Gunning for the Red Baron

Gunning for the Red Baron PDF Author: Leon Bennett
Publisher: Texas A&M University Press
ISBN: 9781585445073
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 228

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Book Description
The daring air aces of World War I faced more than the enemy when they took to the sky - they faced the odds. Their chances of being hit were high; the odds of their hitting the enemy were low. One pilot, French Captain Albert Moris, reported 400 hits to his aircraft in his 253 hours of flying, more than a hit per hour. Even the most maneuverable of the British fighters, the Sopwith Camel, lost as many machines as its pilots shot down. Pilots flying Camels rang up 1,294 victories, but 1,500 machines were lost to accidents and enemy fire, and many Camel pilots died within weeks of entering combat. Was it luck or skill that sustained the Red Baron, the German ace who flew, fought, and thrived until he was finally shot down in April 1918? Gunning for the Red Baron gives the lowdown on why it was so hard to score a hit, what qualities helped the aces succeed, and the weapons and planes that were celebrated in the air war to end wars. Most basically, this richly illustrated book explains why aim was so notoriously bad. London's Public Records Office, and careful study of Great War technology, author Leon Bennett analyzes combat sequences, the arts of aerial gunnery, and the weapons themselves. His detailed insight into the mechanics of air warfare allows him to reach some startling conclusions about one of the enduring controversies of World War I: what finally brought the Red Baron down.

Gunning for the Red Baron

Gunning for the Red Baron PDF Author: Leon Bennett
Publisher: Texas A&M University Press
ISBN: 9781585445073
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 228

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Book Description
The daring air aces of World War I faced more than the enemy when they took to the sky - they faced the odds. Their chances of being hit were high; the odds of their hitting the enemy were low. One pilot, French Captain Albert Moris, reported 400 hits to his aircraft in his 253 hours of flying, more than a hit per hour. Even the most maneuverable of the British fighters, the Sopwith Camel, lost as many machines as its pilots shot down. Pilots flying Camels rang up 1,294 victories, but 1,500 machines were lost to accidents and enemy fire, and many Camel pilots died within weeks of entering combat. Was it luck or skill that sustained the Red Baron, the German ace who flew, fought, and thrived until he was finally shot down in April 1918? Gunning for the Red Baron gives the lowdown on why it was so hard to score a hit, what qualities helped the aces succeed, and the weapons and planes that were celebrated in the air war to end wars. Most basically, this richly illustrated book explains why aim was so notoriously bad. London's Public Records Office, and careful study of Great War technology, author Leon Bennett analyzes combat sequences, the arts of aerial gunnery, and the weapons themselves. His detailed insight into the mechanics of air warfare allows him to reach some startling conclusions about one of the enduring controversies of World War I: what finally brought the Red Baron down.

Fall of the Red Baron

Fall of the Red Baron PDF Author: Leon Bennett
Publisher: Helion and Company
ISBN: 1908916435
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 386

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Book Description
Fighter pilot Manfred von Richthofen (the Red Baron) lacked innate aerobatic ability. As a tyro, he attempted to solve this problem through denial, going so far as to sneer at stunting as pointless. Great War air combat experience proved quite the reverse, and so we would anticipate a short and sad fighting life for the fellow. Yet the Red Baron became the Great War's single greatest scorer, as measured by total victories. How did he do it? This book is concerned with tactics, especially those tactics used by the Red Baron and his opponents. It offers the how and why of Great War aerial combat. The author leans heavily on his expertise in engineering and aerodynamic techniques to explain this, with his reasoning presented in a readable, non-mathematical style. Absent are both the usual propaganda-laced Air Service reports and psychobabble. Offered instead is the logic behind Great War aerial combat; i.e., those elements determining success or failure in the Red Baron's air war. Gunnery experience led to the machine gun as the weapon best suited for aerial combat. Joined with a suitable aircraft, the extremely successful Fokker diving attack resulted. In reaction, effective defensive techniques arose, using forms of shrewd tactical cooperation by two-seater crews: pilot and gunner. These are detailed. Numbers mattered, establishing the level of assault firepower. Tactics of machines flying together in formation are given, as well as those of 'formation busters', intent upon reversing the odds and turning large numbers into a disadvantage. A pilot's nature and emotions had much to do with choosing between the options defining tactics. What were the aces like? How were tactics tailored to suit personality? What traits made for the ability to grapple with a jammed machine gun? A dozen high achievers are examined in terms of tactics and background. In a fascinating study Leon Bennett covers all of these aspects of WWI aerial combat, and more. Similarly, the author turns his attention to examining the cause of von Richthofen's death, employing the tools of logic, rather than merely accepting one of the many conflicting eyewitness reports as truth. In doing so, much testimony is exposed as unlikely. The bullet scatter to be expected from ground anti-aircraft fire matters greatly, and is developed, along with the odds against lone riflemen hoping to hit a fast-moving low altitude target. The most dangerous altitude for front-line crossing is established. The author concludes by rating the possibility of a rifleman downing the Red Baron as quite realistic - certainly as likely as any of the more celebrated possibilities. This is an important book, offering a groundbreaking account of WWI aerial tactics, and a thorough examination of the final combat and death of the Red Baron.

Raymond Collishaw and the Black Flight

Raymond Collishaw and the Black Flight PDF Author: Roger Gunn
Publisher: Dundurn
ISBN: 1459706625
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 273

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Book Description
The first comprehensive biography of Canada’s third-highest- scoring ace in the First World War. Ever wondered what it would be like to fly a biplane or triplane in the First World War? Raymond Collishaw and the Black Flight takes you to the Western Front during the Great War. Experience the risks of combat and the many close calls Collishaw had as a pilot, flight commander, and squadron leader. Understand the courage Collishaw and his fellow flyers faced every day they took to the air in their small, light, and very manoeuvrable craft to face the enemy. As the third-highest-scoring flying ace among British and colonial pilots in the First World War, scoring 60 victories, Collishaw was only surpassed by Billy Bishop and Edward Mannock. This book traces Collishaw’s life from humble beginnings in Nanaimo, British Columbia, to victories in the skies over France.

The American Shorthorn Herd Book

The American Shorthorn Herd Book PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Cattle
Languages : en
Pages : 786

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Innocence

Innocence PDF Author: Peggy L. Headlund
Publisher: Strategic Book Publishing
ISBN: 1608602494
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 345

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Book Description
Lilia's mischievous adventures and inventive ideas lead to a glorious romp through life on an island ranch, and a family's ups and downs.

Over the Front

Over the Front PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : World War, 1914-1918
Languages : en
Pages : 334

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Book Description


The Journal of Military History

The Journal of Military History PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Electronic journals
Languages : en
Pages : 660

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Book Description


American Herd Book

American Herd Book PDF Author: American Short-horn Breeders' Association
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Cattle
Languages : en
Pages : 1186

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The American Short-horn Herd Book

The American Short-horn Herd Book PDF Author: Lewis Falley Allen
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Cattle
Languages : en
Pages : 760

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Book Description


Autumns in the Garden

Autumns in the Garden PDF Author: Ira Berkow
Publisher: Triumph Books
ISBN: 1623683351
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 263

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Book Description
Featuring 25 years’ worth of columns from one of New York’s most popular sportswriters, this collection is guaranteed to delight Knickerbockers fans of all ages. These unforgettable opinions, stories, and observations from New York Times columnist Ira Berkow capture the spirit of the Knicks, from memories of Red Holzman and Earl Monroe to reflections on Carmelo Anthony and Jeremy Lin. As the 2013 team celebrates the 40th anniversary of their 1973 NBA championship, this book enlightens fans on the entire colorful history of the franchise.