Download or read book Defiant Blenheim and Havoc Aces written by Andrew Thomas and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2012-11-20 with total page 223 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An illustrated history of three pioneering fighters. The Defiant and the Blenheim enjoying early successes until they came up against the vastly superior Messerschmitt Bf 109, and the American-built Havoc. The Blenheim IF flew some of Fighter Command's early offensive operations, and the type soon proved vulnerable when pitted against single-seat fighters. However, for much of 1940 the Blenheim fighter squadrons provided the RAF's main long-range convoy escort and nightfighter capability. In the mid-1930s, in an attempt to capitalise on its expertise in power-operated gun turrets, the Boulton Paul Company developed the Defiant, a single-engined fighter in which all the armament was concentrated in the turret behind the pilot. Intended as a 'bomber destroyer', the Defiant had its combat debut over Dunkirk, and initially achieved some considerable success. A number of American-built aircraft called Douglas DB-7 light bombers (named Havoc by the RAF), were fitted with radar for nightfighter duties and others successfully replaced the Blenheim as night intruders. As this book outlines, a total of 11 pilots claimed five or more victories when flying these three types to become aces, whilst no fewer than 33 who became aces claimed at least part of their scores when flying the Blenheim, Defiant or Havoc.
Download or read book British Secret Projects 3 written by Tony Buttler and published by . This book was released on 2018-10-31 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The British Secret Projects series covers the design and development of UK military aircraft since the mid-1930s with strong emphasis on designs that were never built, particularly those types generated by various design competitions. The original Volume Three (Fighters and Bombers 1935 to 1950) has now been split into separate volumes with this book covering fighters and a new Volume Four in preparation solely devoted to bomber designs. This split has allowed space for the inclusion of much new information and many new photographs. This book describes the design and development of the British fighter from the end of the biplane fighter to the start of the jet era. The projects and programmes which feature in its pages begin with those prepared in the mid-1930s in the knowledge that war was coming and go through to some which appeared after the war had ended. During this period the art of fighter design took some big and important steps forward and here can be found fixed-gun fighters and turret fighters, in both single and twin-engine form, plus the first generation of jet fighters. Types designed to meet the requirements of both the Royal Air Force and the Fleet Air Arm are included. Drawings new to this volume include the Folland Fo.118 and the Westland P.13. As with the companion volumes, the author has undertaken extensive research and made full use of primary source material. Three-view drawings plus photographs of models or original artist's impressions combine to show how these unbuilt designs would have appeared. Data and appendices summarise the projects, contracts and specifications and provide a detailed insight into many fascinating aircraft.
Download or read book Defiant written by Robert Verkaik and published by Hachette UK. This book was released on 2020-06-04 with total page 251 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 'Defiant is both a stirring testament to the courage of the men who flew them and a welcome new examination of one of the Second World War's most famous conflicts' Alexander Larman, Observer In this startling new perspective on the Battle of Britain, Robert Verkaik reveals the surprising truth about the battle's forgotten fighter, the Boulton Paul Defiant. The crucial role played by the Spitfire and the Hurricane has been exhaustively recorded, but, to date, next to nothing has been written about the third British fighter which took part in the battle. By writing from the unique perspective of the pilots who flew the Defiant and their air-gunners, Verkaik helps to set the record straight. The Air Staff regarded the Defiant as a state-of-the-art bomber destroyer and wanted to equip a third of all Fighter Command squadrons with this new plane. But the head of Fighter Command, Hugh Dowding, had other ideas and went to war with Whitehall over its plan to saddle him with hundreds of 'obsolete' turret fighters. Then at Dunkirk, a Defiant squadron scored a huge success against the Luftwaffe by shooting down more German planes in one day than any other RAF unit before or since. Fighter Command, enthusiastically urged on by the Air Ministry, now committed its third fighter to the coming air battle over southern England. In the desperate dogfights of the battle, Defiants shot down both German bombers and fighters but suffered heavy losses too - one squadron was almost wiped out when it was ambushed by a superior force of Messerschmitt 109s. On 30 August 1940 all Defiant squadrons were withdrawn from the front line. The families of the Defiant air crews believed that their husbands, brothers and sons had died in vain, but the truth is that their vital contribution to the battle over Dunkirk and their role in the Battle of Britain has been all but erased from the official history. The story of the Defiant has not been allowed to mar the glorious victory won by the Spitfire and the Hurricane. But Verkaik has uncovered new records, including top-secret memos written by Hugh Dowding and his deputy Keith Park as well as correspondence with the Air Staff, combat and squadron reports, pilot logs and recordings of the last interviews with Defiant crews. He has also succeeded in tracing relatives of Defiant pilots and gunners to tell the story of the Battle of Britain as it has never been told before. He reveals how the myths which have grown up around the Defiant mask some inconvenient truths.
Download or read book Defiant written by Alvin Townley and published by Macmillan. This book was released on 2014-02-04 with total page 424 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 50 years ago, the POWs who endured Vietnam's most famous prison came home. A powerful story of survival and triumph. Alvin Townley's Defiant will inspire anyone wondering how courage, faith, and brotherhood can endure even in the darkest of situations. “A riveting tribute to true American heroes.”—Senator John McCain, POW (1967-73) "Defiant is Unbroken meets Band of Brothers—and then some." —Congressman Pete Sessions During the Vietnam War, hundreds of American prisoners-of-war faced years of brutal conditions and horrific torture at the hands of North Vietnamese guards and interrogators who ruthlessly plied them for military intelligence and propaganda. Determined to maintain their Code of Conduct, the POWs developed a powerful underground resistance. To quash it, their captors singled out its eleven leaders, Vietnam's own "dirty dozen," and banished them to an isolated jail that would become known as Alcatraz. None would leave its solitary cells and interrogation rooms unscathed; one would never return. As these eleven men suffered in Hanoi, their wives at home launched an extraordinary campaign that would ultimately spark the nationwide POW/MIA movement. The members of these military families banded together and showed the courage not only to endure years of doubt about the fate of their husbands and fathers, but to bravely fight for their safe return. When the survivors of Alcatraz finally came home in 1973, one veteran would go on to receive the Medal of Honor, another would become a U.S. Senator, and a third served in the U.S. Congress.
Download or read book Flying to the Limit written by Peter Caygill and published by Casemate Publishers. This book was released on 2005-01-01 with total page 257 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Describes the design and testing of British fighter planes during World War II.
Download or read book Boulton Paul Aircraft written by Alec Brew and published by . This book was released on 2001 with total page 188 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book records the aeronautical activities of this Norfolk-based company, with a brief history of its origins by William Moore in 1797, and its work during the First World War. It pioneered metal construction after the war and produced parts for the R-101 airship. As Boulton Paul Aircraft Ltd at Wolverhampton, the Defiant was conceived, and its gun turrets would defend RAF bombers during WWII.
Download or read book Boulton Paul Defiant written by Mark Ansell and published by Yellow. This book was released on 2015-03-19 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Boulton Paul Defiant is one Britain's most famous night fighter aircraft. First used as a day, then night during the Battle of Britain; and thus saw service as an auxiliary aircraft. Details are provided of a wide selection of historic machines and fascinating color schemes, as well as full technical details. The book is very well illustrated with many period black and white photos as well as a number of walk-around color photos, taken at the RAF Museum Hendon, of the only surviving Defiant. Also included in the book are a number of excellent 1/72nd scale plans and multiple view drawings of all the significant variants as well a numerous color profiles for both RAF and USAAF operated aircraft. It contains 53 black and white wartime photos, 18 black and white line drawings of various marks in 1/72nd scale, 136 color photos that are walk-around shots of the last existing example of a Defiant in the Hendon Museum, UK, several information charts, 16 illustrations out maintenance manuals and 35 full color side profile paintings (a couple of which are three-views). This book will have great appeal to model builders, aircraft enthusiasts, and aviation historians.
Download or read book Mosquito Aces of World War 2 written by Andrew Thomas and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2013-02-20 with total page 150 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Mosquito developed into one of the most versatile aircraft of World War 2, entering service with Fighter Command in early 1942. The 'Mossie' was soon defending raids on Britain's Cathedral cities and became an integral part of the country's night defences. Its airborne radar gave it the ability to 'see' the enemy at night, and its speed and devastating fire power made it the finest nightfighter deployed by any side during World War 2. This book examines the infamous Mosquito, the nightfighter that was used by many leading RAF, Commonwealth and American aces.
Download or read book The Battle of Britain written by Richard Townshend, Bickers and published by Batsford Books. This book was released on 2015-06-25 with total page 283 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: By the summer of 1940, the overwhelming might of the German air force had triumphed over Poland, Norway, France, Holland and Belgium. As the fighters and bombers of the Luftwaffe amassed on the north west coast of Europe, they had no reason to believe that the heavily outnumbered squadrons of the Royal Air Force (RAF) would prove any more difficult to overcome than their earlier opponents. However, these illusions of invulnerability were soon to be shattered in whirling combats over southern England in the conflict that would be known as the Battle of Britain.
Download or read book World War II Fighter Planes Spotter s Guide written by Tony Holmes and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2021-02-04 with total page 289 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: World War II saw pilots from around the world battling in the skies over Europe, Asia and Africa, with victory resting upon their nerve, skill and the capabilities of some of history's most iconic aircraft. In the chaos of battle, it was vital that they could quickly identify friend from foe. But do you know your Hurricane from your Bf 109, or what the legendary P-51 Mustang looks like? Do you know the wingspan of the A6M Zero-sen, or how fast it could fly? THE WORLD WAR II FIGHTER PLANES SPOTTER'S GUIDE answers all of these questions and more, providing essential information on over 90 legendary aircraft, from the celebrated Spitfire to the jet-powered Me 262. Featuring full-colour artwork to aid recognition, as well as all the details you need to assess their performance, this is the perfect pocket guide to the Allied and Axis fighters of World War II.
Download or read book Boulton Paul Defiant written by Alec Brew and published by Amberley Publishing Limited. This book was released on 2019-06-15 with total page 214 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Over 200 rare and previously unpublished illustrations of this iconic aircraft - the Boulton Paul Defiant.
Download or read book RAF Second World War Fighters in Profile written by CHRIS. SANDHAM-BAILEY and published by HarperTempest. This book was released on 2020-02-19 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Detailed profile artworks and descriptions of 15 different RAF WW2 fighter types.
Download or read book Vintage Aircraft Nose Art written by Gary Valant and published by Zenith Press. This book was released on 2002-01-12 with total page 212 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The unique art that graced military aircraft in World War II and the Korean War. Applied by amateurs or professional artists like Vargas, the art typically featured alluring women whose charms belied the deadly cargo the crew hoped to deliver to its targets. Hundreds of examples are shown in a combination of archival photos from the wars and current photos of artwork in museum collections.
Download or read book Battle of Britain The Movie written by Dilip Sarkar and published by Air World. This book was released on 2023-06-30 with total page 265 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Released in 1969, the film Battle of Britain went on to become one of the most iconic war movies ever produced. The film drew many respected British actors to accept roles as key figures of the battle, including Sir Laurence Olivier as Hugh Dowding and Trevor Howard as Keith Park. It also starred Michael Caine, Christopher Plummer and Robert Shaw as squadron leaders. As well as its large all-star international cast, the film was notable for its spectacular flying sequences which were on a far grander scale than anything that had been seen on film before. At the time of its release, Battle of Britain was singled out for its efforts to portray the events of the summer of 1940 in great accuracy. To achieve this, Battle of Britain veterans such as Group Captain Tom Gleave, Wing Commander Robert Stanford Tuck, Wing Commander Douglas Bader, Squadron Leader BolesÅaw DrobiÅski and Luftwaffe General Adolf Galland were all involved as consultants. This detailed description of the making of the film is supported by a mouth-watering selection of pictures that were taken during the production stages. The images cover not only the many vintage aircraft used in the film, but also the airfields, the actors, and even the merchandise which accompanied the filmâs release in 1969 â plus a whole lot more. There are numerous air-to-air shots of the Spitfires, Messerschmitts, Hurricanes and Heinkels that were brought together for the film. There are also images that capture the moment that Battle of Britain veterans, some of whom were acting as consultants, visited the sets. Interviews with people who worked on the film, such as Hamish Mahaddie, John Blake and Ron Goodwin, among others, bring the story to life.
Download or read book Luftwaffe Bombers in the Battle of Britain written by Andy Saunders and published by Pen and Sword. This book was released on 2014-06-30 with total page 181 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Luftwaffe Bombers in the Battle of Britain will contains some 140-150 images of German bomber aircraft during the summer of 1940. The images will cover the entirety of the battle and will depict losses across Britain during this period. Each picture will tell its own story, and will be fully captioned with historical detail.Each section will have a short introduction and the images will include those of shot down aircraft, including relatively intact machines, badly damaged/destroyed wreckages, photographs of pilots and other related illustrations. All images are from the author's unique collection of wartime photographs of Luftwaffe losses, collected from a variety of sources across some thirty-five years of research.
Download or read book Defending Elysium written by Brandon Sanderson and published by Dragonsteel, LLC. This book was released on 2021-11-23 with total page 81 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As Brandon Sanderson’s #1 bestselling Skyward series celebrates its third volume, Cytonic, travel back in time to the origin of Cytonics in the novella Defending Elysium. Centuries before Spensa looked skyward from the planet Detritus—back on Old Earth before it was lost—Jason Write faced a crucial question: was humanity ready to join galactic society? When faster-than-light communications were discovered by a small telephone company in 2071, alien species such as the Tenasi and Varvax overheard them and came to visit Earth. Because the Phone Company controls all communications with the aliens, their operatives like Jason operate above the law. Now, on the space platform Evensong, one of the Phone Company’s scientists has gone missing before surfacing in a hospital with amnesia, and Jason is sent to investigate. Right as he arrives, the body of a murdered Varvax ambassador is discovered, sure to cause a galactic incident. Coln Abrams of the United Intelligence Bureau seizes the opportunity to investigate Jason as he deals with the crisis. This could be the UIB’s chance to discover the Phone Company’s secrets—how does FTL communication work, and what is Jason hiding? Winner of Spain’s UPC Award for Science Fiction in 2007.
Download or read book Fighter written by Ralf Leinburger and published by Parragon Pubishing India. This book was released on 2011 with total page 328 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
