US Navy Ships vs Japanese Attack Aircraft: 1941-42

The Imperial Japanese Navy's carrier-based attack aircraft proved devastating during World War II, sinking several US Navy carriers and damaging others. However, US Navy ship defenses improved, and the IJNAF suffered significant losses in the final major battle of the year, the Battle of Santa Cruz. This book provides detailed information on the design, tactics, and operational records of both the US Navy ships and the IJNAF aircraft that attacked them.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 80 pages
Publication date: 17 September 2020
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Imperial Japanese Navy's carrier-based attack aircraft demonstrated their remarkable prowess during pivotal battles, notably at Pearl Harbor and the Battle of Coral Sea. Their carrier-based torpedo and dive-bombers proved devastating, sinking the US Navy carrier USS Lexington and significantly damaging USS Yorktown. Despite facing formidable opposition, the IJNAF's attack and torpedo-bombers continued to pose a significant threat, notably during the Battle of Midway, where they inflicted heavy damage on Yorktown, enabling an IJN submarine to sink the carrier. At Guadalcanal, the IJNAF's carrier-based aircraft successfully sank the carrier USS Hornet and inflicted substantial damage on USS Enterprise twice. However, as the year progressed, the US Navy's ship defenses improved, reducing the number of successful IJNAF aircraft attacks. The Battle of Santa Cruz marked a significant turning point, resulting in crippling losses for the IJN, ultimately leading to the eclipse of the IJNAFs highly skilled and effective aviation attack forces. This comprehensive volume, adorned with illustrations and contemporary photographs, provides detailed insights into the design, tactics, and operational records of both the US Navy ships and the IJNAF aircraft engaged in these battles throughout 1942.

Weight: 266g
Dimension: 186 x 247 x 7 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472836441