Military Books

Mauser Rifles, Vol. 1: 1870–1918 (Classic Guns of the World) https://amzn.to/40tmdKh Guns and Rifles Books https://tinyurl.com/guns-and-rifles-books The first of two volumes on Mauser rifles, this full-color, illustrated book presents the design, manufacturing, development, and combat use of the various models from 1870 through World War I. Starting with the Model 1871—or Gewehr 71—the book explores each variant, then follows with detailed discussions on Models 1871/84, 88, and 98. The rare G98 sniper and M1918 antitank rifles are also shown. Details include close-up views of markings, as well as a serial numbers list, and a visual breakdown of the weapons. Accessories such as ammunition, ammo pouches, bayonets, magazines, scopes, and cleaning kits are featured throughout the book, as are rarely seen combat-related uniform and equipment items.

Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank Manual https://amzn.to/3kuMTtJ Tanks and Armored Vehicles Books https://tinyurl.com/tanks-and-armored-vehicles The Challenger 2 is the British Army's main battle tank. It is based on the Challenger 1 tank, which served with distinction on operations in the Gulf War and the Balkans. Although a logical development of Challenger 1, Challenger 2 is greatly superior. It is protected by second generation Chobham Armour and features a new digital fire control system that includes a panoramic commander’s sight, a laser range finder and a new version of the Thermal Observation and Gunnery Sight (TOGS II). The turret mounts the high pressure L30 120mm gun that fires conventional APDS-FS, HESH, smoke and depleted uranium projectiles with great accuracy. It performed superbly in Iraq in 2003 and was instrumental in the early capture of Basra by British Forces. Dick Taylor gives authoritative insights into the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the British Army’s main battle tank of the early 21st century.

USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier (CV-5): From Design and Construction to the Battles of Coral Sea and Midway https://amzn.to/3ZScoW2 Warships Books https://tinyurl.com/warships-books USS Yorktown (CV-5) was the US Navy's first battle-worthy, purpose-built aircraft carrier. Her crew, already accustomed to wartime conditions by maintaining Neutrality Patrols during 1941 in the Atlantic, quickly adapted to the Pacific Theater, having been dispatched there immediately after Pearl Harbor. First at Coral Sea, then at Midway, Yorktown's flyers blunted the sword of Japanese aggression. The men flying from her decks were instrumental in turning the tide of WWII in the Pacific. This volume explores Yorktown's construction, prewar and wartime activities through carefully researched photos, many of which have never before been published, which are reproduced in remarkable clarity. This clarity, and the large size of many of the photos, coupled with descriptive and informative captions, puts the reader on the deck of this historic warship throughout her history.

C-17 Globemaster III: McDonnell Douglas and Boeing’s Military Transport https://amzn.to/3ZZEs9O Military Aircraft Books https://tinyurl.com/military-aircraft-books The McDonnell Douglas / Boeing C-17 Globemaster III's design, construction, and operational history are presented in this book. With over 280 aircraft built, the Globemaster III is one of the workhorses for the US Air Force as well as a number of foreign countries such as Britain, Australia, Canada, India, Qatar, and Kuwait. It was designed primarily as both a strategic and tactical airlift aircraft but has also been widely used in added roles such as medical evacuation and airborne troop drops. It saw combat during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom and has also been deployed on humanitarian missions throughout the world since its introduction in 1995.

Astute Class Nuclear Submarine Manual https://amzn.to/3H0Ddih The Astute-class is the largest, most advanced and most powerful attack submarine ever operated by the Royal Navy, combining world-leading sensors, design and weaponry in a versatile vessel. The submarines are nuclear-propelled and fueled by a nuclear reactor powerful enough to supply a city the size of Southampton. Its advanced technology means the submarines will never need to be refueled. They employ the latest technology such as the Sonar 2076 that detects the sound of enemy submarines using the largest number of hydrophones ever fitted to a submarine. Linked with powerful onboard electronics these provide the submarines with outstanding sensitivity. The Astute submarines are armed with the latest versions of Spearfish heavy-weight torpedoes and Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles.

American Submachine Guns 1919 - 1950 https://amzn.to/3WdgG7e Guns and Rifles Books https://tinyurl.com/guns-and-rifles-books America’s famous and influential WWII submachine guns (SMGs) are all featured in this fully illustrated book. Beginning with the legendary Thompson submachine, its design, construction, and testing in the early 1920s, as well as its use by the US Marine Corps, the Irish Republican Army, and Prohibition-era gangsters, are presented in detail. Its famed use during WWII in all war theaters is shown in superb period photography and clear, up-close color images. Also featured are chapters on other US WWII era submachine guns: the M3 “Grease Gun,” Reising SMG, and the United Defense M42 (UD M42). Accessories such as magazines, ammunition, webbing, and cleaning kits are featured throughout the book, as well as rarely seen WWII-related uniform and equipment items.

Battleship USS North Carolina (BB-55): From WWII Combat to Museum Ship https://amzn.to/3QutzIR Warships Books https://tinyurl.com/warships-books As lead ship of America’s first “fast battleship” class, and the US Navy’s newest battleship when America entered WWII, the construction of the USS North Carolina was not only a source of encouragement for a depression-wrought nation, but was also a source of pride among a fleet of aging battleships. Earning fifteen Battle Stars, the North Carolina is America’s most-decorated battleship, having participated in most of the major campaigns in the Pacific during WWII. This volume documents not only the construction and wartime exploits of this historic vessel, but thoroughly explores the restored vessel, providing a great resource for the armchair historian, a keepsake for those who visit the museum ship, and a superb resource for the detailed model builder. Carefully researched photos, many of which have never before been published, are reproduced in remarkable clarity and put the reader on and beneath the decks of this historic warship. Part of the Legends of Warfare series.

Leopard 1 Main Battle Tank Owners' Workshop Manual: 1965 to present (all models and variants) https://amzn.to/3vUNWWb Tanks and Armored Vehicles Books https://tinyurl.com/tanks-and-armored-vehicles Following the re-integration of West Germany into NATO in the mid-1950s, the Bundeswehr was equipped with American tanks under the Military Aid Program. Quickly realizing they were not suitable, Germany began the design of their own main battle tank in 1956. The Leopard 1 family of vehicles became the first fully-German developed series of armoured combat vehicles to be built after the Second World War, and it owes much to the design concepts developed through combat experience during the latter stages of that war. Using the German-built version of the British L7 105mm gun for its main armament, the Leopard focused on firepower and with its impressive cross-country performance it was unmatched by most other tank designs of the era. The first production Leopard 1 left the line in September 1965 and since then Leopards have seen operational service in Afghanistan (Canadian Leopard C2 MEXAS), Bosnia and Croatia (UNPROFOR Danish Leopard 1A5-DK MBT), Kosovo (KFOR: Danish 1A5-DK; Canadian C1 and Italian 1A5), and Somalia (UNOSOM German Bergpanzer and Pionierpanzer). In 2003 the German Army relinquished its Leopard 1s, and in 2011 the Canadian Battle Group withdrew its Leopard 1s from Afghanistan.

The Encyclopedia of Aircraft of World War II https://amzn.to/3QHITBZ Military Aircraft Books https://tinyurl.com/military-aircraft-books An exhaustive survey of the aircraft flown by all the combatants in Europe and the Pacific. From the P-51 Mustang and Supermarine Spitfire to the Yakovlev Yak-3, Messerschmitt Me 109, and Vought F4U Corsair, this comprehensive encyclopedia presents the most important aircraft flown by all the combatants in Europe and the Pacific. Written by a team of experts, and with more than 1,500 photographs and artworks, it provides specification boxes for each aircraft, listing power plant, performance, weights, dimensions, and armament (with weights and measures given in metric and imperial), and a detailed description of the type’s development and service history. Every aircraft is illustrated with outstanding photographs as well as a three-view illustration. Annotations highlight specific features, such as camouflage, markings, seating, and more, while informative boxes round out the portrait of these renowned planes.

M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank Manual: From 1980 (M1, M1A1 and M1A2 Models) https://amzn.to/3iuVsnx Tanks and Armored Vehicles Books https://tinyurl.com/tanks-and-armored-vehicles The American M1 Abrams main battle tank is a revolutionary design: it broke an evolutionary development lineage from the M20 medium tank of 1941 to the M60 (which it replaced, and which stayed in production until 1987). The M1 remains the only main battle tank in the inventories of the US Army and the US Marine Corps, with years of service to come, while no replacement has been procured. It is believed that the M1 will easily serve for more than 50 years in the US alone. The US retains about 6,000 M1s, while almost 2,000 are in use with the armies of other countries including Australia, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.

Modern Military Aircraft (Technical Guides) https://amzn.to/3IcDeS7 Military Aircraft Books https://tinyurl.com/military-aircraft-books Technical Guide: Modern Military Aircraft is an extensively researched review of the military aircraft deployed by the world's air forces in recent conflicts in the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and elsewhere. Organized alphabetically by manufacturer, this book includes every type of aircraft in use in the world today, from the F-22 Raptor through the Dassault Mirage 2000 to the MiG-29 and Su-33. The book includes multi-role fighters, ground-attack aircraft, high-level bombers, reconnaissance aircraft, carrier aircraft, and unmanned drones. It is illustrated with profile artworks, three-views, and special cutaway artworks of the more famous aircraft in service, such as the F-15E Strike Eagle, Sukhoi Su-27, and Eurofighter Typhoon. Illustrated with more than 110 artworks, Modern Military Aircraft is an essential reference guide for modelers and enthusiasts with an interest in modern military aircraft.

Small Arms: The World's Greatest Small Arms from the Age of Automatic Weapons https://amzn.to/3Zoeugb Guns and Rifles Books https://tinyurl.com/guns-and-rifles-books Small Arms is an illustrated guide featuring 52 weapons from the late nineteenth century to the present day. Small arms have developed hugely since the introduction of the machine gun in the 1870s. Magazine-fed rifles, submachine guns, automatic pistols and, later, assault rifles and personal defense weapons have changed the face of infantry warfare, offering a range of weaponry designed for both the specialist and novice. Small Arms includes the best-known weapons from throughout the modern era, from the Gatling gun, SMLE rifle, and Luger pistol to the Uzi, FN MAG, and M110 sniper rifle. Great iconic weapons, such as the Colt M1911 pistol, Bren Gun, MP5 submachine gun, and Steyr AUG rifle are featured, as well as timeless classics still in use today: the M2 Browning 50 cal, AK-47, and M16 rifle. Each weapon is illustrated with a color profile artwork and photographs, along with a description of the weapon's development and history, key features, and a full specifications box. Small Arms is a colorful guide for the military historian.

German Aircraft of World War I: 1914-1918 (Technical Guides) https://amzn.to/3jDD10a Military Aircraft Books https://tinyurl.com/military-aircraft-books Organized chronologically by type, German Aircraft of World War I offers a highly illustrated guide to the main types of aircraft used by the German Air Force during World War I. The book offers a comprehensive survey of German aircraft, from the Albatros B.1 and Fokker E.II of the early years to the more sophisticated Fokker D.VII and Junkers CL.1 of the final months of the war. All the major and many minor types are featured, including monoplanes, biplanes, single-seater fighters, two-seater fighters, bombers, ground-attack aircraft, night bombers, giant bombers, and floatplanes. This includes both well-known and lesser-known models, such as the LVG and Pfalz single-seater fighters, the Gotha and Zeppelin Staaken large bombers, AEG ground-attack aircraft, and the Albatross, Halberstadt, and Brandenburg two-seater biplanes. Each featured profile includes authentic markings and color schemes, while every separate model is accompanied by exhaustive specifications.

Battleship USS New Jersey (BB-62): From World War II, Korea, and Vietnam to Museum Ship https://amzn.to/3vR4nCQ Warships Books https://tinyurl.com/warships-books Preserved today as a museum in its namesake state, the battleship USS New Jersey (BB-62) saw combat during WWII and the Korean War and was the only battleship of any nation to see service during the Vietnam War. Following service in Vietnam, New Jersey was again retired to the reserve fleet; there it languished from 1969 to 1982, when the Reagan administration reactivated and modernized the New Jersey and its three Iowa-class sisters—Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin—and returned the massive ships to service. New Jersey was again decommissioned and returned to the reserve fleet in 1991. In a move that remains controversial even now, in 1999 the New Jersey was declared surplus by the Navy. The custody of the ship was then transferred to the Home Port Alliance organization in Camden, New Jersey, which currently maintains the battleship as a memorial and museum. This book, through more than 225 photos, documents the battleship from construction, through combat during each of its wars, to its preservation today. Part of the Legends of Warfare series.

Russian Aircraft of World War II: 1939-1945 (Technical Guides) https://amzn.to/3VACDga Military Aircraft Books https://tinyurl.com/military-aircraft-books Organized chronologically by type, Russian Aircraft of World War II offers a highly illustrated guide to the main types of aircraft used by the Soviet Air Force during World War II. The book provides a comprehensive survey of combat aircraft, from the compact, revolutionary Polikarpov I-16 fighter of the Winter War in Finland, to the Ilyushin Il-2 Shturmovik and Petlyakov Pe-2, two of the outstanding ground-attack aircraft of the Eastern Front campaign. All the major and many minor types are featured, including fighters, dive bombers, ground-attack aircraft, night bombers, strategic bombers, and reconnaissance and transport aircraft. This includes both well-known models, such as the classic MiG-1 fighter and Tupolev SB fast bomber, through lend-lease aircraft like the A-20 Havoc and B-24 Liberator, to lesser-known models, including the Yermolayev Yer-2 medium bomber and Kharkiv KhAI-5 light bomber. Each featured profile includes authentic markings and color schemes, while every separate model is accompanied by exhaustive specifications. Packed with 110 full-color artworks with detailed specifications, Russian Aircraft of World War II is a key reference guide for military modelers and World War II enthusiasts.

F-14 Tomcat: Grumman's “Top Gun” from Vietnam to the Gulf War https://amzn.to/3WRCBlu Military Aircraft Books https://tinyurl.com/military-aircraft-books It has been said that “bombers make history; fighters make movies.” In the case of the Grumman F-14 Tomcat, both are true. It made history as a fleet defender, reconnaissance platform, and strike fighter. The Tomcat was also featured in such Hollywood classics as Top Gun, The Final Countdown, and Executive Decision, followed by television appearances on JAG. This new illustrated look at the iconic Tomcat features a concise, detailed look at its design and construction, followed by its service in the US Navy from 1975 to 2006. Also covered is a rare look at its use by the Imperial Iranian Air Force, and continued use by the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force. All USN units that flew the Tomcat are featured, including squadron patches, markings, and nose art. Combat operations are discussed, including aerial combat over Libya, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Part of the Legends of Warfare series.

World War II Tanks: Western Allies 1939-45: US, British, Australian, Canadian, French, Polish (Essential Identification Guide) https://amzn.to/3WRa8vP Tanks and Armored Vehicles Books https://tinyurl.com/tanks-and-armored-vehicles Illustrated with detailed artworks of American, British, French, Polish, and other Western Allied nations tanks and their markings, World War II Tanks: Western Allies 1939-45 offers an informative guide to the main armored fighting vehicles used by these nations during World War II. This compact volume includes sample unit structures and orders of battle from company up to corps level. Organized by division, it offers a comprehensive survey of Western Allied armored fighting vehicles by campaign, including the fall of Poland, the defense of the Low Countries and France, desert warfare in North Africa, the push through Italy, the Normandy landings, the Battle of the Bulge, and the final defeat of Germany. All the major and many minor tanks are featured, with variations of the M4 Sherman, Churchill, and Matilda, as well as the mat-laying, engineering, and mine-clearing versions. Lesser-known models from the early years of the war, armored cars, half tracks, trucks, and amphibious vehicles make this a rounded compendium of Western Allied armored fighting vehicles. Packed with more than 200 full-color artworks and photographs with exhaustive specifications, World War II Tanks: Western Allies is a key reference guide for military modelers and World War II enthusiasts.

B-52 Stratofortress: Boeing's Iconic Bomber from 1952 to the Present https://amzn.to/3Z9LEjz Military Aircraft Books https://tinyurl.com/military-aircraft-books One of America's most famous aircraft, the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress continues to form the backbone of the US nuclear deterrent, and it has also become the nation's principle heavy tactical bomber. It has filled this role since the the early years of the Cold War, the heavy bombing raids during the Vietnam War, and recently in Iraq and Afghanistan. The history of this iconic aircraft is presented through carefully researched photos, many of which have never before been published. Its design and development during the post-WWII years, through the many modifications and upgrades up to the present day are covered in detail. 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.

Wehrmacht Panzer Divisions 1939-45: Tanks, Self-Propelled Guns, Halftracks & AFVs (Essential Identification Guide) https://amzn.to/3HDA5uB Tanks and Armored Vehicles Books https://tinyurl.com/tanks-and-armored-vehicles Illustrated with detailed artworks of German tanks and their markings, and with exhaustive captions and specifications, Wehrmacht Panzer Divisions 1939–45 is the definitive study of the equipment and organization of the Wehrmacht's armored divisions. Arranged by division, this book describes in depth the various models of tanks in German service during World War II with each individual armored division, with listings of the unit commanders and any famous tank aces. Each divisional section is further broken down by campaign, accompanied by orders of battle, a brief divisional history of the campaign, and any specific unit markings. With information boxes accompanying the full-color artworks, all drawn to the same scale, Wehrmacht Panzer Divisions 1939–45 is an essential reference for modelers and any enthusiast with an interest in the armored divisions of the German Wehrmacht.

Allied Carrier Aircraft of World War II 1939-1945 (Technical Guides) https://amzn.to/3jb8Q0h Military Aircraft Books https://tinyurl.com/military-aircraft-books Illustrated with colorful artworks of carrier aircraft and their markings, Allied Carrier Aircraft of World War II is a detailed guide to all the aircraft deployed by the Allied navies from 1939 to 1945. Organized chronologically by type and nationality, this book includes fighters, fighter-bombers, torpedo bombers, dive-bombers, reconnaissance aircraft, float planes and flying boats. All the best-known types are featured, such as the Grumman F4F Wildcat, Douglas TBD Devastator, and Douglas SBD Dauntless that fought at the battle of Midway in 1942. The entries are accompanied by exhaustive captions and specifications. The guide is illustrated with profile artworks, three-views, and special cutaway artworks of the more famous aircraft in service, such as the Blackburn Skua torpedo bomber, Curtiss SB2 Helldiver dive-bomber, and the Vought F4U Corsair heavy fighter. Allied Carrier Aircraft of World War II is an essential reference for modelers and enthusiasts of military aircraft of the Second World War.

Battleship USS Missouri (BB-63): America's Last Battleship https://amzn.to/3WY7xAg Warships Books https://tinyurl.com/warships-books The story of the USS Missouri, one of America's most famous warships of the twentieth century, and the world's last battleship, is told from her inception in 1940, through WWII kamikaze attacks, to her being the location of the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay, on September 2, 1945. Missouri's post-WWII activities are covered, from her transporting of the Truman family from South America, to her unfortunate grounding in the Chesapeake Bay, on to her return to combat, not only off Korea in 1950, but also the Persian Gulf in 1990–91. The story of this historic ship is presented through carefully researched photos, many of which have never before been published, and are reproduced in remarkable clarity. The story culminates in Missouri's current status as a museum in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Large, clear photos, coupled with descriptive and informative captions, puts the reader on the deck of this legendary American warship. Part of the Legends of Warfare series.

Battleship USS Iowa (BB-61): The Story of "The Big Stick" from 1940 to the Present https://amzn.to/3Q9JUlY Warships Books https://tinyurl.com/warships-books The USS Iowa (BB-61) was the lead ship in the United States Navy's last, and most battle-worthy, battleship class, which also included the New Jersey, Wisconsin, and Missouri. This volume explores Iowa's design, construction, launching, and commissioning, as well as its extensive wartime activities in both World War II and Korea. Also covered are its post-Korea years in the reserve "mothball fleet," recommissioning in 1984, and coverage of the tragic 1989 turret explosion that killed forty-seven sailors. The carefully researched photos, many of which have never before been published, are reproduced in remarkable clarity, and coupled with descriptive and informative captions, this book puts the reader on the deck of this historic warship throughout her history.

Chinese Tanks and AFVs: 1950-Present (Technical Guides) https://amzn.to/3HGGuFa Tanks and Armored Vehicles Books https://tinyurl.com/tanks-and-armored-vehicles A colorful guide to the most significant Chinese AFVs deployed in the modern era. With 7,450 vehicles, China today has by far the largest number of armored fighting vehicles of any army in the world. Chinese Tanks & AFVs explores the main battle tanks, armored fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers, self-propelled guns, and missile-launching platforms in service since 1945, with an emphasis on the latest technology. Organized historically by type, the entries include the Type 98 and 90 tanks, the Type 80/85/88 held in reserve, and the Type 99 used by elite battalions—as well as the YW-306 self-propelled rocket launcher and the PLA PL0 100mm assault gun. Illustrated with expert profile artworks for each entry and complete with technical specifications, this detailed reference guide is a must for modelers and enthusiasts with an interest in modern military technology.

Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II: 1972 to date (all marks) (Owners' Workshop Manual) https://amzn.to/3WqkjaP Military Aircraft Books https://tinyurl.com/military-aircraft-books Dubbed 'Warthog' - or just 'Hog' - by those who fly and maintain it, the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II is the world's undisputed close air support attack jet. As tough as it is ugly, it has built a fearsome reputation as a tank buster and infantry killer in conflicts around the globe, and its GAU-8 Avenger 30mm cannon strikes fear into the hearts of all unlucky enough to be on the wrong side of it.he A-10 was clutched from the jaws of retirement by the 1991 Gulf War. At the time of the conflict, the United States Air Force was making plans to shed it's A-10 fleet, citing obsolescence and redundancy. As the ensuing conflict showed, nothing could have been further from the truth, and no other airframe could have provided the US and Coalition commanders with the sort of forward air control, close air support, combat search and rescue, and tank busting capabilities that the Hog did. Since then the A-10 has delivered capabilities to battlefield commanders in the Balkans (1990s), Afghanistan (2001 onwards) and the second Gulf War (2003 onwards), and Libya (2011). A-10s have flown around 11 per cent of Operation Inherent Resolve sorties (striking IS targets in Iraq) since combat operations began in August 2014.

German Fighter Aircraft of World War II: 1939-45 (Technical Guides) https://amzn.to/3Yvgr9Q Military Aircraft Books https://tinyurl.com/military-aircraft-books From biplanes and single-seat monoplanes to jet and rocket fighters, this richly detailed guide details the most important fighters used by the Luftwaffe during World War II. The Luftwaffe, or German Air Force, played a crucial role in that country’s victories during World War II—and this reference explores all the major fighters used in the invasion of Poland, the defeat of France, the Battle of Britain, Operation Barbarossa, the war in the Mediterranean, the Eastern Front, and the Defense of the Reich. It features such classics as the Messerschmitt Bf 109 and Bf 110, the Heinkel He 100D-1, and the Focke-Wulf Fw 187 and Fw 190, as well as curiosities such as the Arado Ar 68F-1, Henschel Hs 123, and Heinkel He 51B biplanes. Late war innovations, such as the jet- and rocket-powered Me 262, Me 163, and Heinkel He 162, also appear. Most types include numerous variants and examples drawn from different theaters of the war. Each featured profile shows authentic markings and color schemes, and every separate model comes with detailed specifications.