This is an illustrated guide shown in over 100 images. It is a compelling history of the Supermarine Spitfire, from the first single-seat prototype of 1936 through to post-war planes that equip fighter units around the world. It includes complete technical specifications detailing the Spitfire's armament, power plant, dimensions, weight and performance. It features over 100 photographs of the Supermarine Spitfire in action, as well as a cutaway diagram showing the interior construction of this classic fighter aircraft. The legendary Supermarine Spitfire was designed solely as an air protection interceptor, to engage and destroy enemy bombers attempting to attack targets in the British Isles. It was also ideal as a reconnaissance aircraft, providing photographs and crucial details of enemy involvement. This book describes the design and development of this outstanding combat aircraft, and includes eyewitness accounts from pilots who flew it during the Battle of Britain and beyond. Wartime photographs and cutaway diagrams accompany the expertly written text, making this an essential volume for everyone interested in these history-making aircraft.

In this book, the Spitfire, Lancaster, Messerschmitt, Mustang and Flying Fortress are shown in 500 photographs and illustrations. It is a visual guide to five classic wartime aircraft from 1939-1945: the Supermarine Spitfire, Avro Lancaster, Messerschmitt 109, North American P-51 Mustang and Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. It includes technical specifications detailing each aircraft's armament, power plant, dimensions, weight and performance. It features over 500 action and identification photographs, as well as cutaway diagrams showing the interior construction of these iconic aircraft. The five aircraft described in this book - the Spitfire, Lancaster, Messerschmitt, Mustang and Flying Fortress - emerged from World War II as the truly outstanding designs of that period. This book examines the course of these planes' construction, development, introduction into service and subsequent career in action. Each aircraft is described in detail, with a cutaway drawing to show its interior parts.Combined with numerous eyewitness accounts from pilots and more than 500 identification photographs, the book provides a fascinating insight into the nature of air combat during the most innovative period in wartime history.

This is an illustrated guide shown in over 75 images. It is a fascinating history of the Messerschmitt 109, from its maiden flight in 1935 through to the redesigned versions that flew during the final months of World War II. It includes complete technical specifications detailing the Messerschmitt 109's armament, power plant, dimensions, weight and performance. It features over 75 photographs of the Messerschmitt 109 in action, as well as a cutaway diagram showing the interior construction of this classic fighter aircraft. The story of the Messerschmitt began in 1934, although chief designer Willi Messerschmitt had no previous experience of designing fighter aircraft. This book will lead you through the chronological history of this classic aircraft and its involvement in World War II, including details of how the Messerschmitt 109 delivered a series of high-speed diving attacks to break up the enemy during World War II. It describes the Messerschmitt's design and development, and includes eyewitness accounts from pilots who flew it in action. With over 75 historical photographs, this volume is an essential companion for every military aircraft enthusiast.