Ju 87 Stuka vs Royal Navy Carriers

Ju 87 Stuka vs Royal Navy Carriers PDF Author: Robert Forsyth
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1472840844
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 81

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Book Description
Ju 87 dive-bombers, originally developed for pin-pointing bombing missions against land targets and Allied naval vessels were deployed by both the Luftwaffe and the Regia Aeronautica against the Allied forces. Included in such a target were perhaps the greatest prize of all for a Stuka pilot: a British aircraft carrier. This superbly illustrated book looks at the duel between the Ju 87 Stuka and the aircraft carriers of the Royal Navy. Despite their gun protection ('pompoms')and their squadrons of fighters, these immense and mighty vessels proved irresistible targets to determined and experienced Stuka aces as they endeavoured to stop British naval intervention in the campaigns in Norway, Malta and Crete. By 1941, the Ju 87 had become known by the British as a fearsome aircraft following its operations in France, specifically at Dunkirk, as well as in the Balkans. For the Luftwaffe, it was an aircraft in which they still had great confidence despite its mauling in the Battle of Britain during the summer of 1940. This book examines the key attributes and shortcomings of both aircraft and carrier by analysing various compelling episodes including the dramatic attacks on Ark Royal by Stukageschwader (St.G) 1 off Norway in April 1940, the strikes by the Luftwaffe's St.G 1, St.G 2 and the Regia Aeronautica's 237° Squadriglia against Illustrious in Malta harbour. Aside from outstanding photography and artwork, this volume also include numerous personal accounts from Stuka crews, the pilots of carrier-borne fighters opposing them and the sailors embarked in the various carriers that came under attack.

Ju 87 Stuka vs Royal Navy Carriers

Ju 87 Stuka vs Royal Navy Carriers PDF Author: Robert Forsyth
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1472840844
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 81

Get Book Here

Book Description
Ju 87 dive-bombers, originally developed for pin-pointing bombing missions against land targets and Allied naval vessels were deployed by both the Luftwaffe and the Regia Aeronautica against the Allied forces. Included in such a target were perhaps the greatest prize of all for a Stuka pilot: a British aircraft carrier. This superbly illustrated book looks at the duel between the Ju 87 Stuka and the aircraft carriers of the Royal Navy. Despite their gun protection ('pompoms')and their squadrons of fighters, these immense and mighty vessels proved irresistible targets to determined and experienced Stuka aces as they endeavoured to stop British naval intervention in the campaigns in Norway, Malta and Crete. By 1941, the Ju 87 had become known by the British as a fearsome aircraft following its operations in France, specifically at Dunkirk, as well as in the Balkans. For the Luftwaffe, it was an aircraft in which they still had great confidence despite its mauling in the Battle of Britain during the summer of 1940. This book examines the key attributes and shortcomings of both aircraft and carrier by analysing various compelling episodes including the dramatic attacks on Ark Royal by Stukageschwader (St.G) 1 off Norway in April 1940, the strikes by the Luftwaffe's St.G 1, St.G 2 and the Regia Aeronautica's 237° Squadriglia against Illustrious in Malta harbour. Aside from outstanding photography and artwork, this volume also include numerous personal accounts from Stuka crews, the pilots of carrier-borne fighters opposing them and the sailors embarked in the various carriers that came under attack.

RAF Fighters vs Ju 87 Stuka

RAF Fighters vs Ju 87 Stuka PDF Author: Andy Saunders
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1472862554
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 81

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Book Description
An illustrated account of the clashes between RAF Fighter Command's Hurricane and Spitfire and the Luftwaffe's Ju 87 Stuka in the skies over France, the Channel and southern England. The story of the Luftwaffe's Ju 87 Stuka and its use against British targets in 1940 has been clouded by the aircraft's – somewhat unfair – reputation as 'fighter fodder' for the RAF's Hurricanes, Spitfires and turret-armed Defiants. In actuality, it was a formidable weapon when employed properly and remained in operational use for the entirety of World War 2, achieving iconic status through its engagements at Dunkirk and the Battle of Britain. Aviation expert Andy Saunders addresses the misconceptions surrounding the Ju 87 with this fresh appraisal of its famous actions in the skies over France, the Channel and southern England. Enhanced by first-hand accounts, rare photographs and newly commissioned artwork and diagrams, the story unfolds to reveal how the Stuka defended itself against on oncoming fighters and how, in turn, RAF pilots learned to shoot the aircraft down.

Stuka Attack!

Stuka Attack! PDF Author: Andy Saunders
Publisher: Grub Street Publishing
ISBN: 9781908117359
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
The Junkers 87 Stuka was an iconic weapon of World War Two and an aircraft name that was, and still is, instantly recognized worldwide. Its roles in Poland and the Battles of France and the Low Countries are almost legendary, but in the UK its import during the Battle of Britain is one that has never been covered in any specific detail. Here, Andy Saunders takes a critical look at every operation by Ju87s against British targets in 1940 - including those on land and at sea. Each raid is charted, covering all aspects of the attacks including participants, defending RAF fighters and those on the receiving end. Myth and reality and truth and legend are all examined and analyzed in this highly illustrated new book, which adds to our knowledge of one of the most significant periods in the whole of British history. Foreword by Dr Hans Migeod, Ju87 Stuka pilot during Battle of Britain.

RAF Fighters vs Ju 87 Stuka

RAF Fighters vs Ju 87 Stuka PDF Author: Andy Saunders
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1472862589
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 166

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Book Description
An illustrated account of the clashes between RAF Fighter Command's Hurricane and Spitfire and the Luftwaffe's Ju 87 Stuka in the skies over France, the Channel and southern England. The story of the Luftwaffe's Ju 87 Stuka and its use against British targets in 1940 has been clouded by the aircraft's – somewhat unfair – reputation as 'fighter fodder' for the RAF's Hurricanes, Spitfires and turret-armed Defiants. In actuality, it was a formidable weapon when employed properly and remained in operational use for the entirety of World War 2, achieving iconic status through its engagements at Dunkirk and the Battle of Britain. Aviation expert Andy Saunders addresses the misconceptions surrounding the Ju 87 with this fresh appraisal of its famous actions in the skies over France, the Channel and southern England. Enhanced by first-hand accounts, rare photographs and newly commissioned artwork and diagrams, the story unfolds to reveal how the Stuka defended itself against on oncoming fighters and how, in turn, RAF pilots learned to shoot the aircraft down.

RAF Fighters vs Luftwaffe Bombers

RAF Fighters vs Luftwaffe Bombers PDF Author: Andy Saunders
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1472808541
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 81

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Book Description
The Battle of Britain was a fight for survival against a seemingly unstoppable foe. With the German army poised to invade, only the fighters of the Royal Air Force stood between Hitler and the conquest of Britain. Losses were high on both sides, but the Spitfires, Hurricanes, Havocs and Defiants of the RAF began to take their toll on the overextended, under-protected Kampfgruppen of Heinkel He 111s, Junkers Ju 87s and 88s, and Dornier Do 17s. Both sides learned and adapted as the campaign went on. As the advantage began to shift from the Luftwaffe to the RAF, the Germans were forced to switch from round-the-clock bombing to only launching night-raids, often hitting civilian targets in the dreaded Blitz. This beautifully illustrated study dissects the tactics and technology of the duels in this new kind of war, bringing the reader into the cockpits of the RAF fighters and Luftwaffe bombers to show precisely where the Battle of Britain was won and lost.

Stuka Pilot

Stuka Pilot PDF Author: Hans Ulrich Rudel
Publisher: Hassell Street Press
ISBN: 9781014185877
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 248

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Book Description
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

World War II US Gunships

World War II US Gunships PDF Author: William Wolf
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1472844599
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 81

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Book Description
The XB-40 and XB-41 were secret, little-known experimental modifications of the B-17F and B-24D, respectively, into heavily-armed bomber gunships sometimes referred to as “bomber escorters”. They were developed during early World War II in response to the lack of a USAAF long-range fighter aircraft able to escort and protect regular B-17 formations making the round trip from Britain deep into Germany. Using many formerly-classified documents from his large microfilm collection, William Wolf presents their previously-unpublished history. It describes in depth for the first time the politics and development and associated problems of both escorter types. Unfortunately, these “protecters” were found wanting in several ways - after the addition of guns and ammunition they became overweight and tail-heavy causing center of gravity problems and each encountered numerous delays in the development and delivery of their various armament additions and improvements, particularly the Bendix chin turret. In the end, the YB-40 participated in only 14 lackluster operational service test missions during mid-1943 before being withdrawn from service. The XB-41 Liberator never saw operational testing before also being cancelled for its poor performance. The failure of the gunship concept left a huge hole in the capabilities of the Eighth Air Force. Their failure, however, spurred the adoption of the Merlin-powered P-51 Mustang, the outstanding escort fighter that was key to Allied victory in the air war over Europe.

P-47 Thunderbolt vs German Flak Defenses

P-47 Thunderbolt vs German Flak Defenses PDF Author: Jonathan Bernstein
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1472846303
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 149

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Book Description
Since the end of World War 2, the tactical air war over Europe has been largely overlooked by historians and authors alike in favour of analysis of the higher profile strategic bombing campaign. Involving just as many aircraft as the daylight heavy bombing campaign, the fighter-bombers (principally of the Ninth Air Force) wreaked considerably more havoc on German ground forces. Indeed, Thunderbolt units undertaking such missions effectively complemented the strategic campaign, ensuring the defeat of Nazi Germany. P-47 pilots paid a high price to achieve this victory, however, as the German flak arm was well equipped (nearly a quarter of all war-related production was devoted to anti-aircraft weaponry) with weapons of various calibres to counter tactical air power's low to medium altitude threat. The USAAF four numbered air forces that saw action over the European continent suffered significant fighter-bomber losses to flak. The principle fighter-bomber from the summer of 1944 through to VE Day was the P-47D, with both dedicated ground attack units and squadrons that had completed their bomber escort tasking seeking out targets of opportunity across occupied Western Europe. While heavy-calibre anti-aircraft fire was intended to both shoot down enemy aircraft and force bombers to drop their ordnance sooner or from higher altitudes, thus reducing bombing accuracy, low-altitude flak batteries put up a virtual 'wall of steel' for enemy fighter-bombers to fly through. Damaging a low-flying fighter-bomber made it easier for other flak gunners to track, engage and destroy it. Innovations like lead-computing gunsights gave gunners a higher probability of intercepting low-altitude fighters. Conversely, the appearance of air-to-ground rockets beneath the wings of P-47s gave pilots better standoff range and a harder-hitting punch when dealing with low and medium altitude flak units. This volume analyses the tactics and techniques used by both P-47 fighter-bomber pilots and German flak gunners, featuring full-colour illustrations to examine the Allied tactical air power in Europe from 1943 and how German defences were overpowered by the air threat.

Dornier Do 217 Units of World War 2

Dornier Do 217 Units of World War 2 PDF Author: Chris Goss
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 147284615X
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 97

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Book Description
The Do 217 had a much larger bomb load capacity and had considerably greater range than the Do 17, which it replaced in frontline service from mid to late 1941. Although initially used simply as a bomber, later variants were developed to allow the Do 217 to undertake the precision maritime strike role. In order to perform the latter mission, the Do 217 was modified to launch glide bombs – units employing these pioneering weapons enjoyed some success in the Mediterranean from the autumn of 1943. During the course of these operations the Do 217 became the first aircraft in military aviation history to deploy a precision-guided bomb in combat in the form of the 'Fritz X' radio-guided, free-fall weapon, which sank the Italian battleship Roma shortly after Italy capitulated in September 1943. The Do 217 served on all fronts, and was often used on anti-shipping strikes during the Battle of the Atlantic and against the Allied invasion fleet at Normandy. This versatile aircraft was also converted into a nightfighter, seeing action in the Defense of the Reich through to war's end. This highly illustrated study explores the design and development of the Do 217 and chronicles its use in the frontline as a strategic bomber, launch platform for first generation precision weapons, reconnaissance aircraft and nightfighter, among others.

“Big Week” 1944

“Big Week” 1944 PDF Author: Douglas C. Dildy
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1472824539
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 97

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Book Description
A rigorous new analysis of America's legendary 'Big Week' air campaign which enabled the Allies to gain air superiority before D-Day. The USAAF's mighty World War II bomber forces were designed for unescorted, precision daylight bombing, but no-one foresaw the devastation that German radar-directed interceptors would inflict on them. Following the failures of 1943's Schweinfurt-Regensburg raids, and with D-Day looming, the Allies urgently needed to crush the Luftwaffe's ability to oppose the landings. In February 1944, the Allies conceived and fought history's first-ever successful offensive counterair (OCA) campaign, Operation Argument or “Big Week.” Attacking German aircraft factories with hundreds of heavy bombers, escorted by the new long-range P-51 Mustang, it aimed both to slash aircraft production and force the Luftwaffe into combat, allowing the new Mustangs to take their toll on the German interceptors. This expertly written, illustration-packed account explains how the Allies finally began to win air superiority over Europe, and how Operation Argument marked the beginning of the Luftwaffe's fall.