F4U Corsair versus A6M Zero-sen: Rabaul and the Solomons 1943–44 - Couverture souple

Claringbould, Michael John

Couverture souple

ISBN 10 : 1472850610 ISBN 13 : 9781472850614

Editeur : Osprey Publishing, 2022

Synopsis

The aerial clashes between the iconic Corsair and Zero-sen translated into a contest of speed and altitude for the former, versus the latter's outstanding agility and range.

Whilst the F4U Corsair eventually proved to be a superior fighter in Pacific operations, its introduction into combat in this theatre initially demonstrated its weaknesses. Indeed, the 'Saint Valentine's Day Massacre' debacle showcased exemplary Zero-sen fighter tactics, and American losses were of sufficient magnitude that further daylight missions toward Bougainville were discontinued until Allied fighter tactics could be improved. As a result, for the next two months the Corsair's combat results were much subdued. Indeed, the F4U only became a superb fighter when both its pilots and their commanders worked out how to deploy the gull-wing design effectively. Optimum circumstances for effective engagement did not always occur, and the Zero-sen remained effective against the Corsair until February 1944 in the South Pacific, after which all IJNAF fighter units vacated Rabaul.

This book closely examines these two different fighters in the Solomons/Rabaul theatre, and the unique geographic conditions which shaped their deployment and effectiveness. It contains rare photographs and digital artwork that accurately showcases and aligns combats of both types in-theatre with unprecedented accuracy.

Both sides vastly over-claimed. With full access to IJNAF and US Navy/US Marine Corps records, these numbers are presented accurately.

A propos du livre

À propos des auteurs

Michael John Claringbould was raised in Papua New Guinea, where he became fascinated by the Pacific air war. An extensive career in the Australian Foreign Service saw him complete six postings within Asia and the Pacific. He is author of numerous books concerning the USAAF Fifth Air Force and Japanese Pacific air power. Appointed an executive member of Pacific Air War History Associates in 2018, Michael is a licensed pilot and also holds an Intermediate paraglider rating. He lives in Australia.

Jim Laurier is a native of New England and lives in New Hampshire. He attended Paier School of Art in Hamden, Connecticut, from 1974-78, and since graduating with Honours, he has been working professionally in the field of Fine Art and Illustration. He has been commissioned to paint for the US Air Force and has aviation paintings on permanent display at the Pentagon.

Gareth Hector is a digital artist of international standing and has also enjoyed a successful career in computer animation. He is an aviation history enthusiast and has contributed to numerous Osprey titles such as B-52 Stratofortress Units in Combat 1992-2025
and RAF Lightning Units of the Cold War. He lives in Perthshire, Scotland.

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: Osprey Publishing
• Date d'édition: 2022
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 1472850610
• ISBN 13: 9781472850614
• Reliure: Broché
• Illustrateur: Laurier Jim, Hector Gareth
• Numéro d'édition: 1
• Nombre de pages: 80
• Coordonnées du fabricant: non disponible
• Personne responsable: Purmerul LTD; https://strengholt.nl/en/; ; 22 Liuleburgaz Str., floor 4, app. 9; Plovdiv; 4000; Bulgarie