Treasure trove of cutaway views of 1940s aircraft features magazine art that focuses on American models. The extensive notes and explanations also include details on select British and German planes.
Established in the early days of aviation, "Flight" and "The Aeroplane" were considered essential reading for all aviation enthusiasts of the period, "Aeroplane Monthly", the latter's successor, is today viewed in a similar vein. All three publications have set exacting standards for technical drawings over the years. Many of these fine cutaways, featuring virtually every major combat type, are being republished here after years in the archives. All the major Allied and Axis combat types of World War II are covered in this period work, and the cutaways are accompanied by the best photography from the huge "Aeroplane" picture archive, individual specifications, and a potted history of each type and of the cutaway artists themselves by aviation historian Bill Gunston.
Forty-six accurate, authentic renderings of fighters, bombers, transports, etc. Includes "Enola Gay," Japanese Zero, British Spitfire, German Komet jet fighter, many others. Captions include detailed coloring information, military role and affiliation of plane, manufacturer, other data. All illustrations copyright-free. 13 planes in color on covers. Publisher's Note.
From the P-51 Mustang and Supermarine Spitfire to the Yakovlev Yak-3, Messerschmitt Me 109, and Vought F4U Corsair, this comprehensive encyclopedia presents the most important aircraft flown by all the combatants in Europe and the Pacific. It provides specification boxes for each aircraft, listing powerplant, performance, weights, dimensions, and armament; a detailed description of its development and service history; and outstanding photographs and a three-view illustration for each one.