This second of two volumes continues the P-38 story by focusing on the later, mass-produced models of this historic fighter--P-38J through P-38M. Each type is examined through carefully researched archival photos, as well as photographs of currently preserved examples. Known to the enemy during World War II as the "Fork-tailed devil," the pilots of the Lockheed P-38 Lightning were charged with the responsibility of escorting American bombers deep over heavily defended Europe during the early years of the air campaign against Nazi Germany. In the Pacific, the Lightning's long range was put to good use flying over vast expanses of ocean. Detailed text and captions illustrate not only the design and construction of the later-war Lightnings, but also their combat use in WWII. Large, clear photos, coupled with descriptive and informative captions, put the reader on the airfield and in the sky with this historic aircraft.

LIGHTNING STRIKES-THE LOCKHEED P-38 tells the full story of one of the most successful and versatile aircraft of the Second World War. The P-38 (including its F-4 and F-5 photo reconnaissance models) eventually served with all the USAAF's numbered overseas air forces, from early 1942 to VJ Day. The book describes the Lightning's design and its technical details as it gradually evolved and improved, from the original XP-38 to its final variant, the P-38L-5. The main focus is on its service in the combat theatres, from the frigid, windswept Aleutian Islands in the North Pacific to the steaming jungles of the South Pacific and Southeast Asia, the burning sands of North Africa and the more temperate climes of Europe. All the units that flew the Lightning are included, as are the experiences of many of their pilots and ground crewmen as they fought the Japanese Empire and the European Axis. Also related are the P-38's service with foreign (non-U.S.) air forces, its postwar commercial utilization as civilian aircraft and the surviving examples in museums around the world. The book is extremely well illustrated by over 400 high-resolution photographs, art work and graphics, and is supplemented by detailed appendices.

The definitive story of the World War II fighter which the Germans dubbed the fork-tailed devil includes line drawings, photos of prototypes and coverage of Lockheed proposals.

The P-38 made its combat debut in Europe in mid-1942, the first American fighters being flown to the UK before heading further east to Twelfth Air Force units in North Africa. Its service in this theatre, and later over the heartland of Germany itself, earned the P-38 the nickname 'der gabelschwanzer Teufel' (the 'fork-tailed' devil). This volume traces the careers of many previously unknown aces within the USAAF in Europe, and helps redress the balance which has in the past seen all the 'glory' for the fighter victories in this theatre shared between the pilots of the P-47 and P-51. Some 17 pilots scored 7 or more kills on the P-38 in the ETO/MTO.

Even today, almost eighty years after its first flight, the North American P-51 Mustang remains one of the most famous and recognizable aircraft in the world. Nimble and fast, qualities that lead the Mustang to be used even today in air races, the aircraft was forged in battle. This, the second of two volumes on this iconic aircraft, explores the "bubbletop" versions that helped bring the war to the German and Japanese homelands. These Mustangs were widely used escorting Allied bombers deep into the enemy homeland. The story of this historic fighter is told through carefully researched archival photos, as well as photographs of preserved examples, illuminated through detailed captions, thereby illustrating not only the use of the late WWII Mustang, but also the details of its construction. Large, clear photos, coupled with descriptive and informative captions, put the reader on the airfield and in the sky with this historic aircraft.

It has been said that "bombers make history; fighters make movies." In the case of the Grumman F-14 Tomcat, both are true. It made history as a fleet defender, reconnaissance platform, and strike fighter. The Tomcat was also featured in such Hollywood classics as Top Gun, The Final Countdown, and Executive Decision, followed by television appearances on JAG. This new illustrated look at the iconic Tomcat features a concise, detailed look at its design and construction, followed by its service in the US Navy from 1975 to 2006. Also covered is a rare look at its use by the Imperial Iranian Air Force, and continued use by the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force. All USN units that flew the Tomcat are featured, including squadron patches, markings, and nose art. Combat operations are discussed, including aerial combat over Libya, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Part of the Legends of Warfare series.

This book presents the evolution and development of perhaps the most iconic German fighter of WWI--the Fokker Dr. 1 triplane or "Dreidecker." The Dr. 1 was born from experiments in cantilever monoplanes and the excellent combat record of the Sopwith triplane, which appeared at the western front at the end of 1916. Only 320 Fokker Dr.1s were built, yet their imprint on aviation history was and is far reaching and enduring--perhaps due to those who flew them. Baron Manfred von Richthofen and his brother Lothar, as well as Werner Voss, Ernst Udet, and many others, all flew the triplane, helping burnish their image in collective memory. This book highlights the design and construction of the legendary Dr. 1, as well as showcasing many flying replicas and where they can be found. Also included are selected museums from around the world where Dr. 1s can currently be seen.