The latest addition to the 'Monographs Special Edition' series is devoted to the Messerschmitt Bf 109 E. This new book gives not only a thorough insight into the development, variants, technical features and camouflage of the 'Emil', but also an excellent overview of the aircraft's service with the Luftwaffe. Packed with period photos, color profiles and scale drawings, this title is a perfect guide for aviation modelers.
The Messerschmitt Bf 109 was a German World War II fighter aircraft, and was flown by the three top-scoring German fighter aces, claiming 928 victories between them. This text presents a full chronology and photo history of development and operational use.
The most iconic German aircraft of the Second World War, the Messerschmitt Bf 109 was the Luftwaffes principal fighter from 1939 until 1942 when the superior Focke-Wulf Fw 190 came into greater prominence. The Bf 109 served in every theater of the war, particularly in the invasion of France and the Low Countries, the Battle of Britain and the invasion of the Soviet Union, the Mediterranean and with Rommel in North Africa. In the later years of the war, the Bf 109 fought with success in the defense of Germany against the Allied bombers. The Bf 109 was the most produced fighter aircraft in history and more aerial kills were made with this fighter than any other aircraft. In this selection of unrivaled images collected over many years, and now part of Frontline's new War in the Air series, the operations of this famous aircraft in the early part of the Second World War are portrayed and brought to life.
Gathered in two volumes, presented here are the legendary Luftwaffe aircraft: the Messerschmitt 109 and 110, the Focke Wulf 190 and the jets that appeared near the end of the conflict. More than 600 color profiles detail a wide variety of insignia and camouflage paints. Together, these two books represent a highly detailed compilation (new photographs, new profiles) improving upon the previous editions published in the Planes and Pilots series.
The Messerschmitt Bf 109 was one of the truly world class piston-engined fighters of World War II. This reputation rests largely with the E and F variants, which bore the brunt of the Luftwaffe's most important operations in World War II and shot down tens of thousands of Allied aircraft in the Battle of Britain, the Blitzkriegs across Europe and on the Eastern Front. This volume looks at the design and development history of these formidable warplanes, with a meticulous technical focus to reveal why the types were so effective. It explores the long process of tweaks to the E variant, and solutions to the many initial technical problems with the F, and how this development helped Willy Messerschmitt's promising Bf 109 design mature and fulfil its potential.
Includes free decals and masking foil Complete with detailed technical drawings The Messerschmitt Bf 109 is a German World War II fighter aircraft designed by Willy Messerschmitt in the early 1930s. It was one of the first true modern fighters of the era, including such features as an all-metal monocoque construction, a closed canopy, and retractable landing gear. The first major redesign of the Bf109 came with the E series, including the navalised variant of the Bf 109E, and the Bf 109T (T standing for Trager, or aircraft carrier). The Bf 109E, or 'Emil ' introduced a number of structural changes in order to accommodate the heavier, but significantly more powerful 1,100 PS Daimler-Benz DB 601 engine, the heavier armament and increased fuel capacity. The 109E first saw service with the "Condor Legion" during the last phase of the Spanish Civil War and was the mainstay variant at the start of World War II through until mid-1941. This is a detailed technical guide to this formidable variant of an infamous aircraft, and provides exceptional reference for any modeler or enthusiast. About the Series This series of highly illustrated books presents detailed scale drawings of aircraft and vehicles, with supporting color profile artwork. With detailed captions on the history, combat action and development of each machine, each volume is an exceptional reference tool for modelers, with extras such as free decals, masking foil and photo-etched brass.
An illustrated account of the Bf 109E's evolving role during the fateful first stages of the Battle of Britain. The Luftwaffe's famous Bf 109 Emil saw considerable combat across the first stages of World War 2, but it was 1940's Battle of Britain that truly put it to the test. During the early operations of that clash, in July and August 1940, German pilots had to reckon not only with the RAF but with another enemy – the English Channel itself. This evocative new study explores how the Channel's breadth and the short range of Emil combined to force the Luftwaffe's fighter units to evolve their tactics in pursuit of victory. Respected military aviation expert Andy Saunders brings the cockpit of the Bf 109E to life in a volume that draws upon first-hand accounts to tell the story of this landmark battle's fascinating beginnings. Bringing further context to this analysis, archive photos, newly commissioned artworks, and tactical and ribbon diagrams demonstrate how strategy and procedure developed over the course of combat.
Peter Cornwell tells the story of the greatest air battle of the Second World War when six nations were locked in combat over north-western Europe for a traumatic six weeks in 1940. He describes the day-to-day events as the battle unfolds, and details the losses suffered by all six nations involved: Britain, France, Holland, Belgium, Germany and, rather belatedly, Italy. As far as RAF fighter squadrons in France were concerned, it was an all-Hurricane show, yet it was the Blenheim and Battle crews who suffered the brunt of the casualties. Every aircraft lost or damaged through enemy action while operating in France is listed together with the fate of the crews. The RAF lost more than a thousand aircraft of all types over the Western Front during the six-week battle, the French Air Force 1,400, but Luftwaffe losses were even higher at over 1,800 aircraft.
Boasting pilots who had been blooded in the Spanish Civil War, Jagdgeschwader 53 (JG 53) 'Pik As' or 'Ace of Spades' achieved great success in the skies over France and Britain in 1940. It was infamous amongst its opponents for the quality and calibre of its aces – men such as Werner Mölders, Hans-Karl Mayer and Rolf Pingel. These aces won numerous Knight's Crosses for their exploits in 1940, credited with 258 victories, with 51 pilots being killed or captured. This study follows these pilots of JG 53 into battle, telling the stories of their victories, losses, and ultimate fate. Containing 36 profile illustrations depicting the drastic change in appearance of their aircraft over time, and complemented by thorough research, this book is a welcome addition to Osprey's popular Aircraft of the Aces series.
