Product Description

The Americans lagged behind their European contemporaries in military aviation in the late 1930s, and it took the Battle of Britain to awaken an isolated America to the necessity of having aircraft that could defend targets against nighttime attack by bomber aircraft. With the help of the RAF, the importance of creating such a specialized fighter force was given top priority. This book examines the numerous aircraft types that were used by the US in this role, beginning with the early 'stop-gap' conversions like the TBM Avenger, Lockheed Ventura and the A-20 Havoc (P-70).

It goes on to detail the combat history of the newer and radar equipped Hellcats, Corsairs and Black Widows that were designed to seek out enemy aircraft (both German and Japanese) in Europe, the Mediterranean and the Pacific. It was these aircraft that registered most of the kills made by the Navy, Marine Corps and USAAF in 1944-45. Finally there are additional accounts from the American pilots who spent time on the frontline on exchange tours with the RAF in the ETO/MTO, learning the intricacies of flying radar-equipped fighters like the Mosquito and Beaufighter at night, prior to the USAAF taking receipt of the much-delayed P-61. With full color profiles and rare photographs, this is an absorbing account of an often underestimated flying force: the American Nightfighters.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #391513 in Books
• Published on: 2008-09-23
• Released on: 2008-09-23
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 96 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781846033063
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review
"Number 84 in the highly successful [Aircraft of the Aces] series addresses a very specific subject and makes use of the talents of two well known authors, one British, one American. Following the well-established format of authoratative text supplemeted by rare photos and a folio of color profiles, this book describes the efforts of a dedicated group of skilled aviators... Thomas is a serving RAF officer and has established himself as an authority on his service's long and rich history. Thompson, likewise, is a respected historian on Army/Air Force and Navy/Marine subjects as well as an avid collector of rare photographs. Thus, this book cannot fail to impress and add to the log of information on nightfighters." -Naval Aviation News (March 2009)

"Provides an excellent survey of the RAF's role in helping American fighters develop top-notch craft and techniques... includes thirty specially commissioned original color artworks and five vintage photos. All are outstanding military guides recommended for specialty military collections." -California Bookwatch, November 2008

"I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the history and development of Nightfighters of WWII. For those individuals, it will become a valuable resource and inspiration for their modeling. Even if the reader does not have that particular interest, this book will still be an educational and fun book to read. I enjoyed it enough that I've just added two US Nightfighter model kits to my "Christmas Wish List". -Keith Pruitt, IPMS (November 2009)


"As this book tells the story of American night-flyers from the England to Burma, from North Africa to New Guinea, it carries between the lines the evolution of the specialized aircraft, the history of the secret technologies, and, indeed, the progress of the war. Andrew Thomas & Warren Thompson present great detail about the nightfighters' achievements that would not likely be found in another single source. As I would with every other Osprey book I have encountered, I would recommend this book for the bookshelves of anyone interested in WWII generally and WWII aerial activities in particular." -David Stubblebine, World War II Database (October 2008)

About the Author
Warren Thompson has had numerous books and magazine articles published over the past 30 years. His interest in the role of the American nightfighter in World War 2 has spanned this entire length of time, although he has also been successful in writing on the Korean War and Vietnam. Thompson has written books for Osprey since 1990, with his latest contributions being the Aces volumes on the 4th and 51st Fighter Wings in the Korean War, and a Combat Aircraft title on the F-117 in Operation Desert Storm.

Andrew Thomas is one of Britain's leading RAF researchers, having published numerous articles and books on the subject, as well as readily assisting other authors. Having joined the RAF to fly straight from school, he has maintained his enthusiastic interest in the history and development of this Service throughout his career.

Customer Reviews

Excellent Summary of U. S. Nightfighter Aces in Action!
Almost two dozen Americans became nightfighter aces in World War II. They served in various commands - Air Force, Navy, Marines, RAF - and flew a grab-bag of aircraft - P-61s, F6Fs, Beaufighters, Mossies, F4Us. Though their scores never approached those of their daytime compatriots, their kills were hard earned and vital to the final Allied victory. Osprey stalwarts Andy Thomas and Warren Thompson relate the fascinating saga of AMERICAN NIGHTFIGHTER ACES OF WORLD WAR 2 in this 2008 Osprey release.

When WWII broke out, America lagged behind other world air forces in terms of nightfighter aircraft, radar and tactics. With RAF help and work by pioneering pilots like USN CDR 'Chick' Harmer, America eventually produced a number of deadly nightfighters like the Black Widow and fielded units that took their toll on Axis aircraft plying the night skies.

Thomas and Thompson's book provide a globe-spanning tour of the development of the American nightfighter efforts and the combats various U.S. pilots and units took part in. So the reader is treated to first-hand accounts of Russ Reiserer in his F6F-3N, P-61 ace Herman Ernst, Mossie ace Archie Harrington and others stalking and downing Bettys, Ju 88s, FW 190s, Zeroes and even V-1s.

The book is illustrated with over 80 black & white photos and 12(!) color pix. The center section of color aircraft profiles by Chris Davey is especially noteworthy. What a smorgasbord of aircraft: Mossies, Black Widows, Hellcats, Havocs, Venturas, Beaufighters, Corsairs and Lightnings!

Given its widespread coverage and pleasing illustrations, AMERICAN NIGHTFIGHTER ACES OF WORLD WAR 2 is a marvelous introduction to some talented pilots that, by war's end, had denied the night skies to Axis aircraft. Recommended.

American Nightfighter Aces WW 2 (Aircraft of the Aces)
Good read,gave me an insight into the operations of the fighter aircraft used in the night fighter role. Main reason for buying this book was to obtain more information on the role of the "P61 Black Widow", because I am building a model of this aircraft.

Vipers of the night
From the Beaufighter to the P-61 and F6F, these American nightfighters fought Bf-110s, Ju-88s, Ju-188s, Ki-45s, and G4Ms in the darkest of nights. These men stalked their prey with deadly accuracy.
The deadly P-61 'Black Widow' was a hard foe to fight. With 4 20-mm and 4 50 cal. machine gun and cannon, the 'Widow' was a venomous plane.
The F6F 'Hellcat' was also a force to be reckoned with, being equipped with 20-mm and 50 cal. machine gun and cannon as well.

These are just two of many nightfighter planes in this book.
I found this book very informative on the American nightfighters and the aircraft they flew. With first hand accounts that make the battles come to life. This book has pilots such as 'Lou' Luma, Eugene Axtell, Paul Smith and many more nightfighter aces.
This book was a pleasure to read. With 88 pages of pictures, information and color plates, this book is a must have for any nightfighter enthusiast!
I have 10 Osprey books and I am waiting for 13 more, and none have disappointed me yet! So if you're looking for a series or just a book or two about aces, then I would recommend Osprey's books highly!