpanzer 38 is one of the best known German armored fighting vehicles from World War II. Rushed into series production in the record time of less than four months, it was instantly recognizable by its sleek appearance created by well sloped armor. Many experts in post-was armour hold the opinion that this tank destroyer was just the answer to Germany's problem of dealing with the numerically superior American M4 medium tank (known to the British Army as the Sherman) and the Russian T-34. A Vanguard series book.

ACW Artillery (1) Field: Perhaps the most influential arm of either army in the prosecution of the American Civil War, the artillery of both sides grew to be highly professional organizations, centralizing their artillery, organizing artillery battalions from individual batteries and giving their commanders higher ranks than field artillerymen had previously held. In battle the introduction of the 12-pdr Napoleon, followed closely by rifled cannon, provided a range and power previously unknown on American soil. A Vanguard series book.

Panzer III: The Panzer III was the instrument of Blitzkrieg on land, the major component of the Panzerwaffe in the early war years, and an important stepping stone between the earliest Panzers and the heavier vehicles of the later war years. With detailed step-by-step model photography, specially commissioned walkround photography, scale drawings and wartime shots, this book provides all the details needed to model the main Panzer III version, the Ausf J and its variants. Included in this volume you'll find a full roundup of the models available on the market, details of where you can see the real thing, a select bibliography, and survey of websites of interest.

T-34/76 & T34/85: The T34/76 was a major step forward in tank design and its appearance on the battlefield during the German invasion of Russia shocked the Germans into developing new AFV's such as the Panzer V Panther. Produced in huge numbers, its later variant the T-34/85 would see extended postwar service with Communist supplied countries around the world. With detailed step-by-step model photography, specially commissioned walkround photography, scale drawings and wartime shots, this book provides all the details needed to model the main T-34 version, the Model 1943 and its variants.