The Grumman F8F was a fast, agile, carrier-borne fighter aircraft developed as the ultimate dogfighter for the Pacific theatre. Although the plane did make it into production, with some examples even being delivered before the Japanese surrender, there is no evidence to suggest that the Bearcat ever saw combat during the Second World War. With the jet age on the horizon, and the specific threat of Japanese fighters a thing of the past, the Navy cancelled a large portion of its order, and the F8F had a short, low-profile career. The Bearcat did finally see combat with the French military in Indochina, in relatively small numbers and without particular acclaim. The type would have likely faded into total obscurity, but thanks to its incredible raw performance it became a popular air show performer and racer. This is the most complete collection of Bearcat photography in print. The 200 images show the Bearcat both in military service and in civilian use; close-ups and diagrams illustrate the various details of its construction.

As lead ship of America's first "fast battleship" class, and the US Navy's newest battleship when America entered WWII, the construction of the USS North Carolina was not only a source of encouragement for a depression-wrought nation, but was also a source of pride among a fleet of aging battleships. Earning fifteen Battle Stars, the North Carolina is America's most-decorated battleship, having participated in most of the major campaigns in the Pacific during WWII. This volume documents not only the construction and wartime exploits of this historic vessel, but thoroughly explores the restored vessel, providing a great resource for the armchair historian, a keepsake for those who visit the museum ship, and a superb resource for the detailed model builder. Carefully researched photos, many of which have never before been published, are reproduced in remarkable clarity and put the reader on and beneath the decks of this historic warship. Part of the Legends of Warfare series.

The story of the USS Missouri, one of America's most famous warships of the twentieth century, and the world's last battleship, is told from her inception in 1940, through WWII kamikaze attacks, to her being the location of the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay, on September 2, 1945. Missouri's post-WWII activities are covered, from her transporting of the Truman family from South America, to her unfortunate grounding in the Chesapeake Bay, on to her return to combat, not only off Korea in 1950, but also the Persian Gulf in 1990-91. The story of this historic ship is presented through carefully researched photos, many of which have never before been published, and are reproduced in remarkable clarity. The story culminates in Missouri's current status as a museum in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Large, clear photos, coupled with descriptive and informative captions, puts the reader on the deck of this legendary American warship. Part of the Legends of Warfare series.

The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle is one of the most successful fighter designs of the 20th century. The type first flew in 1972, transitioning directly from the drawing board to production with remarkably few hiccups. By late 1974, planes were already being delivered to operational units, and it remains on active duty with several major international militaries today, including the US Air Force.Along with an excellent record for safety and reliability, the F-15 has also compiled more than 100 victories without a loss in air-to-air combat. This book has been brought fully up to date with the latest variants, including the F-15EX Eagle II, which entered service justin 2021. Aviation enthusiasts will enjoy more than 300 images, with everything from detail shots on the ground to action-packed aerial photography.

The Sturmgeschutz, or StuG, as it is more popularly known, while conceived as self-propelled, infantry support artillery, in time, formed the backbone of Germany's anti-tank operations during WWII. With more than 135 war-era photos, this volume chronicles the design, development, and deployment of the first six (of nine variants) of this famed and feared weapon. The material is arranged in seven chapters, each focusing on a specific production model, or Ausfuhrung, of the Sturmgeschutz. This volume covers the Ausf.A through F/8 variants used during the early WWII years. Comprehensive tables reveal the details of performance, as well as technical specifications of each variant. A concise, easy-to-read text, and detailed photo captions expose the secrets of this iconic vehicle. Part of the Legends of Warfare series.

The B-24 Liberator remains to this day the world's most-produced heavy bomber and multi-engine aircraft, and the most produced military aircraft in US history, with almost 19,000 examples leaving the assembly lines of five plants. Through a broad range of photos gathered from around the world, this book chronicles the design, development, and wartime use of the iconic early models of the B-24-those featuring the so-called "glass nose"-from the assembly line to their use in the famous raid on the refineries at Ploesti, Romania, in 1943. The story of these iconic early WWII aircraft is told through carefully researched photos, many of which have never before been published, which are reproduced in remarkable clarity. Large clear photos, coupled with descriptive and informative captions, unlock the secrets of this aircraft. Part of the Legends of Warfare series.

One of America's most famous aircraft, the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress continues to form the backbone of the US nuclear deterrent, and it has also become the nation's principle heavy tactical bomber. It has filled this role since the the early years of the Cold War, the heavy bombing raids during the Vietnam War, and recently in Iraq and Afghanistan. The history of this iconic aircraft is presented through carefully researched photos, many of which have never before been published. Its design and development during the post-WWII years, through the many modifications and upgrades up to the present day are covered in detail. Large, clear photos, coupled with descriptive and informative captions, put the reader on the airfield and in the sky with this historic aircraft. Part of the Legends of Warfare series.

The Curtiss P-40 had a production run of 13,738 aircraft, making it the third most produced US fighter of WWII. Famous as the "shark-mouthed" aircraft of the legendary American Volunteer Group-"Flying Tigers"-the P-40 was first flown in 1938, and was used by the United States and many of its Allies throughout the war. This volume tells the story of this iconic aircraft-from design and construction to combat use to detailed images of existing examples-through carefully researched photos, some of which have never before been published, and which are reproduced in remarkable clarity. These stunning photos, coupled with descriptive and informative captions, put the reader in the skies with this historic aircraft.

The M40 Gun Motor Carriage and M43 Howitzer Motor Carriage are featured in over 200 photographs, providing a detailed study of the conception, development, testing, and combat use of these key vehicles. As the US entered WWII, the nation lacked heavy self-propelled artillery, instead relying heavily on towed artillery, much of it WWI-surplus. Only 100 examples of the nation's first heavy self-propelled gun, the M12, were built. Finding favor once deployed, attention was turned to developing an improved model. Initially designated the T83, and later as the M40, the new 155mm Gun Motor Carriage was first fielded in the closing months of WWII. Already scheduled for mass production, the M40, and its companion 8-inch howitzer-armed M43, continued to see extensive use during the Korean War, providing crucial support to infantry and armor formations. Historic period images, as well as meticulously photographed surviving examples, provide a detailed look at this important piece of US military hardware.

The Grumman J2F Duck formed the backbone of America's over water utility squadrons from 1934 until beyond WWII, setting various aviation records during this service. A single-engine amphibious aircraft (also produced by Columbia Aircraft), the Duck saw service with the US Navy, Marine Corps, Army Air Force, and Coast Guard in a variety of roles including, reconnaissance, air-sea rescue, scouting/observation, and more. This volume is profusely illustrated with scarce archival photographs from diverse collections, including previously unpublished images. Part of the Legends of Warfare series.

The USS Iowa (BB-61) was the lead ship in the United States Navy's last, and most battle-worthy, battleship class, which also included the New Jersey, Wisconsin, and Missouri. This volume explores Iowa's design, construction, launching, and commissioning, as well as its extensive wartime activities in both World War II and Korea. Also covered are its post-Korea years in the reserve "mothball fleet," recommissioning in 1984, and coverage of the tragic 1989 turret explosion that killed forty-seven sailors. The carefully researched photos, many of which have never before been published, are reproduced in remarkable clarity, and coupled with descriptive and informative captions, this book puts the reader on the deck of this historic warship throughout her history.

The Sturmgeschutz, or StuG, as it is more popularly known, while conceived as self-propelled, infantry support artillery, in time, formed the backbone of Germany's anti-tank operations during WWII. With more than 135 war-era photos, this volume chronicles the design, development, and deployment of the first six (of nine variants) of this famed and feared weapon. The material is arranged in seven chapters, each focusing on a specific production model, or Ausfuhrung, of the Sturmgeschutz. This volume covers the Ausf.A through F/8 variants used during the early WWII years. Comprehensive tables reveal the details of performance, as well as technical specifications of each variant. A concise, easy-to-read text, and detailed photo captions expose the secrets of this iconic vehicle. Part of the Legends of Warfare series.

Featuring sloping armor and armed with a powerful 75 mm gun, Germany's Panther tank was developed as a counter to the Soviet T-34. Entering production in 1943, the Panther was intended to become Germany's standard medium tank. Although featuring potent armament and excellent armor, the Panther was hampered by disruptive production and drivetrain maintenance requirements. Produced in three variants, by three firms (MAN, Daimler-Benz, and MNH), the roughly 6,000 Panthers were used on the Eastern Front, in Italy, and from Normandy to Berlin. In this greatly expanded edition of the author's earlier work, almost 250 photos are used to present the Panther from the factory to the battlefield in considerable detail.

Through hundreds of color photos, the bulk previously unpublished, Images of War: M2 Bradley explores America's premier Infantry Fighting Vehicle in an unprecedented level of detail. Go inside and out the modern-day icon, then ride it into battle through they myriad of photos presented in this book. See why Bradley remains one of the most formidable armored combat vehicles of its class, even as it logs over 35 years of service.

As of 2023, the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird is the fastest manned jet aircraft ever produced. It set the record in 1976 and has been retired since the late 1990s. With its unrivalled speed and stunning appearance, the Blackbird has maintained an almost supernatural mystique to this day. The type entered service in the 1960s as a high-altitude (and obviously extremely high speed) military reconnaissance aircraft. Just 32 were built, nearly half of which were written off in accidents. Nearly 300 images are packed into this latest entry in the Legends of Warfare series. This is a great gift for your favorite modeler, pilot, or aspiring pilot.

USS Yorktown (CV-5) was the US Navy's first battle-worthy, purpose-built aircraft carrier. Her crew, already accustomed to wartime conditions by maintaining Neutrality Patrols during 1941 in the Atlantic, quickly adapted to the Pacific Theater, having been dispatched there immediately after Pearl Harbor. First at Coral Sea, then at Midway, Yorktown's flyers blunted the sword of Japanese aggression. The men flying from her decks were instrumental in turning the tide of WWII in the Pacific. This volume explores Yorktown's construction, prewar and wartime activities through carefully researched photos, many of which have never before been published, which are reproduced in remarkable clarity. This clarity, and the large size of many of the photos, coupled with descriptive and informative captions, puts the reader on the deck of this historic warship throughout her history.

This book documents the development and production of the M4A1 through its many variations, as well as its combat use around the globe. Produced by Lima Locomotive Works, Pressed Steel Car Company, and Pacific Car and Foundry, the M4A1 was the first of the famed Sherman tanks and preceded the welded-hull M4 into production. Powered by a nine-cylinder, air-cooled radial engine, the M4A1 fought in North Africa with both US and British forces, across northwestern Europe, and on Pacific Islands with both the Army and the Marines, serving well into the 1950s. The evolving design went through three major hull designs, multiple turret designs, and armament with either a 75 mm or 76 mm gun-all of which are detailed in this book. Extensive archival photographs are augmented by stunning color images of preserved tanks, taking the reader around and inside this famed warhorse. Part of the Legends of Warfare series.

Though it barely missed being caught and destroyed at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the US Navy's USS Enterprise (CV-6) aircraft carrier took part in every major action of the Pacific War, from the Doolittle Raid to the battles of Midway, Santa Cruz, and Guadalcanal to the Philippine Sea and Leyte. Affectionately known as the "Big E," as well as as the "fightingest ship in the Navy," the Enterprise racked up one of the most impressive tallies of damage to the enemy of any Allied warship during WWII. This book explores Enterprise's design and construction, wartime activities, and ultimate postwar decommissioning and scrapping through carefully researched photos, many of which have never before been published. The clarity and large size of many of the photos, coupled with descriptive and informative captions, put the reader on the deck of this historic warship throughout its famed history.

With a midengined configuration, sturdy tricycle landing gear, and nose-mounted 37 mm cannon, the Bell P-39 was a thoughtful and innovative design. However, the plane lacked the all-out performance of some other key fighters available to Allied fliers (e.g., Spitfire, Hellcat, Mustang), particularly at altitude. Largely rejected by British and American combat squadrons, the Airacobra was much better received in the Soviet Union, where the Red Air Force successfully deployed large quantities of the type against the Luftwaffe. This new entry in the Legends of Warfare series features detailed photographic coverage of all variants of the Airacobra, including prototypes, trainer versions, production models C through Q, and the P-400.

The Douglas Devastator was the US Navy's first all-metal combat aircraft, the Navy's first airplane with a fully enclosed cockpit, the first aircraft to have hydraulically folding wings, and the first US Navy torpedo bomber to see combat. Although facing staggering losses in the early stages of the war in the Pacific, the brave men flying the Devastator from the decks of such famed ships as Enterprise, Hornet, Yorktown, and Lexington held the line against the enemy. Through carefully researched photos, many of which have never before been published and which are reproduced in remarkable clarity, the history and details of this iconic aircraft are revealed. This clarity, and the large size of many of the photos, coupled with descriptive and informative captions, puts the reader in the skies with this historic aircraft.

The F4U Corsair, designed by Vought and produced by that firm, as well as, Goodyear and Brewster Aeronautical Corporation, would not only rack up an impressive 11:1 kill ratio against its foes in WWII, but go on to serve through the Korean War as well. The iconic inverted gull wing of the aircraft, along with its distinctive whistling sound made the Corsair unmistakable to friend and foe alike. The Corsair was remarkable not only in serving the US Navy and Marine Corps in two wars, but also remaining in production through 1952. The Corsair was also the mount of some of the nation's most distinguished aces, including Gregory "Pappy" Boyington, Ken Walsh, and Tom Blackburn. Through carefully researched photos, many of which have never before been published and which are reproduced in remarkable clarity, the history and details of this iconic aircraft are revealed. Part of the Legends of Warfare series.

The M4A4, also known as the Sherman V, with its unusual 30-cylinder Multibank engine, was the type of Sherman most widely used by Commonwealth forces during WWII. Additionally, many US tankers were trained using this type of tank. The tank went on to become the basis for the famed Firefly, Crab, and DD amphibious variants of the Sherman. This book chronicles the development and use of the vehicle from concept to combat. The book includes more than 200 photos, both from wartime and of preserved examples.

Few implements of war are as representative of the US presence in Vietnam as the Bell Huey UH-1-series helicopters. Whether serving in the role of troop transport for airborne assault, supply transports, aerial gunships, or medical evacuation, the Huey was seemingly everywhere. The versatile aircraft, officially the "Iroquois," was affectionately known to all as the "Huey," a name derived from its early model designation of HU-1A. The Huey, later redesignated UH-1, was a mainstay during America's presence in Vietnam, and 11 Huey crewmen earned the Medal of Honor. Through carefully researched archival documents and photographs, the history of this iconic helicopter, and the men who flew it, is told in this illustrated volume.

From its introduction in 2007, the International Harvester Navistar MaxxPro evolved to meet the demands of U.S. military personnel in defeating the effects of improvised explosive devices on vehicles in the theaters of operation in Iraq and Afghanistan. By 2015, nearly 9,000 MaxxPro MRAP variants had been in service with 16 nations in addition to the United States. Based on the sturdy and reliable line of International Harvester commercial trucks, the MaxxPro MRAP variants would grow to encompass the M1224; M1224A1; M1234; M1235 and the massive M1249 wrecker. Noted military vehicle experts John Adams-Graf and David Doyle tackle this subject like never before. Tracing the origins of the MaxxPro from its conception in 2006 and throughout its varied career in all combat theaters, this is a Visual History title like no other. Drawing on official documents and Defense Department imagery every facet of the vehicle's development and deployment are covered. Each of the full-page color photographs is more stunning than the next. Arranged chronologically, the coverage depicts Iraq and Afghanistan zones, as well as training areas and finally the redeployment of the MaxxPro family in the hands of Iraqi and Afghani national troops. This coverage is also supplemented with detailed walk around images of the M1224 and M1249 wrecker. All in all, a title not to be missed by the modern vehicle enthusiast and an indispensable reference for anyone owning the Kinetic or Bronco scale model kits.

The March 1965 landing of the US Marine Corps at Da Nang, South Vietnam, marked the first large-scale deployment of US forces to the region. From then on, the Marine Corps fought continuously until May 1975, when two Marines became the last US servicemen killed in that war during the Mayaguez battle. With over 200 archival photos, many never before published, the weapons, vehicles, and equipment of the Marines in theater are documented in this volume. Small arms, mortars and artillery, tanks, amphibious, armored and soft-skinned vehicles, helicopters, uniforms, and personal and specialist equipment are featured in superb-quality photos and detailed captions, including photos from such legendary Marine Corps battles as Hue and Khe Sanh.