An illustrated history of the remarkable DH 98 Mosquito, from its unusual design and construction through to its pivotal actions the Far East.The RAF and RAAF's de Havilland DH 98 Mosquito played an important role in forcing the Japanese retreat from Burma and the Far East. Combining innovative composite-wood construction, world-class performance and beautifully balanced handling, the 'Mossie' excelled in intruder/strike and long-range photo-reconnaissance roles, d...

This fully illustrated study explains the British Pacific Fleet's campaign against the Japanese in the Sakishima Islands, its overlooked role in the battle for Okinawa.The invasion of Okinawa was, famously, the culmination of the United States' island-hopping campaign. Less well known is the fact that it was also the greatest campaign of the British Pacific Fleet's war against Japan, fought by five fleet carriers over two months, with a distinct ta...

An illustrated study of the oft-overlooked engagements between the iconic F4F Wildcat and Imperial Japanese Naval Air Force's 6M2-N "Rufe" floatplane during the Solomon Islands campaign.A number of unique confrontations took place between floatplanes and land-based fighters during the fierce aerial battles fought above the Solomon Islands throughout 1942–43. Whilst the most famous Battle of Guadalcanal "slugfests" saw US Marine Corps/US Navy F4F Wildcats engage the...

This up-to-date history by leading German aviation specialist Robert Forsyth reveals what it was like to pilot the 'long-nosed' *Dora*in combat as Germany desperately battled to remain in the war.Arguably one of the finest piston-engined fighters ever built, the Focke-Wulf Fw 190D-9 raised the bar in terms of aircraft design and operational capability during World War II. Designed by Kurt Tank, the 'long-nosed' Fw 190D9 'Dora' bett...

An illustrated study of the evolving tactics that powered the deadly clashes between the RAF's Typhoon Mk IB fighter-bomber and the Flakwaffe'sdefendinganti-aircraftarsenal.The Flakwaffe's role was to protect the Wehrmacht's men, machines and material from aerial attack. Opposing them was the RAF's 2nd Tactical Air Force (TAF), whose fighter-bomber spear was tipped with the Typhoon Mk IB, a fighter modified beyond its original intent. The tactics ...

An illustrated study of the N-model of the USAAF's P-47 Thunderbolt and the essential role it played in the end of the war in the Pacific.The P-47N was the final variant of the most produced American fighter of World War 2, the Republic Thunderbolt, and featured a redesigned wing, more powerful engine and increased range. Its late introduction limited the aircraft's combat use to the closing months of the Pacific War over the Japanese home islands, where it excelle...

Fully illustrated, this is the first book to examine US Pacific War tactical airpower at its peak, in the last and greatest island campaign, Okinawa.The battle for Okinawa turned out to be the last major campaign of World War II, and the largest amphibious invasion of the Pacific War. After years of improvement, Okinawa saw American tactical aviation at its most effective, yet little has been written about how the huge and complex air operation here was organized a...

An illustrated account of the development and operations of the B-47 Stratojet, one of the most influential aircraft of the Cold War.The B-47 Stratojet was the most numerous jet bomber to ever serve with the USAAF's Strategic Air Command (SAC), and arguably Boeing's most significant aircraft. Initially plagued by design and production problems, it eventually proved to be a capable medium-range bomber, an influential testbed, and an effective reconnaissance platform...

An illustrated account of the challenge posed to RAF Fighter Command by the Luftwaffe's Fw 190, and the ways in which Spitfire crews adapted to this deadly new threat.The introduction of Focke-Wulf's Fw 190 to Luftwaffe service presented RAF Spitfire VB and VA pilots with a formidable new foe that could quite literally run rings around them. First encountered over France in September 1941, the Fw 190 – or 'Butcher Bird' – soon demonstrated its startling capabilitie...

An illustrated study of the Lightning Jet Fighter and its eventful operational history as the RAF's star aircraft of the Cold War era.The Mach 2-capable English Electric Lightning is perhaps the most iconic RAF aeroplane of the Cold War. Boasting a massive increase in performance and improved radar and weapons systems over its predecessors, the Lightning brought new capabilities to the RAF's air defences. Tactics were adapted to fit the aircraft, including incorpor...

An illustrated account of the against-the-odds successes of the MiG-17 “Fresco” in action against US combat aircraft during Operation Rolling Thunder.Following their elite training in the USSR and China, the Vietnam People's Air Force (VPAF) pilots chosen to fly the MiG-17 achieved some stunning triumphs against the best US fighters committed to action over North Vietnam. The low-speed/high-g maneuvering attacks employed by the communist p...

A detailed history of the pioneering Bell X-1, the first manned craft to break the sound barrier. Brought to life with dazzling digital art, this rocket-powered aircraft launches Osprey's new 'X-Planes' series and brings the reader into the dangerous and thrilling world of experimental aircraft.In 1947, no one knew if it was possible to break the 'sound barrier'. The Bell X-1 was the tiny, rocket-powered craft that finally broke it. It was the result of innovative ...