Ever since man first took to the air; combat aircraft have been at the cutting edge of aviation technology; resulting in some of the greatest and most complex designs ever built. The World’s Greatest Military Aircraft features 52 of the most important military aircraft of the last hundred years. The book includes all the main types; from biplane fighters and carrier aircraft to tactical bombers; transport aircraft; multi role fighters; strategic strike aircraft and stealth bombers. Featured aircraft include: the Fokker Dr.1 triplane; the legendary fighter flown by German flying ace Manfred von Richthofen; ‘the Red Baron’; during World War I; the Mitsubishi A6M Zero; Japan’s highly maneuverable fighter that dominated air-to-air combat in the early part of the Pacific War; the tank-busting Il-2 Shturmovik; the most produced aircraft in World War II; the Harrier jump jet; a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) fighter that has been service for more than 40 years; the B-2 Spirit bomber; an American precision strike aircraft used in recent conflicts in Kosovo; Iraq and Afghanistan; and the F-22 Raptor; an air superiority fighter with state-of-the-art stealth technology that makes it almost invisible to radar. Each entry includes a brief description of the model’s development and history; a profile view; key features and specifications. Packed with more than 200 artworks and photographs; The World’s Greatest Military Aircraft is a colorful guide for the military aviation enthusiast.
#758511 in Books Osprey Publishing 2015-11-17 2015-11-17Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .39 x .26 x 7.26l; .79 #File Name: 178096295996 pages9781780962955
Review
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful. A UNIQUE; VALUABLE; AND LONG-AWAITED HISTORY!By P. A. PanozzoThis is a long-awaited and terrific Osprey Publishing Aircraft of the Aces volume by preeminent WWII Japanese aviation historian Nicolas Millman! The Ki-61 Hien;(Flying Swallow) allied codenamed "Tony" was the only operational; in-line; liquid-cooled engine fighter in the Japanese arsenal. When ultimately equipped with a Mitsubishi radial engine; it became the Ki-100 Goshikisen (Type 5) which received no allied codename. This volume examines the Japanese aviators that achieved acedom in each configuration. The colour plates are well-executed by illustrator Ronnie Olsthoorn. This is a very valuable history; long-awaited by many aviation enthusiasts and does not disappoint. There are many unique; archival photographs that I haven't seen before! I found the defense against the B-29 Superfortress raids to be particularly enlightening!7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Excellent resource for Ki-61 and -100 fighters and pilotsBy Christopher C. TewWell written and well illustrated with as good a selection of photos as is available. Millman is a recognized expert on Japanese camouflage and paints. Here he uses his knowledge to explain in more detail than usual the probable late-war colors applied to Ki-61s and Ki-100s. Also contains much interesting information on pilots and units and the fighters' development. Especially useful for modellers who want the latest info on these planes and their markings. A valuable adjunct to specialty decal sheets.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. The color profiles are some of the best I've seen in this series with very accurate colorsBy Alte AdlerNick Millman has done a superb job on the Hien. Much research; and much input from Japanese sources. The color profiles are some of the best I've seen in this series with very accurate colors; markings and weathering; which is a must for modelers. I think he's also using sources from Japanese aviation literature; some of which we've collected for a few decades even though we couldn't read Japanese and just looked at the pictures! I look very much forward to further books in this series on Japanese aviation from Nick.
