In Volume 2, of a planned three-volume set, the author continues his definitive history of the 5th Fighter Command combining grand world strategy and Pacific strategy with subsequent land and air campaigns. This book describes the 5FC as it continues on the offensive after the reduction of Rabaul in November 1943 and then decimates Japanese air power over western New Guinea, and on its approach to the Philippines. The final destruction of Japanese air and ground forces during the Philippines Campaigns until V-J Day concludes this ultimate chronicle of the Fifth Fighter Command making this history a must for every World War II aviation enthusiast. Volume three will cover: 5FC vs. Japan: Aces, Units, Aircraft, and Tactics.

In 1935, the intent of the Army Air Corps was to build a potential intercontinental bomber, a "Guardian of the Hemisphere"; they granted Donald Douglas a contract to build the world's largest bomber. Over the past 75 years, there have only been a few magazine articles on the gigantic Douglas XB-19 bomber, usually showing it in photos dwarfing the aircraft around it. Since the XB-19 project was top secret and there was only one example, there is little information remaining for researchers. William Wolf presents this enigmatic bomber, a "Flying Laboratory" that was the precursor to America's first intercontinental bomber, the Continental B-36 Peacemaker. Wolf has used original Douglas and Army Air Force documents and very rare (as few were needed for one bomber) Erection & Maintenance Manuals in this history, which also includes never-seen-before photos and color profiles. This volume is a must for the aviation historian, enthusiast, and modeler.

Following his previous "Ultimate Look" volumes on the B-29, B-32, B-18, and B-25, and volumes one and two in this series, Wolf continues his definitive history of U.S. aerial armament in World War II. Drawing from his extensive library, microfilm archives, and technical manuals Wolf covers: Dive Bombers, Fighter Bombers, Rockets, Napalm, Torpedoes, Depth Charges, Aerial Mines, GT-1 Glide Pattern Torpedo, Speedee Bomb, Hydrobomb, Disney Rocket-Assisted Bomb, Very Heavy Conventional Bombs, Atomic Bomb, Poison Gas and Biological Bombs, Leaflets, Animal Aerial Weapons. There is an extensive chapter on guided missiles including GB (Glide Bomb) Series, VB (Vertical Bomb) Series, Drones (Aphrodite, Anvil, Castor, Willie Orphan, XBQ-1/2/3 and PQ Series, and USN TDR drones), SWOD (Special Weapons Ordnance Device) Series (Robin, Pelican, Moth, and Bat/SWOD Mk9), Glomb, Gargoyle, Gorgon, JB: Jet Bomb Series (JB-1 through 10).

This meticulously researched volume is a must in the library of any aviation buff: the most comprehensive descriptive and illustrated history of military and civilian aircraft and their pilots (men and women) to increase the range and endurance of their aircraft. Beginning with the proof of concept efforts to establish the airplane as a true flying machine from 1900 to WWI, it then delves into civilian and military efforts by country, with the civilian effort mainly for personal achievement and the military for ultimately developing the intercontinental bomber and beyond. Hundreds of daring civilian flights of the 1920s and '30s are described by nation until the start of WWII. The inflight refueling mania of the 1930s and pre- and post-WWII military refueling efforts are covered. Post-WWII civilian aircraft and military fighter distance record attempts are included, as are the efforts of the Cold War and beyond. Also described are airline, seaplane, balloon, glider, hang glider, solar, and human-powered aircraft accounts.

Following his first two massive volumes describing the day-by-day history of the 5th Fighter Command and associated tactical, strategic, and grand strategy, William Wolf completes the trilogy with this volume. The aces of the 5FC are now personalized, and their fighters described, and Japanese aces are portrayed for the first time. American and Japanese pilot training and their importance to the outcome of the war is discussed and compared. Details of the 5FC Groups and Squadrons are revealed, as are those of the Japanese Naval and Army Air Forces. The details of the aircraft of the two combatants are compared, and the vulnerability of Japanese aircraft is discussed. The flying of the six aircraft types of the 5th Fighter Command is first described from Pilot Flight Manuals, then by the aces who flew them. Japanese and American combat maneuvers and tactics are described. The crucial importance of logistics and the construction of airfields are also discussed, along with maintenance and repair. Finally, the air war is presented from the Japanese viewpoint, including the causes for the defeat of its air forces.

Following his previous "Ultimate Look" volumes on the B-29, B-32, B-18, and B-25, and volumes one and two in this series, Wolf continues his definitive history of U.S. aerial armament in World War II. Drawing from his extensive library, microfilm archives, and technical manuals Wolf covers: Dive Bombers, Fighter Bombers, Rockets, Napalm, Torpedoes, Depth Charges, Aerial Mines, GT-1 Glide Pattern Torpedo, Speedee Bomb, Hydrobomb, Disney Rocket-Assisted Bomb, Very Heavy Conventional Bombs, Atomic Bomb, Poison Gas and Biological Bombs, Leaflets, Animal Aerial Weapons. There is an extensive chapter on guided missiles including GB (Glide Bomb) Series, VB (Vertical Bomb) Series, Drones (Aphrodite, Anvil, Castor, Willie Orphan, XBQ-1/2/3 and PQ Series, and USN TDR drones), SWOD (Special Weapons Ordnance Device) Series (Robin, Pelican, Moth, and Bat/SWOD Mk9), Glomb, Gargoyle, Gorgon, JB: Jet Bomb Series (JB-1 through 10).

Since end of WWII the major role played by the 5th Fighter Command in winning the war in the Pacific has been almost totally neglected. Wolf puts the air campaigns into strategic and tactical context, then breaks down every daily air battle into Fighter Groups and Squadrons using unit Narrative Combat Reports. Daily battles are then described by flights, elements, and individual pilots using over 9,000 newly released documents. Vol.1 describes the 5FC precursors in the Philippines, Java, and Australia and continues through Papua and New Guinea, and ends with the reduction of Rabaul in Nov.1943.

In the savage air combat over Guadalcanal and then the equally bloody air battles up Solomon chain, New Georgia and Bougainville, 13th Fighter Command took a back seat to Marine aviation in personnel, equipment, supply, operations, and publicity.

Following his previous Ultimate Look volumes on the B-29, B-32, B-18, and B-25, Wolf has written the definitive book on U.S. aerial armament in World War II. Drawing from his extensive library, microfilm archives, and technical manuals Wolf covers aerial machine guns and cannon; a discussion of the machine gun vs. cannon controversy, ammunition; gunsights; gun cameras; search radar and radar gunsights; Central Fire Control systems and remote sighting; an extensive section on the development, installation, and description of the numerous bomber turret and non-turret gun positions; fighter aircraft armament; gunnery training; bomber and fighter air-to-air and strafing gunnery tactics; fighter and bomber gunnery aces; and a survey of the armament installations on all World War II U.S. fighters and bombers. Each topic is introduced by a history of its development and manufacture, followed by a detailed description and pictorial of the weapon, its installation, and use.

William Wolf brings his meticulous research to describe the little known Douglas B-18 Bolo which was America's most numerous front line bomber at the time of Pearl Harbor. Over the years the story of the airliner turned bomber has languished in obscurity and the few articles on the subject in popular aviation magazines have emphasized its faults and maligned it as a budget bomber that had few virtues. Wolf's comprehensive book is the first ever on the subject and gives the reader the definitive description and appraisal of this neglected bomber's development, testing, manufacture, the aircraft per se, and combat experience.

Lost in the air combat and air ace fanfare of World War II was the dangerous, unheralded and vital role played by USAAF fighter-bomber pilots over the Mediterranean and northwest Europe. Four times as many pilots were lost during strafing and ground attack sorties than were lost against the Luftwaffe in aerial combat. This extensive book is the first in-depth examination of American air-to-ground attack and explores numerous aspects of the subject. The three priorities of the fighter-bomber - air superiority, interdiction and close air support along with combat reports and pilot narratives - are put into the context of the various ground operations. The fighter-bomber pilot risked his life every day against the thickest flak in the war to deprive the enemy of vital reinforcements and supplies, altering his strategy and movement.

In 1935 the USAAC wanted to build a potential intercontinental bomber, a 'Guardian of the Hemisphere,' and granted Donald Douglas a contract to build the world's largest bomber. The groundwork for the intercontinental bomber had been laid in the previous two decades by the courageous military and civilian pilots who risked their lives to set new distance and endurance records. After World War I the future Axis and Allied nations built larger aircraft and finally during World War II Germany and Japan became intent on developing intercontinental bomber to retaliate against America. While the XB-19 never flew as an intercontinental bomber or even as a combat bomber; its contributions as a 'Flying Laboratory' significantly influenced the development of the Consolidated B-36 Peacemaker, the world's first true intercontinental bomber. Since the XB-19 project was top secret and there was only one example built there is little information remaining for researchers. Over the years Bill Wolf has collected the largest quantity of XB-19 material and a number of photographs, including a copy of the original Army Air Force acceptance of the aircraft, first-hand narratives of its first flight, and other USAAC and Douglas Company documents. This book provides a superbly illustrated history of the XB-19 intercontinental bomber and the text is supported by previously unpublished photographs.

Of all the Allied bombers of WWII, the Douglas A-20 Havoc is probably the least well known, but was a major contributor to the air war effort, flying yeoman and unheralded missions not only for the USAAF, but also for the Royal Air Forces of Britain, South Africa, and Australia; the Vichy and Free French Air Forces; and most importantly, for the Soviet Army and Navy Air Forces, where more A-20s flew than with the USAAF. This is the sixth in the "Ultimate Look" series and presents the same meticulous depth of research as the other books, using a multitude of original sources, technical manuals, and photographs. It includes an in-depth look into the history of the Douglas Company, its founder, Donald Douglas, and its legendary designer, Ed Heinemann. This book is truly the definitive look at the Havoc.

Nearly every World War II fighter squadron that flew in Europe has had its history chronicled. Other than "Pappy" Boyington's famous VMF-214 "Black Sheep", little has been written about Marine Corps squadrons in World War II. The contribution of VMF-223, the "Death Rattlers", over Okinawa in the Spring of 1945 is virtually unknown. In two months there, the squadron became the top-scoring unit of any service with 124 1/2 victories and produced 12 aces, the most for one tour of any Marine squadron. The squadron downed 24 3/4 Japanese aircraft twice in its tour, the most for a single Marine squadron in any single action. The squadron's story is not only one of its pilots, combat, and valor, but also of the enlisted men, "the ground-crunchers," who made it function against the Japanese kamikaze menace. Along with the traditional historical perspective, it is an inside look at the personal side of training and war. It is the story of a group of untried young men who trained long and hard and became "family."

Over the years the B-32 has been described only in a small number of magazine articles and in a booklet that have generally given a superficial and incomplete account, maligning the bomber, fairly or not, as a mediocre design besieged with developmental problems and a lackluster combat record. Consolidated B-32 Dominator - The Ultimate Look: from Drawing Board to Scrapyard is the definitive description and appraisal of this neglected bomber's development, testing, manufacture, and combat experience. The author used company design and production information, flight and test evaluations, along with previously unexplored Flight Manuals and Consolidated-Vultee Erection and Maintenance Manuals. From rare microfilm of original material and insights and personal narratives of the personnel involved, Wolf has gathered information on the pre-combat testing and all the combat missions of the bomber in the Pacific.

The XB-40 and XB-41 were secret, little-known experimental modifications of the B-17F and B-24D, respectively, into heavily-armed bomber gunships sometimes referred to as "bomber escorters". They were developed during early World War II in response to the lack of a USAAF long-range fighter aircraft able to escort and protect regular B-17 formations making the round trip from Britain deep into Germany. Using many formerly-classified documents from his large microfilm collection, William Wolf presents their previously-unpublished history. It describes in depth for the first time the politics and development and associated problems of both escorter types. Unfortunately, these "protecters" were found wanting in several ways - after the addition of guns and ammunition they became overweight and tail-heavy causing center of gravity problems and each encountered numerous delays in the development and delivery of their various armament additions and improvements, particularly the Bendix chin turret. In the end, the YB-40 participated in only 14 lackluster operational service test missions during mid-1943 before being withdrawn from service. The XB-41 Liberator never saw operational testing before also being cancelled for its poor performance. The failure of the gunship concept left a huge hole in the capabilities of the Eighth Air Force. Their failure, however, spurred the adoption of the Merlin-powered P-51 Mustang, the outstanding escort fighter that was key to Allied victory in the air war over Europe.

Every week the TV news highlights the routine use of drones and guided missiles against terrorist enemies and the recreational use of drones has become commonplace. The Nazi WWII development of guided missiles and bombs is often given credit for America's Cold War success in this realm. However, it was during that war that America, and the Air Force, in particular, also began the development of systems and weapons that laid the foundation for today's technology. 'Off Target' relates in detail the then "Secret" research, development, and combat employment of these early guided bombs, missiles, and drones from 1917 to 1948. Using formerly Secret/Confidential manuals, reports, microfilm print outs, and photos, collected over 40 years, author Wolf, gives the air war historian and enthusiast a detailed look at this unknown topic that progressed from biplane drones to sophisticated post-WWII guided missiles. Among the subjects discussed are Sperry's aerial torpedo and the Kettering "Bug" of WWI to WWII's early rudimentary GB Series Glide Bombs to the more sophisticated VB Series that evolved from radio, heat, light, or television guidance. The Aphrodite/Joseph Kennedy B-17, BQ, TDR, and target drones are discussed as are the SWOD, GLOMB, GORGON, and JB Jet bomb series.

This second of two volumes on the North American B-25 Mitchell covers the late-WWII G through J, F-10, and PBJ variants of the famed US medium bomber. Among the many topics discussed are the Mitchell versions used by the US Navy and Marine Corps, as well as photo-recon and experimental types. B-25s in foreign wartime service are also shown, including those used in Poland, France, England, and Soviet Russia. A detailed chapter covers all types of armament used in the Mitchell, from guns and cannon of various calibers to ammunition used, including machine gun rounds, rockets, and bombs. A special section of the book features discussions on unique B-25 missions, events, and aircrew during WWII and in the postwar era, such as the April 1942 Doolittle Raid and the B-25 collision with the Empire State Building in July 1945. B-25 appearances in classic feature films such as Thirty Seconds over Tokyo and Catch-22 are also detailed.

The North American B-25 Mitchell is WWII's most heralded and versatile medium bomber. Volume 1 (of two) gives the reader a concise illustrated look at the A through D models and follows the bomber's genesis from the formation of the North American Company and its early steps toward the development of the NA-40, the first B-25. The continued evolution of the Mitchell from the A, B, C, and finally to the iconic D models is described in vintage photos. The production at the parent Inglewood, California, plant and then the Kansas City plant is illustrated, as are the important modification centres. The last half of the book covers the D model in many colour photos of the interior and exterior, from nose to tail and from wingtip to wingtip. The Wright R-2600 radial engine and Hamilton-Standard propeller are detailed, as are their associated systems. The Mitchell's markings and insignia changes are featured throughout.