Secret and X-Plane aircraft projects remain highly popular with historians; enthusiasts; modelers and the flight sim community. Surprisingly; secret Japanese planes of World War 2 remain an area that has been largely ignored due to scarcity of information. They do; however; have a large base of interest as unlike the majority of secret Luftwaffe programs that were resigned to the drawing board; the vast number of aircraft featured within this book actually flew or were in development. The book is divided into two sections dedicated to the air forces of the IJA and IJN; with over 42 aircraft examined; each with its history; variants; performance; and any combat records laid out in an easy to read fashion. Much information about their secret technical exchanges with the Luftwaffe throughout the war is also uncovered. This is beautifully complimented by stunning color renditions of the aircraft in combat and color profiles of genuine markings and camouflage. Notable emphasis is placed upon the transonic rammer aircraft; strategic long-range bombers; and the ways in which the Japanese adapted German technology to their needs; particularly the Me262 and Me 163 Komet. Secret Japanese armaments are also covered in detail; with information on guided missiles; aerial rockets; and unique bombs. It is a gripping read for aviation and military enthusiasts around the world!
#3426920 in Books Arms Armour 1995-03Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 10.25 x 7.75 x 1.00l; #File Name: 1854092421256 pages
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. An essential sourceBy Fred HockerThe Otto Manuscript; containing a number of paintings of the soldiers of Napoleon's Grande Armee in the year of Friedland; was apparently painted from life by an amateur with an eye for detail. As a primary source; it is invaluable for its evidence of the actual appearance of the French army at the height of its greatness under Napoleon; and during a period when uniform regulations were altering the basic appearance of the soldier. This volume presents; for the first time; color reproductions of all of the plates; at a useful size; with commentary by the author. The reproduction is of excellent quality; and places this book on the "must have" list for anyone interested in Napoleonic uniforms.The commentary is perhaps less consistently helpful. The author is apparently an amateur scholar and unfamiliar with the conventions of referencing sources. He also does not have a very good eye for detail; as in several places he makes observations concerning the paintings that are belied by a careful examination of the illustration. His views on the fading/discolouration of watercolor pigments do not reflect much familiarity with the chemistry and behaviour of those pigments; and so the comments regarding each figure must be treated cautiously. On the other hand; his introduction provides an excellent exposition of the history of the document and a cogent analysis of its reliability.Despite these minor failings; Mr. Dempsey is to be commended for bringing these paintings to publication in a work of such a high standard.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Outstanding.By A CustomerLittle needs to be said. If this book were only a reproduction of these illustrations; it would be a bargain; but Dempsey's commentary provides a great deal of insight placing the illustrations in context and identifying anomolies and commonalities.
