With fighter planes it can be as simple as this: those with the better aircraft generally win. Take a look at the fighters and their firsts, from the beginning of air combat in World War One through World War Two's dogfights and blitzkriegs. Some aircraft made their mark immediately; others initially showed less promise but then came through with flying colors. Also center stage are the pilots who worked miracles with their machines and became as famous as the planes they flew.
Jon Guttman is editor of the leading US magazine History Today, and author of a number of books across naval and military aviation history topics. Jon Guttman is editor of the leading US magazine History Today, and author of a number of books across naval and military aviation history topics.