German Jets Versus the U.S. Army Air Force: Battle for the Skies over Europe - Hardcover

William Hess

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0933424639 ISBN 13: 9780933424630

Publisher: Specialty Press, 1996

Synopsis

Through first-hand interviews with German and American pilots and analysis of air combat reports, Hess addresses this critical period as he recounts the new jets strengths and weaknesses, Allied counter tactics, German blunders, and stories of the first-ever prop versus jet air combat. Includes coverage of Adolf Gallands jet units, the Me 163 and 262, and the Arado 234.

About this title

Review:

This interesting little book is an entertaining overview of USAAF encounters, and in particular victories, over Me 262s, Me 163 Komets and Arado 234s. The book is enlivened by pilot's combat reports that the author has culled from USAAF records and which really bring the actions to life, and it's been a real eye-opener to discover that the Me 163s and the highly formidable 262s never really seem to have stood a chance: as soon as they appear on the scene gaggles of Mustangs, Thunderbolts and occasional P-38s tear after them and more often than not the Germans are doomed. Me 262s in particular are bounced on a regular basis, and this is even before the British and Americans started loitering near the 262's bases in order to catch them landing or taking off. Rather than being cowed at the prospect of tangling with jets, eager allied fighter pilots (the RAF barely get a mention, but for once this is entirely forgiveable seeing that the book is based around US combat reports) viewed the jets as a challenge. One pilot in here actually comments "Isn't this fun?" over the R/T as he and his wingman chase after a jet! --By Grev

About this edition

• Publisher: Specialty Press
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0933424639
• ISBN 13: 9780933424630
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 175