Military Books

Sōryū, Hiryū, and Unryū-Class Aircraft Carriers: In the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II https://amzn.to/3L6DC5u Warships Books https://tinyurl.com/warships-books This book covers the design and construction of the two well-known Sōryū and Hiryū carriers, and the lesser-known ships of the Unryū class, and relies on original Japanese source material, including numerous photos, drawings, and specifications. How and why the Japanese designed and constructed the WWII-era, medium-sized Sōryū, Hiryū, and Unryū-class aircraft carriers, and how they were operated, is covered in detail. The Imperial Japanese Navy planned the construction of 45 aircraft carriers from 1918 to 1943 and commissioned 25 of them between 1922 and 1944. These types were large, medium, and small aircraft carriers, with some converted from other warship classes, and escort aircraft carriers remodeled from passenger ships. The medium type presented here formed the majority, with a total of 18 planned: five were completed, three remained in various completion stages at the end of the Pacific War, and ten were eventually canceled.

Falklands War Operations Manual: April to June 1982 https://amzn.to/3RPeWRq Wars and Battles Books https://tinyurl.com/wars-and-battles-books Insights into the planning, logistics and tactics that led to the successful retaking of the Falkand Islands (Haynes Manuals) The Haynes Falklands War Operations Manual looks at the planning and logistics that made the whole operation possible. It considers how the naval Task Force was raised and assembled in rapid time, the adaptation and conversion of the liners QE2, Canberra and Uganda for war service in the South Atlantic, the logistics of the long voyage south, how Ascension Island became a 24/7 staging post and operations 'hub' for the Task Force, the use of air power (in particular the RAF Harrier and RN Sea Harrier), the RAF’s air-to-air refuelling tanker aircraft that made much of the air component of the operation feasible, the epic Black Buck Vulcan bomber raid on Stanley; ships, landing craft, helicopters, weapons and equipment, and how the re-supply operation kept the fuel, food and ammunition flowing across 7,878 miles of ocean.

Vickers-Maxim Machine Guns Enthusiasts' Manual: 1886 to 1968 (all models) https://amzn.to/3OeC23d Guns and Rifles Books https://tinyurl.com/guns-and-rifles-books An insight into the development, manufacture and operation of the Vickers-Maxim medium machine guns Vickers-Maxim Machine Guns Enthusiasts' Manual is the first in a new range of Haynes ‘crew-served’ heavy weapons manuals. The Vickers is one of the best-known British heavy machine guns. The Maxim gun was the first fully automated machine gun to be introduced into military service at the end of the 19th century. Gradually refined to become the Vickers 0.303in medium machine-gun, it was used widely by British and Commonwealth forces in both world wars. Operated by a three-man crew, it was popularly known as ‘the Vickers’. Firearms expert and acclaimed author Martin Pegler, a former Senior Curator of Firearms at the Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds, describes the concept of an automated machine-gun and its potential use for land forces; its genesis, design, development and early trials; and the introduction by the UK military of the Vickers machine gun and its adoption for infantry, aircraft and armoured vehicles in the world wars of the 20th century.

Harley-Davidson WLA: The Main US Military Motorcycle of World War II https://amzn.to/48tLojh The Motorbike Book: The Definitive Visual History https://youtu.be/9Sf1dqghf80 The story of an iconic model in the long history of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, the WLA, which was used by Allied forces during WWII, is told for the first time. Developed for the US Army's mechanized cavalry, the Harley-Davidson WLA became the leading US military motorcycle of the war. It served the US armed services as a messenger and military police vehicle. The Red Army's motorcycle battalions, reconnaissance units of its tank armies, also used them as their primary vehicle. The armies of the Soviet Union, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, France, China, and Brazil also made use of the model and its variants. It is known today as the "Liberator". Discover the history and stories of individuals who rode this icon to war and why the model is now a favorite among civilian collectors.

Aircraft Carriers: The World's Greatest Carriers of the Last 100 Years https://amzn.to/46MHtgS Warships Books https://tinyurl.com/warships-books Aircraft Carriers features 52 of the most significant flat tops and amphibious assault ships built since the 1920s. During World War II, the aircraft carrier finally came into its own. Fleet carriers carrying 30–40 aircraft allowed the Japanese and US navies to project air power across the vast Pacific Ocean, with the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor presaging a new kind of warfare. With the sinking of hundreds of ships during World War II, including the German battleship Bismarck in 1941, by the end of the war carriers ruled the waves and the era of the battleship had passed. Aircraft Carriers features flat tops and assault ships from the last 100 years, from the USS Yorktown, which survived direct hits during the battle of Midway (1942), through the Falklands War veteran HMS Invincible, to the mighty Nimitz class, the core of the US Navy's carrier battle groups today. Also included are significant amphibious assault ships, such as the USS Tarawa and French Mistral. Each entry includes a brief description of the ship's development and history, a color profile view or cutaway, key features, and specifications.

Humvee: America's Military Workhorse https://amzn.to/3ISnO5p Tanks and Armored Vehicles Books https://tinyurl.com/tanks-and-armored-vehicles Since the mid-1980s, the American High Mobility Military Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV, or Humvee) has become synonymous with the US military. In service all around the world for decades, it remains—Iraq War controversies notwithstanding—the world standard in light military tactical vehicles. Gradually nearing the end of its frontline service, it has earned a place of honor beside the much-loved Jeep of World War II. This is a concise look at the background, development, and operational history of the Humvee from the 1970s to the present. The author brings a unique perspective and authority as a Bosnia veteran and former Humvee crewman with the United States Army's 1/104th Cavalry. He was granted behind-the-scenes access to 1/104th Cavalry HMMWVs and the Army's collection of rare vehicles at Ft. Benning, Georgia. Also included is the Humvee's service in lesser-known places such as Cold War Germany, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Korea, and Africa, as well as detail photos of the Humvee's features.

E-8 JSTARS: Northrop Grumman's Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System https://amzn.to/480pNza Military Aircraft Books https://tinyurl.com/military-aircraft-books This book is the first dedicated exclusively to Northrop Grumman’s E-8 Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System—JSTARS—America’s current-day ground surveillance, battle management, and command and control aircraft. The E-8’s complete history, from the early origins of the JSTARS concept to the latest available information on current use, is presented. The book also traces the evolutionary path followed by the aircraft (developed from the Boeing 707), from the various studies that resulted in the definitive version of the aircraft, to its various models since its first use in 1991. Technical aspects on the E-8’s mission equipment are covered in detail, and operational features such as the actual requirements involved in real missions are also described, all based on official documentation. The book also examines the role played by the JSTARS in all combat operations it took part in throughout its career, from Desert Storm to the present, and discusses the concept into the future.

British Infantryman Operations Manual: The British and Commonwealth soldier 1939-1945 https://amzn.to/44vqSw4 An insight into the weapons, uniform, ... of the Second World War British infantryman. British soldiers in World War II, with their old-fashioned helmets, spring-powered PIAT anti-tank guns and veneration of heroic defeats, may have lost the propaganda war – to be fair, the cut of a British Army battledress blouse probably did that on Day One – but their record speaks for itself. World War II may have started badly for the British in France and the Far East. but they were victorious in the North African desert, in Europe and in India and Burma where the ‘Forgotten Army’ first held the Japanese and then inflicted at Imphal and Kohima the greatest loss to the Japanese on land.

Twin Mustang: North American's P-82 F-82 and XP-82 Fighters https://amzn.to/3szTjfe Military Aircraft Books https://tinyurl.com/military-aircraft-books Aviation monograph of the F-82 Twin Mustang, an unusual variant of the famous P-51 Mustang. Developed during the Second World War, but too late to see combat, the Twin Mustang was created by the engineering team at North American Aviation to provide long-range escort for larger, slow bombers. - With the outbreak of the Korean Conflict, the Twin Mustangs were fortuitously positioned to provide immediate impact to the advantage of United Nations forces in the opening stages of the action. - Later, a record-breaking long-distance flight was accomplished by a single aircraft, and the type was found useful for testing numerous experimental designs, from ramjet bodies to the first air-to-air missile concepts. - The plane was effective as a radar-toting night fighter, and it could also carry large bombs, rockets, extended-range fuel tanks, and an eight-gun nacelle, providing a substantial increase in machine gun firepower. This book also details the amazing story of XP-82 44-83887 from test bed use, to a landing accident and disposal, to its discovery and restoration to flying status. Author John Gourley is a crash/rescue fire protection specialist who has served in this capacity both in the United States Air Force and as a civilian contractor.

Panther Tank Enthusiasts' Manual https://amzn.to/3EdKAlt Tanks and Armored Vehicles Books https://tinyurl.com/tanks-and-armored-vehicles Panzerkampfwagen V Panther (SdKfz 171) - An insight into the design, construction and operation of the finest medium tank in the Second World War. Regarded by many as one of the greatest tanks ever built, the German Panther is probably the finest medium tank of the Second World War and certainly the most numerous German panzer in wartime service, with some 7,000 built. It combined firepower, armour protection and mobility that was unmatched by any other tank of the period. In the Panther Tank Enthusiasts' Manual, author Mark Healy looks at the development, construction and fighting qualities of the Panther, as well as including insights into what it was like to operate and maintain. He focuses on surviving Panthers at the German Armour Museum in Munster (Panther Ausf A) and the later Panther Ausf G at the Tank Museum, Bovington, as his centrepieces and draws on a range of documentary and photographic information sources in Germany, the USA and France.

The World Encyclopedia of Destroyers and Frigates https://amzn.to/3QZaOQg Warships Books https://tinyurl.com/warships-books An Illustrated History Of Destroyers And Frigates, From Torpedo Boat Destroyers, Corvettes And Escort Vessels Through To The Modern Ships Of The Missile Age. This comprehensive encyclopedia focuses exclusively on destroyers and frigates. The opening section both explains the rationale behind the technological development of destroyers and frigates and illustrates the varied manner of their use. Three major country-by-country sections then deal with, firstly, the destroyer in its formative years up until the end of World War I, and secondly, its classic phase and transformation into a specialist anti-aircraft escort. The third section covers the development of the frigate since its inception in 1940. Technical description is blended with informed comment on the performance and effectiveness of each of over 250 types and classes, making this an essential reference, and also an enjoyable read for anyone interested in naval history. The book examines destroyer and frigate evolution, including special topics such as the origins of the torpedo boat, frigates versus high-speed submarines, and frigates in the missile age. Specification boxes provide each vessel’s country of origin, the company that built the ship, construction and completion dates, displacement, dimensions, armament, machinery, power and performance. A collection of over 500 colour and black-and-white photographs illustrating each type of warship, and there are fascinating quotes from military leaders, plus a glossary of key terms and abbreviations.

SR-71 Blackbird: Lockheed's Ultimate Spy Plane https://amzn.to/3sxjqn2 Military Aircraft Books https://tinyurl.com/military-aircraft-books 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 unrivaled 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 Enterprise (CV-6) Aircraft Carrier https://amzn.to/3DXV9ca Warships Books https://tinyurl.com/warships-books A concise history of the design, development, and deployment of USS Enterprise (CV-6). 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 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. Explores Enterprise's design and construction, wartime activities, and ultimate postwar decommissioning and scrapping. 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.

The World Encyclopedia of Battleships: An Illustrated History https://amzn.to/3DPafjS Warships Books https://tinyurl.com/warships-books An illustrated history of battleships, their origins and evolution, this meticulously researched book begins with a history of the battleship, from the first ironclad wooden-hulled ships of the 19th century to the revolutionary Dreadnoughts of World War I and the mighty battleships and battle cruisers of World War II. It includes a country-by-country directory of battleships, with details about each vessel’s history, construction, appearance and function. Featuring more than 150 ships – including Dreadnought, Hood, New Jersey, Bismarck and Nagato – specification boxes provide at-a-glance information about each ship’s country of origin, launch date, size, weight, armament, power, performance and complement, and includes facts and anecdotes about the famous battles and naval operations in which these ships played a role. Featuring over 550 photographs from naval and military sources worldwide, many rarely seen before, this is a must-have reference book for everyone interested in the battleships that have helped to make history.

RAF Bomber Command Operations Manual: 1939 to 1945 https://amzn.to/44U7XMv Military Aircraft Books https://tinyurl.com/military-aircraft-books Night after night for six years of war, RAF Bomber Command's squadrons pounded away at the cities of Nazi Germany in a determined effort to bring the Third Reich to its knees. Pitted against Bomber Harris's aircrews and aircraft were some of the most effective and deadly defenses the world had seen up until then. For Bomber Command to launch a 'maximum effort' raid on the Ruhr by night, or a low-level strike on a target in enemy occupied Europe by day, it involved a huge amount of planning. Who decided what to bomb? Why, when and where were bomber airfields built? How was the overall command structure organized, from the Air Council down to individual squadron level? Who were the commanders and who were the men that made up the rank and file of the Command? How did the RAF train its bomber crews? What aircraft did they fly and what weapons did they use? How was a raid planned and once it was launched what happened? How was the effectiveness of a raid and bomber tactics analyzed afterwards? How did the RAF go about tracing the 'missing' (47,000 men 'failed to return' from operations)? How were damaged bombers repaired and made good again for operations? Useful appendices include a Bomber Command War Diary listing key events 1939-1945, squadrons and their commanders, an a-to-z of bomber airfields, and sample orders of battle from 1939, 1943 and 1945. Fully illustrated with some 300 photographs, the RAF Bomber Command Operations Manual gives a compelling insight into the workings of one of the most powerful instruments of 20th century warfare.

Battleship USS Tennessee (BB-43): From Pearl Harbor to Okinawa in World War II https://amzn.to/3rU76gg Warships Books https://tinyurl.com/warships-books USS Tennessee was the lead ship of the Tennessee class of dreadnought battleships built for the United States Navy in the 1910s. Tennessee served in the Pacific Fleet for duration of her peacetime career. She spent the 1920s and 1930s participating in routine fleet training exercises. Although bombed at Pearl Harbor, USS Tennessee was back to sea before the year was over. The crew of the resilient warship fought from Alaska's Aleutian Islands to Tokyo Bay, surviving enemy artillery, bombs, and kamikaze attacks, and even collisions with other American warships. In 1945, Tennessee took part in the famous Battle of Surigao Strait, the last battleship versus battleship combat in history. The hundreds of photographs in this volume, many previously unpublished, trace the history of this iconic warship from its launching in Brooklyn in 1919 to its scrapping in Baltimore forty years later.

Panther Tank: The Panzerkampfwagen V in World War II https://amzn.to/3Ou6jv2 Tanks and Armored Vehicles Books https://tinyurl.com/tanks-and-armored-vehicles 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.

TOPGUN: The US Navy Fighter Weapons School: Fifty Years of Excellence https://amzn.to/44Spq7E Military Aircraft Books https://tinyurl.com/military-aircraft-books A unique, illustrated history of the US Navy Fighter Weapons School's 50-year history. This book provides a unique, illustrated history of the US Navy Fighter Weapons School’s 50-year history. Currently located at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada, TOPGUN was formed in late 1968 at Naval Air Station Miramar, California, to create a graduate-level course in fighter tactics for Navy pilots deploying to Vietnam. Before TOPGUN, Navy F-4 Phantom II fighter crews in Vietnam managed only a 2.5:1 kill ratio versus Soviet-built MiG-17 and MiG-21 fighters: after TOPGUN formed, the community tallied a 12.5:1 kill ratio. Since then, TOPGUN has become the standard-bearer of Navy fighter and strike fighter tactics and training and is recognized worldwide as a center of excellence. TOPGUN’s tactics and pilot training are explained, as well as changes and developments throughout the years to the present day. All aircraft flown at TOPGUN since its founding are shown. A-4 Skyhawk T-38A/B Talon F-5E/F Tiger II F-16N Viper F-14A Tomcat F/A-18 Hornet F-16A/B Falcon F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Brad Elward has written on military aviation topics since 1997. He has authored articles on TOPGUN for The Hook and Combat Aircraft magazines and has published 11 aviation books and over 50 aviation articles.

Hummel and Nashorn/Hornisse: German Self-Propelled Artillery in World War II https://amzn.to/44dw6gB Tanks and Armored Vehicles Books https://tinyurl.com/tanks-and-armored-vehicles The Hummel ("bumblebee") and Nashorn ("rhinoceros") are two of Nazi Germany's most widely recognized self-propelled artillery pieces. The Hummel, with its heavy field howitzer, was indispensable as heavy field artillery despite its open-top fighting compartment. The Nashorn, also known as the Hornisse ("hornet"), utilized the same chassis but mounted the formidable 88 mm antitank gun, becoming one of the most feared pieces of antitank artillery, or Panzerjäger ("tank hunter"). This book chronicles the development and use of these vehicles from concept to combat. Through dozens of archival photos, many never before published, as well as detailed photographs of some of the finest existent examples of surviving vehicles, these iconic armored fighting vehicles are explored, and their history is explained.

Battleship Bismarck Manual: 1936-41 https://amzn.to/44d1FqZ Warships Books https://tinyurl.com/warships-books The Bismarck, probably the most famous and feared Nazi German battleship of the Second World War, was sunk in the North Atlantic on 27 May 1941 by the Royal Navy. More than 70 years after its demise the Bismarck and its loss continue to fascinate. In 1989 Dr Robert Ballard, of Titanic discovery fame, rediscovered the wreck of the Bismarck on the ocean floor at a depth of nearly 16,000ft, reigniting popular interest in the story of the ship. In this, the first Haynes Manual about a Second World War warship, acclaimed maritime author and historian Angus Konstam gives readers a detailed insight into the design, fighting capability and short-lived career of Nazi Germany's greatest warship. He tells the Bismarck's story, from her origins in the aftermath of the Great War and the Versailles Treaty, including Germany's capital ship building program, her design, building, launch and fitting out, to her sea trials and eventual commissioning into the Kriegsmarine.

Military Land Rover Manual https://amzn.to/3JJJErS Tanks and Armored Vehicles Books https://tinyurl.com/tanks-and-armored-vehicles Land Rovers have been used by the military since they were introduced, in Series I form, in 1948. The Land Rover’s rugged, ‘go-anywhere’ reputation has led to its use in a vast number of military roles, from general-purpose workhorse to special forces reconnaissance vehicle, ambulance, communications vehicle and weapons platform. Additionally, a number of one-off prototypes have been produced for various trials. This manual provides a unique insight into the world of military Land Rovers, with an emphasis on military operation and equipment.

SB2C Helldiver: Curtiss’s Carrier-Based Dive Bomber in World War II https://amzn.to/3o9bBly Military Aircraft Books https://tinyurl.com/military-aircraft-books While initially labeled as a troublesome aircraft, the Curtiss SB2C Helldiver went on to be noted for striking more Japanese targets than any other US Navy dive bomber. Despite this, the Helldiver was to be the last of a long line of US Navy dive bombers. The development, production, and combat use of the many variations of the Helldiver are examined, including experimental variants that did not progress beyond the prototype stage. Profusely illustrated with war-era photographs, both black-and-white and color, which are augmented with beautiful color photos of the only remaining flyable example, this book provides the reader with a concise yet thorough study of this legendary aircraft. Part of the Legends of Warfare series.

M3A1 Scout Car: The US Army's Early World War II Reconnaissance Vehicle https://amzn.to/46AEZme Tanks and Armored Vehicles Books https://tinyurl.com/tanks-and-armored-vehicles The M3A1 Scout Car, produced by White Motor Company of Cleveland, Ohio, served as the US Cavalry's primary scouting and reconnaissance vehicle during the early days of the US entry into WWII. A powerful Hercules engine, four-wheel drive, and relatively light weight gave the vehicle both impressive on-road speed and reasonable off-road maneuverability. Typically armed with a trio of heavy and light machine guns, the vehicle was not intended to "slug it out" with the enemy, but rather to locate the enemy and, through its impressive array of radio equipment, report the positions to more heavily armed forces. Through dozens of archival photos, including previously unpublished images, as well as details of some of the finest existing examples, this iconic vehicle is explored and its history is explained. Part of the Legends of Warfare series.

F-111 Aardvark: General Dynamics' Variable-Swept-Wing Attack Aircraft https://amzn.to/3oMk4LI Military Aircraft Books https://tinyurl.com/military-aircraft-books The General Dynamics F-111 was one of aviation history's most promising planes when it came out in the early 1960s. Despite a rocky service career, political changes in how the military acquired its weaponry, and the addition of too much new technology, the plane provided a credible frontline deterrent in the Cold War era and was used to great effect in the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. Many of the challenges faced by putting the F-111—with all of its new systems—into service are now accepted as a normal outfit in modern fighter aircraft. Although the Navy did not accept the F-111B model, the Grumman F-14 Tomcat development program was significantly assisted by prior radar and missile system testing on the F-111B airframe. The F-111 was a hugely powerful aircraft and carried devastating weaponry, but was phased out by the USAF in the mid-90s, largely due to crippling maintenance costs. The aircraft remained in Australian service until 2010.

M2/M3 Bradley: America's Cavalry/Infantry Fighting Vehicle https://amzn.to/3Ibqdrn Tanks and Armored Vehicles Books https://tinyurl.com/tanks-and-armored-vehicles Since the 1980s, the American M2/M3 Bradley has overcome its controversial debut, and is now regarded as among the finest cavalry/infantry fighting vehicles in the world. This book is a concise look at the background, development, and Army operational history of the Bradley from the 1980s to the present. The author, who brings a unique perspective and authority as a Bosnia veteran and former M1A1 tank gunner with the United States Army's 1/104th Cavalry, was granted behind-the-scenes access to the US Army's collection of rare vehicles at Ft. Benning, Georgia. He also includes the Bradley's service in lesser known places—not just Iraq and Afghanistan—such as Cold War Germany, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Korea, and Africa. The book is superbly illustrated with more than 200 color images. Part of the Legends of Warfare series.