P-47 Thunderbolt vs Bf 109G/K: Europe 1943-45

Description

The largest single engined fighter when the USA entered the war, the P-47 was a monster of a machine. In contrast the Bf 109G was a much smaller aircraft. With all-round better performance than the P-47 at low altitudes the Bf 109G was the staple Defence of the Reich fighter. This book examines the mighty clash between these two legends of the sky. It examines the numerous aspects of the pilots' training, the tactics they used once in combat and the leading edge technology employed by these second generation World War 2 aircraft as well as the continual development of both fighter types. Finally, the key elements of both fighters the airframe, engine, armament and flying characteristics are also explored through first hand accounts from the aces that went head-to-head in the war-torn skies of Europe.

Martin Bowman is the author of the three highly successful Mosquito volumes in the Combat Aircraft series and the P-51 Mustang versus the Fw 190 in the Duel series, as well as three books on the B-17 in the ETO. He has also written more than a dozen titles on the 'Mighty Eighth', over the past 20 years, having interviewed many veterans both in the UK and the USA. Gareth Hector is a digital artist of international standing as well as an aviation history enthusiast. Gareth completed the battlescene artwork and cover artwork. This is the first book he has worked on for Osprey Publishing.

"In all, an excellent addition to what has become a popular series. I know you will enjoy it as much as did I." --Scott Van Aken, Modeling Madness (September 2008) "...this collection of first-hand accounts from the fighters is a pick for any military library." --California Bookwatch (November 2008)