William Wolf Orden de los libros

Focusing on the B-24 Liberator, this comprehensive two-volume set explores its development from concept to becoming a key bomber in America’s arsenal. It offers in-depth details and illustrations, catering to air enthusiasts, historians, and modelers alike. The first volume serves as an essential resource, highlighting the aircraft's design and operational history.

This book explores the various roles and operations undertaken by the special duties and special operations variants. číst celé

The North American B-25 Mitchell is WWII’s most heralded and versatile medium bomber. Volume 1 (of two) gives the reader a concise illustrated look at the A through D models and follows the bomber’s genesis from the formation of the North American Company and its early steps toward the development of the NA-40, the first B-25. The continued evolution of the Mitchell from the A, B, C, and finally to the iconic D models is described in vintage photos. The production at the parent Inglewood, California, plant and then the Kansas City plant is illustrated, as are the important modification centers. The last half of the book covers the D model in many color photos of the interior and exterior, from nose to tail and from wingtip to wingtip. The Wright R-2600 radial engine and Hamilton-Standard propeller are detailed, as are their associated systems. The Mitchell’s markings and insignia changes are featured throughout.

Volume 2 of our two-volume visual history of the North American B-25 Mitchell.

Focusing on the evolution of guided bombs, missiles, and drones, the book provides a comprehensive examination of their research, development, and combat use from 1917 to 1948. Utilizing previously confidential materials, including manuals, reports, and photographs, the author offers air war historians and enthusiasts a detailed exploration of this lesser-known aspect of military aviation history.

In 1935 the USAAC wanted to build a potential intercontinental bomber, a 'Guardian of the Hemisphere,' and granted Donald Douglas a contract to build the world's largest bomber. The groundwork for the intercontinental bomber had been laid in the previous two decades by the courageous military and civilian pilots who risked their lives to set new distance and endurance records. After World War I the future Axis and Allied nations built larger aircraft and finally during World War II Germany and Japan became intent on developing intercontinental bomber to retaliate against America. While the XB-19 never flew as an intercontinental bomber or even as a combat bomber; its contributions as a 'Flying Laboratory' significantly influenced the development of the Consolidated B-36 Peacemaker, the world's first true intercontinental bomber. Since the XB-19 project was top secret and there was only one example built there is little information remaining for researchers. Over the years Bill Wolf has collected the largest quantity of XB-19 material and a number of photographs, including a copy of the original Army Air Force acceptance of the aircraft, first-hand narratives of its first flight, and other USAAC and Douglas Company documents. This book provides a superbly illustrated history of the XB-19 intercontinental bomber and the text is supported by previously unpublished photographs

"The XB-40 and XB-41 were secret, little-known experimental modifications of the B-17F and B-24D, respectively, into heavily-armed bomber gunships variously referred to as "convoy protector airplanes," "bomber escorters," or "destroyer escort planes." These aircraft were developed during the early war in response to the lack of a USAAF long-range fighter aircraft able to escort and protect beleaguered regular B-17 formations from the UK round trip deep into Germany. Unfortunately, these "protecters" were found to be unable to protect large formations as expected. During their construction each encountered numerous delays in the development and delivery of their various armament additions and improvements, particularly the Bendix chin turret. Being modifications of the bomber, they were to protect; after the addition of guns and ammunition they became overweight and also markedly tail-heavy causing center of gravity problems. The result of these alterations were protectors that did not have the performance of the bombers they were to protect. After releasing their bombs, a standard B-17F formation returning from a mission easily outpaced their overloaded escort protectors that carried no bombs. The YB-40 participated in only 14 lackluster operational service test missions during mid-1943 before being withdrawn from service. The XB-41 Liberator was a one-of-a-kind bomber escort which had similar problems as the XB-40 but never saw operational testing before also being cancelled for its poor comparative performance to standard bombers. Over the past 75 years both the XB-40 and XB-41 have been chronicled in only a few rehashed magazine and online articles. Using many formerly classified documents from his large microfilm collection, in this book William Wolf presents their previously unpublished history. It describes in depth for the first time the politics and development and associated problems of both escorter types. The armament of each is described and depicted in detail, and the YB-40's operational service test missions are recounted from 92BG/327BG records. The history of these two escorters is described in the context of the USAAF's strategic bombing and concurrent fighter escort developments and undertakings during the European air war." --Amazon.com

Focusing on the Douglas A-20 Havoc, this book highlights its significant yet often overlooked role in WWII, serving various Allied forces including the USAAF, British, and Soviet air forces. As the sixth installment in the "Ultimate Look" series, it offers comprehensive research, utilizing original sources and technical manuals, along with photographs. The narrative delves into the history of the Douglas Company and its key figures, Donald Douglas and Ed Heinemann, providing an authoritative examination of the Havoc's impact on the air war.

Following his first two massive volumes describing the day-by-day history of the 5th Fighter Command and associated tactical, strategic, and grand strategy, William Wolf completes the trilogy with this volume. The aces of the 5FC are now personalized, and their fighters described, and Japanese aces are portrayed for the first time. American and Japanese pilot training and their importance to the outcome of the war is discussed and compared. Details of the 5FC Groups and Squadrons are revealed, as are those of the Japanese Naval and Army Air Forces. The details of the aircraft of the two combatants are compared, and the vulnerability of Japanese aircraft is discussed. The flying of the six aircraft types of the 5th Fighter Command is first described from Pilot Flight Manuals, then by the aces who flew them. Japanese and American combat maneuvers and tactics are described. The crucial importance of logistics and the construction of airfields are also discussed, along with maintenance and repair. Finally, the air war is presented from the Japanese viewpoint, including the causes for the defeat of its air forces.