Flying to the Limit: Testing World War II Single-Engined Fighter Aircraft

During WW2, the RAF and Royal Aircraft Establishment selected and procured British military aircraft, evaluated their capabilities against captured enemy models, and operated American designs under the lend-lease agreement. This book explores the key area of fighter aircraft, including test results and pilot's first-hand accounts of flying seventeen different models designed in the UK, America, and Germany.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 17 March 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

During the years preceding and during World War II, the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) played a crucial role in the selection and procurement of British military aircraft. Their responsibilities extended to evaluating the capabilities of these aircraft against captured enemy models whenever possible. In collaboration with the United States during the lend-lease agreement, the RAF and Fleet Air Arm operated various American designs, conducting rigorous tests to assess their potential. This book delves into the critical realm of fighter aircraft and presents a comprehensive examination of seventeen different models, designed in the UK, America, and Germany. It offers a wealth of information, including test results and firsthand accounts from pilots who flew these aircraft. The reader will gain insights into the possibilities of air superiority offered by these types of aircraft, as well as their inherent weaknesses. The types covered in this book are diverse and noteworthy, including the Hawker Hurricane, Supermarine Spitfire, Boulton Paul Defiant, Hawker Tempest, and Typhoon. These aircraft played pivotal roles in the War and have since become legendary in military history. The Hawker Hurricane, for instance, was a versatile fighter that served in various roles, including ground-attack and bomber suppression. The Supermarine Spitfire, on the other hand, is renowned for its exceptional speed, agility, and long-range capabilities. The Boulton Paul Defiant was a rugged and reliable fighter that saw extensive service in the European theater. The Hawker Tempest and Typhoon were advanced jet fighters that played significant roles in the Battle of Britain and the Pacific War. Additionally, this book explores other notable fighter aircraft such as the Bell Airacobra, Messerschmitt Bf 109, Focke-Wulf Fw 190, Brewster Buffalo, Curtiss Tomahawk, North American Mustang, Grumman Martlet, Republic Thunderbolt, and Vought Corsair. Each of these aircraft played a significant role in the War and have left a lasting impact on military aviation. By examining these models in detail, the reader will gain a deeper understanding of the technological advancements, strategic implications, and the human stories that unfolded during this pivotal period of history.

Weight: 434g
Dimension: 157 x 233 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399014397