Fighter Aces of the Luftwaffe in World War 2 - Hardcover

Kaplan, Philip

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1844154602 ISBN 13: 9781844154609

Publisher: Pen and Sword Aviation, 2007

Synopsis

This book examines the reality behind the myths of the legendary German fighter aces of World War II. It explains why only a small minority of pilots - those in whom the desire for combat overrode everything - accounted for so large a proportion of the victories. It surveys the skills that a successful fighter pilot must have - a natural aptitude for flying, marksmanship, keen eyesight - and the way in which fighter tactics have developed. The book examines the history of the classic fighter aircraft that were flown, such as the Messerschmitt Bf 109 and the Focke Wulf Fw 190, and examines each type's characteristics, advantages and disadvantages in combat.

The accounts of the experiences of fighter pilots are based on archival research, diaries, letters, published and unpublished memoirs and personal interviews with veterans.

The pilots included are Werner Molders, Gunther Rall, Adolf Galland, Erich Hartmann and Johannes Steinhoff.

About this title

About the Author:

Author/historian/designer/photographer Philip Kaplan has written and co-authored forty-seven books on aviation, military and naval subjects. His previous books include: One Last Look, The Few, Little Friends, Round the Clock, Wolfpack, Convoy, Fighter Pilot, Bombers, Fly Navy, Run Silent, Chariots of Fire, Legend and, for Pen and Sword, Big Wings, Two-Man Air Force, Night and Day Bomber Offensive, Mustang The Inspiration, Rolling Thunder, Behind the Wire, Grey Wolves, Naval Air, and Sailor. He is married to the novelist Margaret Mayhew.

Review:

Fighter Aces – Knights of the Sky offers a broader perspective to our area of study and is recommended. (Over the Front)

About this edition

• Publisher: Pen and Sword Aviation
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 1844154602
• ISBN 13: 9781844154609
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 208