The M18 was developed in an era when the United States fought tanks not with other tanks, but with specialized tank destroyers. With a powerful aircraft-style radial engine pushing it at up to 50 miles per hour, and mounting a potent 76 mm cannon, the Buick-built M18 Hellcat, or "Hell-Cat" as Buick's publicists named it, provided US troops with a powerful shoot-and-scoot answer to heavily armored German tanks. Further experiments were conducted to increase its armament or adapt it to other uses, such as the M39 armored utility vehicle. Through dozens of archival images, many never before published, as well as detailed photographs of some of the finest existent examples of these vehicles, this iconic tank hunter is explored, and its history is explained. Part of the Legends of Warfare series.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 112

Dimensions: 228 x 228 mm

Publication Date: 28-05-2020

Though it barely missed being caught and destroyed at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the US Navy's USS Enterprise (CV-6) aircraft carrier took part in every major action of the Pacific War, from the Doolittle Raid to the battles of Midway, Santa Cruz, and Guadalcanal to the Philippine Sea and Leyte. Affectionately known as the "Big E," as well as as the "fightingest ship in the Navy," the Enterprise racked up one of the most impressive tallies of damage to the enemy of any Allied warship during WWII. This book explores Enterprise's design and construction, wartime activities, and ultimate postwar decommissioning and scrapping through carefully researched photos, many of which have never before been published. The clarity and large size of many of the photos, coupled with descriptive and informative captions, put the reader on the deck of this historic warship throughout its famed history.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 128

Dimensions: 230 x 230 mm

Publication Date: 28-11-2020

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules has been in continuous production for over six decades, longer than any other military aircraft in the world, and no end of production is yet in sight. The Hercules has been a part of US combat operations since Vietnam, and the airframe, which began life as a simple transport, has been adapted to a variety of roles, including gunship, electronic warfare, refueling, and rescue. This book chronicles the development and use of the Hercules from concept to combat. Through dozens of archival photos, many never before published, as well as detailed photographs of some of the finest existent examples, these iconic aircraft are explored, and their history explained.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 128

Dimensions: 230 x 230 mm

Publication Date: 28-11-2020

The largest and most advanced US aircraft to see combat in WWII, the B-29 Superfortress was also the most expensive weapons system of the war, even exceeding the cost of developing the atomic bomb. Not surprisingly, the aircraft remained a part of the US arsenal in the following years and again saw combat in Korea. The evolution of the B-29 into the B-50 is covered in this book-the second of two volumes-as is the B-50's part as an early nuclear deterrent. Not only is the production of these aircraft illustrated, so are the host of adaptations, from mother ship to X-planes to weather and refueling aircraft. This volume chronicles the design, development, and deployment of these later versions through photos gathered from around the world.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 128

Dimensions: 230 x 230 mm

Publication Date: 28-11-2020

The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress is one of the most iconic aircraft in aviation history. Through a broad range of photos gathered from around the world, this bookthe second of two volumeschronicles the design, development, and wartime use of the late models of the Flying Fortress, from the first truly combat-capable model, the B-17E, to the lifesaving B-17H. These B-17 versions featured the so-called "large" tail and were famously used in the devastating strategic-bombing campaign against Germany. As a special feature, detailed coverage of the famed "Memphis Belle" is included. Combine volumes 1 and 2 for the complete photographic reference on the Flying Fortress.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 128

Dimensions: 229 x 229 mm

Publication Date: 26-02-2021

The Douglas C-47 Skytrain and its near twin, the C-53 Skytrooper, formed the backbone of American airborne transport during WWII. In addition to hauling cargo, these aircraft also delivered paratroopers to the front, including the Normandy invasion. The aircraft also towed troop-laden gliders during these operations and incredibly could also snatch gliders from the ground while the C-47 was in flight. Derived from the Douglas DC-3, the C-47 saw service with US and Allied militaries in Korea and even Vietnam, including notably the heavily armed AC-47D gunship. This volume explores the development and use of the aircraft, as well as details of its construction. The Douglas C-47 Skytrain and its near twin, the C-53 Skytrooper, formed the backbone of American airborne transport during WWII. In addition to hauling cargo, these aircraft also delivered paratroopers to the front, including for the Normandy invasion. Derived from the Douglas DC-3, the C-47 saw service with US and Allied militaries in Korea and even Vietnam, including notably the heavily armed AC-47D gunship. This volume explores the development and use of the aircraft, as well as details of its construction. The Skytrain was indispensable to the American war effort; more than 10,000 were built and many are still flying today. The planes are also on display at museums on every continent aside from Antarctica, making the plan very relatable and accessible for readers all over the world. Readers will enjoy nearly 300 images of the C-47 and its variants, including the C-53 and AC-47D. Reader will enjoy nearly 300 images of the C-47 and its variants, including the C-53 and AC-47D Readers will enjoy nearly 300 images of the C-47 and its variants, including the C-53 and AC-47D More than 10,000 C-47s were built and many are still flying today This work provides an ideal reference for modelers

Bind: hardback

Pages: 144

Dimensions: 228 x 228 mm

Publication Date: 28-03-2024