Military Books

Boeing B-52 Stratofortress Bomber Manual: 1952 onwards https://amzn.to/3B3OwTW Military Aircraft Books https://tinyurl.com/military-aircraft-books The eight-engine Boeing B-52 Stratofortress jet was the USA’s first long-range, swept-wing heavy bomber. It began life as an intercontinental, high-altitude Cold War nuclear bomber. With each new variant the B-52 increased in range, power and capability, seeing active service in the Vietnam War, both Gulf Wars of 1991 and 2003, and over Afghanistan in 2001. Author Steve Davies recalls its combat history, gets up close to look under the skin of the B-52, and talks to the flight crews and maintainers of this legendary aircraft.

155 mm Gun M1 “Long Tom”: and 8-inch Howitzer in WWII and Korea https://amzn.to/40DWJZF Guns and Rifles Books https://tinyurl.com/guns-and-rifles-books A pictorial history of the 155 mm M1 gun "Long Tom," the 8-inch howitzer M1, and the assorted prime movers and ammunition carriers utilized alongside them. Developed from the WWI-vintage French Canon de 155 mm Grande Puissance Filloux (GPF), the 155 mm gun M1A1, known as the “Long Tom,” along with its companion, the 8-inch howitzer M1, formed the backbone of the US Army's heavy field artillery during WWII and Korea. - With ranges of just over 14 miles for the gun, and 10.5 miles for the howitzer, the cannons were notable for their long reach, heavy impact, and accuracy. - These weapons were used on every front where GIs fought during WWII, and continued to be used by US forces, as well as those of allied nations, into the 1960s. - Through vintage and modern photos, this volume follows the development of the 155 and the 8-inch, the details of their construction, and field use. - Provides an overview of their associated prime movers and ammunition carriers, including the Mack NO and the Allis-Chalmers M4 high-speed tractor of the WWII era, and the Mack M125 10-ton 6×6 of the 1950s. Written by prolific military author David Doyle, this book is part of the very popular Legends of Warfare series.

M10 Gun Motor Carriage: And the 17-Pounder Achilles Tank Destroyer https://amzn.to/41lkyGK Tanks and Armored Vehicles Books https://tinyurl.com/tanks-and-armored-vehicles Based on the M4A2 and M4A3 Sherman tank chassis, and fitted with a 3-inch M7 gun, the M10 was numerically the most important US tank destroyer of WWII. The M10 was built in response to the stunning successes of the German armored Blitzkrieg at the outset of the war in Europe. Fitted with a turret—unlike most self-propelled artillery of the era—the vehicle was more heavily gunned but more lightly armored than a tank. M10 crews were expected to make the most of their vehicle’s speed and agility. The M10 received its baptism of fire in Tunisia in 1943, where it demonstrated its ability to destroy most German Panzers then in service. The British upgraded the design by rearming some of the 1,700 M10s that they received with the superb Ordnance Quick Firing 17-pounder antitank gun. These vehicles were designated by the British as 17-pounder SP M10 Mark IC/IIC, popularly known as the Achilles.

P-47 Thunderbolt: Republic's Mighty "Jug" in World War II https://amzn.to/3GyBAZB Military Aircraft Books https://tinyurl.com/military-aircraft-books Among the iconic aircraft of World War II, the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt not only was physically the biggest single-engine fighter, it also had an enormous impact on history. In terms of its combat effectiveness, P-47 fliers destroyed 7,067 hostile aircraft, with about half of those “kills” recorded during aerial combat. Thunderbolt pilots reported destroying 6,000 enemy tanks, 68,000 trucks, 86,000 railway cars, and 9,000 locomotives. For a single-engine fighter, such a tally is definitely one for the history books. The history of this iconic aircraft is presented through carefully researched archival photos, as well as photographs of preserved examples, thereby illustrating not only the combat use of the Thunderbolt, but also the details of its design and construction. 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.

Boeing B-29 Superfortress Manual: 1942-60 https://amzn.to/3UkXi9b Military Aircraft Books https://tinyurl.com/military-aircraft-books The Boeing B-29 Superfortress has carved its name in history as the bomber aircraft that dropped the world's first ever H-bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. Flown mainly by the USAAF towards the end of WW2 and later during the Korean War, the four-engine B-29 was at the cutting edge of aeronautical design for its time, with pressurised crew accommodation, electronic fire-control system and remotely operated gun turrets.

Ferdinand/Elefant: Panzerjäger Tiger (P) https://amzn.to/3MlsJOs Tanks and Armored Vehicles Books https://tinyurl.com/tanks-and-armored-vehicles The Panzerjäger Tiger (P) was a powerful tank destroyer fielded in small numbers by the Wehrmacht. As indicated by the Panzerjäger Tiger (P) name, this series of 90 vehicles was based on an early design of the Panzer VI Tiger tank, specifically the unsuccessful tank design prototype by Ferdinand Porsche. In fact, as initially fielded, the series of giant tank killers was given the name Ferdinand. After disappointing performance at Kursk, the 48 surviving Ferdinands were returned to the factory for rebuilding and modification. Shortly thereafter, the name of the vehicles was changed from Ferdinand to Elefant. Through vintage photos, this new volume illustrates the combat history of both the Ferdinand and Elefant, additionally providing background information illuminating the development of the ill-fated Porsche Tiger design. The 100 vintage photos are augmented by over 110 full-color photos of the only two surviving examples, illustrating the nuances of the construction and wartime modification of these formidable tank destroyers.

Curtiss P-40 Warhawk: The Famous Flying Tigers Fighter https://amzn.to/418qna7 Military Aircraft Books https://tinyurl.com/military-aircraft-books 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 Illustrated History of Firearms https://amzn.to/3KBudTA Guns and Rifles Books https://tinyurl.com/guns-and-rifles-books Showcasing more than 1,700 firearms in full color! From the earliest hand cannons dating back to 1350, to the finest sporting rifles of the 21st Century, this 2nd edition of The Illustrated History of Firearms covers them all. Spectacular, full-color photos of more than 1,700 guns with detailed captions walk readers through the background and development of virtually every type of firearm ever created, and the people who influenced their use and designs. More than a reference book, The Illustrated History of Firearms brings context to the role firearms have played in shaping world events while also charting the development of today’s guns for self-defense, competition, recreation and hunting. Painstakingly researched by expert curators at the NRA National Firearms Museum in Fairfax, Virginia, this 320-page, hardbound work of art is as educational as it is beautiful. Whether you're an avid gun collector or shooter, a history buff, or simply want to better understand the seemingly countless types of firearms in today's world, this book is a must-have.

PBY Catalina: Consolidated's Flying Boat in WWII https://amzn.to/3M5ljPr Military Aircraft Books https://tinyurl.com/military-aircraft-books The PBY Catalina, designed and produced by Consolidated Aircraft, whose production was supplemented by that of Boeing Canada, Canadian Vickers, and the Naval Aircraft Factory, was the most widely used flying boat of all time. Developed in the 1930s, the famed patrol bomber was used around the world by the United States and its allies—the Soviets even produced hundreds of duplicates. The versatile aircraft sank U-boats, located the dreaded Bismarck, and rescued scores of downed airmen and crews of sunken ships. This volume explores the development and use of the aircraft, as well as details of its construction. This volume is profusely illustrated with almost 300 photos, many of which are in vintage color, augmented by line drawings.

Nuclear Weapons Manual: 1945 Onwards https://amzn.to/3U4alM2 Much misinformation has been published by those who support, as well as those who are against, the continued deployment of nuclear weapons as instruments of deterrence. This book provides an apolitical description of strategic nuclear weapons, how they are designed, how they work, and how they are assigned to different targets in the event of conflict. As well as a Workshop Manual, this book would be a guide to public understanding expressed in a dispassionate and factual manner for information which many people find hard or impossible to obtain. Nuclear weapons do exist, and they cannot be wished away, and because of that, an entirely fact-based and balanced account is helpful to those who seek to understand this emotively sensitive subject delivered as a seminal reference. This book incorporates a balance of cutaway diagrams, images of hardware and test equipment, facilities and delivery systems, and traces the evolution of nuclear weapons over the past 70 years, with the emphasis on strategic nuclear delivery systems today.

The German MG 34 and MG 42 Machine Guns: In World War II https://amzn.to/3TSNnrh Guns and Rifles Books https://tinyurl.com/guns-and-rifles-books The German MG (Maschinengewehr) 34, along with the later-war MG 42, was a recoil-operated, air-cooled machine gun and is considered the world’s first general-purpose machine gun. Considered the most advanced machine gun in the world at the time, its ease of mobility and high rate of fire—900 rounds per minute—made it ideal both for infantry and antiaircraft use. First entering service during the Spanish Civil War in 1936, it remained in Wehrmacht service through the end of WWII in 1945, along with its updated model, the MG 42. This illustrated book presents the design, manufacturing, and development both of the MG 34 and MG 42, from its acceptance by the German military through production and combat use from 1936 to 1945. Includes close-up views of markings and other details, as well as a breakdown of the weapon. Accessories such as ammunition and gun mounts are featured throughout the book, as are rarely seen combat-related uniform and equipment items.

U-Boat: 1936-45 (Type VIIA, B, C and Type VIIC/41) https://amzn.to/3Kl553z An insight into the design, construction and operation of the most feared German U-boat of World War 2 An insight into the design, construction and operation of the feared World War 2 German Type VIIC U-boat. The German Type VIIC U-boat, scourge of Allied shipping convoys during the Second World War, was the workhorse of the German U-boat force. With some 568 Type VIIs in use between 1940 and 1945 it was a potent fighting vessel that could hunt for long periods in the far reaches of the western and southern Atlantic. Centerpiece of the Haynes U-boat Owners' Workshop Manual is the sole surviving example of a Type VIIC U-boat, U-995, which is on display at the German Naval Memorial near Kiel in northern Germany.

B-17 Flying Fortress, Vol. 1: Boeing’s Model 299 through B-17D in World War https://amzn.to/3FPpL0L B-17 Flying Fortress, Vol. 2: Boeing's B-17E through B-17H in World War II https://amzn.to/42H1xQ0 Military Aircraft Books https://tinyurl.com/military-aircraft-books The B-17 Flying Fortress is one of the most iconic aircraft in aviation history. Through a broad range of photos gathered from around the world, this book, the first of a two-volume series, chronicles the design, development, and wartime use of the early models of the Flying Fortress, from the ill-fated experimental model 299 through the B-17D, including the famous "Swoose." These early models are distinguished by their narrow fuselage, art deco styling, and a small, "shark fin" tail. A second volume will continue the B-17 story with the large-tail later models, B-17E through B-17H. The story of these iconic WWII aircraft is told through carefully researched photos, many of which have never before been published, and which are reproduced in remarkable clarity. Large, clear photos, coupled with descriptive and informative captions, unlock the secrets of this aircraft.

B-17 Flying Fortress, Vol. 2: Boeing's B-17E through B-17H in World War II https://amzn.to/42H1xQ0 B-17 Flying Fortress, Vol. 1: Boeing’s Model 299 through B-17D in World War https://amzn.to/3FPpL0L Military Aircraft Books https://tinyurl.com/military-aircraft-books The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress is one of the most iconic aircraft in aviation history. Through a broad range of photos gathered from around the world, this book—the second of two volumes—chronicles the design, development, and wartime use of the late models of the Flying Fortress, from the first truly combat-capable model, the B-17E, to the lifesaving B-17H. These B-17 versions featured the so-called "large" tail and were famously used in the devastating strategic-bombing campaign against Germany. As a special feature, detailed coverage of the famed "Memphis Belle" is included. Combine volumes 1 and 2 for the complete photographic reference on the Flying Fortress.

German Submachine Guns: 1918–1945: Bergmann MP18/I • MP34/38/40/41 • MKb42/43/1 • MP43/1 • MP44 • StG44 • Accessories https://amzn.to/3lCXyDl Guns and Rifles Books https://tinyurl.com/guns-and-rifles-books Germany’s World War I– and World War II–era submachine guns are all featured in this fully illustrated book. Early Bergmann models are presented first showing their development from the MP18, through to the MP35, followed by discussions of the Schmeisser MP28, Steyr MP34, and Erma “EMP.” An extensive chapter on the famous MP38/40 features a close look at production numbers, manufacturers, and markings. Foreign and late-war models are also presented, showing the wide variety of SMGs used by the Wehrmacht during WWII. The book concludes with the legendary and influential MKb42, MP43/1, MP44, and StG44 series of assault rifles. Their wartime use is shown in superb period photography and clear, up-close color images. Accessories such as magazines, ammunition, pouches, and silencers are featured throughout the book, as well as rarely seen WWI- and WWII-related uniform and equipment items.

RAF Chinook Helicopter Manual https://amzn.to/428d8HG Military Aircraft Books https://tinyurl.com/military-aircraft-books The RAF's rugged twin-rotor Chinook support helicopter has been involved in most of the UK's military operations stretching back to the Falklands Conflict, Northern Ireland and in both Gulf Wars, to peacekeeping in Bosnia, operations in Kosovo, the evacuation of Sierra Leone, and most recently its high profile missions in Afghanistan. Author Chris McNab has been given full access by the RAF to its Chinook helicopters and crews to give an unprecedented insight into their operation and maintenance, fully illustrated with a stunning selection of photographs and technical drawings.

USS Indianapolis (CA-35): From Presidential Cruiser, to Delivery of the Atomic Bombs, to Tragic Sinking​ in WWII https://amzn.to/3JoBggw Warships Books https://tinyurl.com/warships-books Despite the limitations of the Washington Naval Treaty, USS Indianapolis was an imposing warship. She was widely used by US dignitaries in the 1930s, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who sailed aboard the ship many times. After the outbreak of World War II, she saw service near Alaska before moving into waters nearer the Japanese home islands. There, she was struck by a kamikaze and forced to return to the US for repairs. Upon completion of the repairs, Indianapolis was selected to transport components of the "Little Boy" atomic bomb from mainland US to Tinian in the Marianas Islands. On the return journey, she was torpedoed and sunk by a Japanese submarine, becoming the last large warship lost by the US during World War II. Delay in the mission to recover surviving crew resulted in the largest loss of life aboard a single ship at sea in US Navy history. The sinking of Indianapolis remains surrounded in controversy, and the wreck was not located until 2017.

Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird Manual https://amzn.to/3ZLBPYH Military Aircraft Books https://tinyurl.com/military-aircraft-books Throughout its 34-year Cold War career with the USAF and CIA, the top secret Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird spy plane was the world's fastest and highest-flying operational manned aircraft. Dedicated to strategic reconnaissance, the Blackbird was so fast that no other aircraft could catch it. The co-authors are world authorities on the Blackbird and give rare insights into the secret world of the SR-71, its genesis, construction and anatomy (including its use of stealth technology), and its operation and maintenance in peace and war.

Panzerkampfwagen III: Germany’s Early World War II Main Tank https://amzn.to/3ZsBzh8 Tanks and Armored Vehicles Books https://tinyurl.com/tanks-and-armored-vehicles The Panzerkampfwagen III, or Panzer III as it is more commonly known, was a fixture in German armor formations during WWII. Initially developed to combat armored vehicles, in time the type evolved into an infantry support tank. Although production of the Panzer III ended in 1943, the type remained in service through the end of the war. Through over 160 photos, this volume chronicles the design, development, and deployment of this ubiquitous German tank. This material is arranged in nine chapters, each focusing on a specific production model, or Ausfrüng, of the tank. Comprehensive tables reveal the details of the performance and technical specifications of each variant. A concise, easy-to-read text and detailed captions expose the secrets of this iconic tank.

TBF/TBM Avenger: Grumman’s First Torpedo Bomber in World War II https://amzn.to/3ZqNg7G Military Aircraft Books https://tinyurl.com/military-aircraft-books The Grumman-designed TBF Avenger was unquestionably the most successful torpedo bomber in the US fleet during WWII. Developed just prior to the US entry in WWII, the type made its combat debut at the Battle of Midway. Demand for the large carrier-borne aircraft, which could drop conventional bombs and depth charges in addition to torpedoes, soon outstripped Grumman's capacity. To supply the needed aircraft to the US Navy, the US Marines, and the Royal Navy, the Eastern Aircraft Division of General Motors was contracted to build duplicate aircraft, which were designated TBM. With numerous adaptations, both the TBF and TBM continued to serve militaries well after WWII. 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 and put the reader in the skies with this historic aircraft.

B-58 Hustler: Convair’s Cold War Mach 2 Bomber https://amzn.to/423eFyT Military Aircraft Books https://tinyurl.com/military-aircraft-books The Convair B-58 Hustler, with its distinctive delta wing shape, would become the world's first supersonic bomber, and the first aircraft to fly to Mach 2. With development beginning in 1949, the B-58, which could not carry conventional weapons, would become part of the US nuclear arsenal during the height of the Cold War. Although these bombers were initially considered difficult to operate, in time the hand-chosen crews who flew them came to love and respect the aircraft. Throughout the 1960s, crews flying the B-58 set numerous speed and distance records. These planes were tremendously expensive to operate, and it was budget issues that forced the early retirement of the bomber. Today there are only a handful of remaining examples, all of which are on display in the US.

Weapons of Mass Destruction: Specters of the Nuclear Age https://amzn.to/3YYDj1v The Nuclear Age properly began with the discovery of the nucleus by Ernest Rutherford in 1911, but its impact on civilization began with the use of atomic bombs against Japan in WWII. The development of atomic bombs forever changed the world. From having a single bomb immediately after the Nagasaki attack, the United States would go on to build some 70,000 nuclear bombs over the course of the Cold War. The colossal brinkmanship with the Soviet Union threatened each country's people. Why were so many bombs thought to be necessary? How did the infrastructure come about to enable the delicate business of building and deploying so many bombs? This book answers these questions and more; through high quality photographs the full flowering of the warheads and delivery systems of the nuclear age are shown in chilling detail.

The MAT-49 Submachine Gun: And Preceding French Submachine Gun Designs, Including the MAS-35 https://amzn.to/3Z4IcpK Guns and Rifles Books https://tinyurl.com/guns-and-rifles-books The French Model 1949 9 mm submachine gun is most closely associated with France's decolonization campaigns, including Indochina and Algeria. The MAT-49 (Manufacture Nationale d'Armes de Tulle) is a simple, robust, compact, and reliable weapon that was used throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. Though production ceased in 1979, it is still used by some military forces to the present day. With its notable retractable stock and folding magazine well, the MAT-49 was especially favored by airborne and other elite forces. This book covers the early history of French submachine gun design back to 1919 and then details all aspects of the MAT-49 itself, including variants, ammunition, accessories, and combat usage.

McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet https://amzn.to/3Zm2hrq Military Aircraft Books https://tinyurl.com/military-aircraft-books The US-designed and built McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet is one of the most important Fourth Generation fighters in the world. Its twin-engine, twin-tails (canted outwards), and leading edge root extensions make it one of the most recognizable fighters in operation. The latest version is the enlarged Super Hornet. It was controversial in being chosen as the replacement for the much loved F-14 Tomcat, but the truth is that it is a potent and fearsome fighter that boasts one of the most capable radars in service and a weapons loadout that takes full advantage of it. The Super Hornet currently performs the bulk of the Western world's airstrikes on the nefarious terrorist group 'ISIS' in Iraq and Syria. Developed initially by Northrop as the P-530 Cobra in response to the US Air Force's Light Weight Fighter competition (winner: the General Dynamics F-16), the Hornet had a troubled start in life. Designated the YF-17 for the LWF fly-off in 1974, it failed to impress the Air Force. However, contractor McDonnell Douglas stepped in confident that it could be improved sufficiently to make it a contender for the US Navy's new fighter competition. McAir, as was often the case, were right. Re-designed and re-designated the F/A-18 (fighter/attack), it won the competition and entered service with the US Navy as a carrier-borne, multi-role fighter, marking the beginning of the Hornet's journey from Air Force 'reject' to 'king' of the US Navy's Fleet Defenders.

The Essential M1 Garand: A Practical and Historical Guide for Shooters and Collectors https://amzn.to/3IMSNjz Guns and Rifles Books https://tinyurl.com/guns-and-rifles-books The first self-loading rifle to see widespread military use, the robust M1 Garand survived the tests of battle from World War II to Vietnam, and it remains a favorite among competition shooters and collectors to this day. In this heavily illustrated, practical history, author Jim Thompson, a longtime M1 shooter and collector, tells the complete story of the rifle's development, look, feel, and function. A thoroughly researched overview of the M1 Garand goes beyond industrial histories and provides background on manufacturers and stateside sources as well as discussing ammunition and accuracy. Detailed photo sections present: - Early and World War II rifles - World War II and postwar rebuilds (including rare postwar rifles from the US and Italy) - Special purpose rifles and rarities, including sniper, match, and competition rifles plus the T26 - Spinoffs and derivatives, including the M14, M1A, and BM.59 In addition, reprinted and heavily annotated military and National Match manuals, an updated troubleshooting chart, and a section on reloading provide valuable functional data and rules of thumb with the shooter in mind. Collectors will benefit from an extensive parts compendium. The final part of the book, dedicated to the enjoyment and maintenance of the M1, addresses some common questions about the rifle and offers detailed instruction on some expert procedures for maintaining and smoothing this wartime classic.