A From Spitfire To Focke Wulf

Author : H. Leonard Thorne
Publisher : The History Press
Page : 287 pages
File Size : 44,6 Mb
Release : 2013-09-02
Category : Biography & Autobiography
ISBN : 9780752497280

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From Spitfire to Focke Wulf by H. Leonard Thorne Pdf

'I hold the greatest respect for Len for what he achieved in the RAF'. – Gordon Mitchell, son of Spitfire designer R.J. Mitchell In May 1940, 20-year-old Len Thorne joined the RAF, as did many young men during the Second World War. After two hectic tours of operational duty as a fighter pilot, including some desperately dangerous low-level flying at Dunkirk, he was posted to AFDU (Air Fighting Development Unit) and remained there as a test pilot for the rest of the war. Fortunately for us, Len kept a detailed diary, which, set alongside his log book, tells the unique story of a test pilot tasked with developing operational tactics and testing captured enemy aircraft, such as the feared Fw 190. During Len's career, he worked alongside some of the most famous fighter aces and his records cast light on some of the most famous flyers of the RAF, including Wing Commander Al Deere and Spitfire aces Squadron Leader 'Paddy' Finucane, Ernie Ryder and many others. A unique record of military aviation history, From Spitfire to Focke Wulf offers a window to this era of rapid and high-stakes aircraft development.

Author : Herbert Leonard Thorne
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 51,6 Mb
Release : 2023
Category : Test pilots
ISBN : OCLC:1410469445

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From Spitfire to Focke Wulf by Herbert Leonard Thorne Pdf

An insightful look into the life of a wartime test pilot. In May 1940, 20-year-old Len Thorne joined the RAF, as did many young men during the Second World War. After two hectic tours of operational duty as a fighter pilot, including some desperately dangerous low-level flying at Dunkirk, he was posted to AFDU (Air Fighting Development Unit) and remained there as a test pilot for the rest of the war. Fortunately for us, Len kept a detailed diary, which, set alongside his log book, tells the unique story of a test pilot tasked with developing operational tactics and testing captured enemy aircraft, such as the feared Fw 190. During Len's career, he worked alongside some of the most famous fighter aces and his records cast light on some of the most famous flyers of the RAF, including Wing Commander Al Deere and Spitfire aces Squadron Leader 'Paddy' Finucane, Ernie Ryder and many others. A unique record of military aviation history, From Spitfire to Focke Wulf offers a window to this era of rapid and high-stakes aircraft development.

Author : H. Leonard Thorne,Gill Griffin,Barry Griffin
Publisher : The History Press
Page : 278 pages
File Size : 47,7 Mb
Release : 2013-09-02
Category : History
ISBN : 9780752497280

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A From Spitfire to Focke Wulf by H. Leonard Thorne,Gill Griffin,Barry Griffin Pdf

‘I hold the greatest respect for Len for what he achieved in the RAF’. – Gordon Mitchell, son of Spitfire designer R.J. Mitchell In May 1940, 20-year-old Len Thorne joined the RAF, as did many young men during the Second World War. After two hectic tours of operational duty as a fighter pilot, including some desperately dangerous low-level flying at Dunkirk, he was posted to AFDU (Air Fighting Development Unit) and remained there as a test pilot for the rest of the war. Fortunately for us, Len kept a detailed diary, which, set alongside his log book, tells the unique story of a test pilot tasked with developing operational tactics and testing captured enemy aircraft, such as the feared Fw 190. During Len’s career, he worked alongside some of the most famous fighter aces and his records cast light on some of the most famous flyers of the RAF, including Wing Commander Al Deere and Spitfire aces Squadron Leader ‘Paddy’ Finucane, Ernie Ryder and many others. A unique record of military aviation history, From Spitfire to Focke Wulf offers a window to this era of rapid and high-stakes aircraft development.

Author : Chris Goss
Publisher : Pen and Sword
Page : 277 pages
File Size : 41,7 Mb
Release : 2019-06-30
Category : Transportation
ISBN : 9781473899582

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Focke-Wulf Fw 190 by Chris Goss Pdf

An exploration of the early service of Germany’s Fw 190, containing a unique collection of rare photos displaying the wide use of this aircraft. Widely regarded as the Luftwaffe’s finest fighter, the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 first saw service in France in August 1941, immediately proving itself at least the equal of the then-latest Spitfire variant, the Mk.V. In this volume, Chris Goss takes a close look at the aircraft’s features as well as its early history. There were a number of characteristics which contributed to the Fw 190’s success. For instance, it was designed as a weapons platform and built to withstand heavy punishment. Another element in the Fw 190’s construction which added to its durability was its wide-tracked, inwards-retracting landing gear. The Fw 190’s BMW 801 D-2 radial engine also produced 1,677 horsepower, giving the early Focke-Wulf 190 A-8 a top speed of more than 400 miles per hour—which was considerably faster than the early variant Spitfires. As Goss points out, it was the Spitfires with which the Fw 190 pilots frequently had to contend when in combat over the English Channel, and particularly during the Allied raid on Dieppe in August 1942. The Fw 190’s weapons capability also saw it used as a fighter-bomber against Allied shipping in the Channel and against the southeastern coasts of England in 1942 in tip-and-runs raids. These fast, low-level attacks proved difficult for the defending RAF squadrons to counter and only one Fw 190 was lost on these operations. In this first of two volumes, Goss examines the aircraft’s features and early days, showing exactly why it was the workhorse of the Luftwaffe.

Author : Dan Sharp
Publisher : Eagles of the Luftwaffe
Page : 128 pages
File Size : 44,5 Mb
Release : 2020-04-14
Category : History
ISBN : 1911658050

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Eagles of the Luftwaffe: Focke-Wulf FW 190 A, F and G by Dan Sharp Pdf

Full profile of the legendary German Second World War fighter.

Author : John Weal
Publisher : Osprey Publishing
Page : 100 pages
File Size : 49,6 Mb
Release : 1995-09-11
Category : History
ISBN : 1855325187

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Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Aces of the Russian Front by John Weal Pdf

Of all the fronts fought on by the Jagdflieger during World War 2, the Russian, or Eastern, was easily the most lucrative in terms of targets for the experten. Marry an abundance of targets with the Luftwaffe's best piston-engined fighter of the war – Focke-Wulf's Fw 190 'Butcher Bird' – and it quickly becomes apparent why so many Jagdflieger achieved kills that passed the 100 victories mark. Flying in variable weather on a battlefront that was constantly changing, the Fw 190 pilots fought virtually to extinction in both the pure fighter and the crucial Schlacht ground attack roles.

Author : Mantelli - Brown - Kittel - Graf
Publisher : Edizioni R.E.I.
Page : 110 pages
File Size : 51,6 Mb
Release : 2017-02-28
Category : History
ISBN : 9782372973250

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The Focke-Wulf Fw 190 by Mantelli - Brown - Kittel - Graf Pdf

Author : Krzysztof Janowicz
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 43,6 Mb
Release : 2010-01-05
Category : Fighter planes
ISBN : 8389088371

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Focke Wolf Fw 190 Vol. Ii by Krzysztof Janowicz Pdf

The second part of a monograph on Focke-Wulf Fw 190 concentrates on the operational history of the fighter units flying this type. Starting with the combat debut over the North Sea and English Channel, the book describes the activities of Fw 190s in comparison with the British Spitfire fighter and the initial dominance of the Focke-Wulfs over their opponents. The author uncovers the fates of particular fighter units as well as individual pilots who fought in them. 128 pages, 171 photographs (many previously unpublished), 8 sheets of factory drawings with detailed view of the construction and armament, 11 color charts with 24 examples of camouflage schemes. Free 1:32, 1:48 and 1:72 decals for 7 schemes: Fw 190 A-8, 'Black 11', flown by Lt. Günther Heym of Stab/JG 51, Zichenau (Poland), Summer/Autumn 1944. Fw 190 A-2, W.Nr. 20206, 'Black Chevron', flown by Fw. Walter Grünlinger of Stab III./JG 26, France, 1942. Fw 190 A-5, 'White 8' of IV./JG 51, Eastern Front, Summer 1943. Fw 190 A-8, 'White 16' of 13./JG 54, France, Summer 1944. Fw 190 A-8, 'Black 9' of II./JG 301, Germany, Spring 1945. Fw 190 A-5, W.Nr. 2700, 'Black 8' of 2./JG 11, Husum (Germany), Summer 1943. Fw 190 A-8/R2, 'White 14', flown by Uffz. Oskar Bösch of Sturmstaffel 1, Salzwedel (Germany), February 1944. About the Series Monographs focuses on an individual type of aircraft. Each monograph contains descriptions of the aircraft's origin, its variants and combat history. Each volume includes several hundred archive photographs, technical scale drawings and color profile artwork. Each book also has free extras for modelers, with decals and masking foil.

Author : Dietmar Harmann,Ulrich Leverenz,Eberhard Weber
Publisher : Schiffer Publishing
Page : 224 pages
File Size : 47,6 Mb
Release : 2003-10-30
Category : Focke-Wulf Fw 190 (Fighter plane)
ISBN : 076431940X

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Focke-Wulf Fw 190A by Dietmar Harmann,Ulrich Leverenz,Eberhard Weber Pdf

This book deals with the development history and testing of this fighter aircraft and production of the early variants of the Fw 190 A. An interesting comparison between the Bf 109 and the Fw 190 shows the strengths and weaknesses of the two aircraft, and authentic reports by former test pilots of Focke-Wulf and the Rechlin Test Station document the aircrafts performance. Also covered are the later torpedo-carrier and reconnaissance versions of the Fw 190. Together with the Messerschmitt Bf 109, the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 formed the standard equipment of the German fighter arm in the Second World War and today is considered one of the most capable fighters of that period. Initial flight trials in 1939 revealed a number of shortcomings, nevertheless the basic concept of the Fw 190 proved extremely successful. In contrast to the Bf 109, which was powered by a liquid-cooled, inverted-vee engine, in developing the Fw 190 Prof. Kurt Tank selected the BMW 801, an air-cooled radial engine that was less sensitive to battle damage. The broad-track undercarriage also gave the Focke-Wulf fighter much superior takeoff and landing characteristics. The Fw 190 entered quantity production by Focke-Wulf and license manufacturers Fieseler, AGO and Arado in 1941. It proved an immediate success in combat operations in 1942, proving itself superior to the Spitfire in some respects. Lavishly illustrated with photographs and drawings, many of which have not been published before, this book provides both aircraft enthusiasts and modelers with a wealth of information, and fills a gap in the history of aircraft design in Germany.

Author : Dan Sharp
Publisher : HarperTempest
Page : 200 pages
File Size : 46,9 Mb
Release : 2019-10
Category : Electronic
ISBN : 1911658042

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Spitfires Over Berlin by Dan Sharp Pdf

A selection of exciting, intriguing and thoroughly researched stories from the last days of WW2.

Author : Andrew Thomas
Publisher : Bloomsbury Publishing
Page : 228 pages
File Size : 44,9 Mb
Release : 2016-06-16
Category : History
ISBN : 9781472812605

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Spitfire Aces of the Channel Front 1941-43 by Andrew Thomas Pdf

80 years after the Spitfire was first developed it remains an icon of military aviation. Though many associate its victory during the Battle of Britain as the high point in the history of the Spitfire, the years following were of equal importance. Having weathered the initial storm, at the start of 1941 Fighter Command took the fight to the Germans with offensive missions over the Channel. This book reveals how first using the Spitfire I and II, and then following the introduction of the Bf 109 the cannon-armed Spitfire V, RAF squadrons embarked on a range of missions which included one of the most important air battles of the war, over Dieppe on 19 August 1942. Alongside British pilots were squadrons manned by exiled Europeans and pilots from the RAAF, RCAF and RNZAF. In just three years over 100 of these pilots were to rack up ace status in the Spitfire.

Author : Andrew Thomas
Publisher : Bloomsbury Publishing
Page : 146 pages
File Size : 49,9 Mb
Release : 2014-09-20
Category : History
ISBN : 9781782003403

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Spitfire Aces of Northwest Europe 1944-45 by Andrew Thomas Pdf

This book traces the achievements of the pilots flying the iconic Spitfire in Northwest Europe, and examines how the steady technological improvements that were made throughout the Spitfire's service life improved its capabilities in the air. Based at airfields throughout southern England, Merlin engine Spitfires provided the bulk of the air cover for the D-Day landings and it was an RCAF Spitfire which claimed the first ever ME 262 jet kill. 36 colour profiles covering a broad spectrum of nationalities, units, pilots, theatres and markings complement thorough research throughout this comprehensive account of these crucial fighter aircraft.

Author : John Weal
Publisher : Bloomsbury Publishing
Page : 100 pages
File Size : 42,5 Mb
Release : 2012-10-20
Category : History
ISBN : 9781782005636

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Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Aces of the Western Front by John Weal Pdf

The Fw 190 was the scourge of Fighter Command from the moment it appeared on the Western Front at Abbeville in August 1941 with II./JG 26. A nimble, speedy and well-armed adversary, the 'Butcher Bird' quickly proved superior to all Allied fighters of the time, particularly at medium to low altitude. Led by Experten of the calibre of 'Pips' Priller, Heinz Bar and Walter Oesau, the handful of Fw 190-equipped Jagdgeschwader flew against overwhelming odds, firstly on the Channel coast, and then in direct defence of the Reich when the Jagdflieger took on the might of the USAAF's Eighth and Ninth Air Forces. This is their story.

Author : Alfred Price
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 272 pages
File Size : 52,7 Mb
Release : 1982
Category : History
ISBN : UOM:39015003716597

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The Spitfire Story by Alfred Price Pdf

Author : Alfred Price
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 51,9 Mb
Release : 2000-01-03
Category : Aeronautics, Military
ISBN : 0750925485

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Focke-Wulf Fw190 in Combat by Alfred Price Pdf

When the Focke Wulf Fw 190 became operational in 1941, it gave its enemies a nasty shock: it could out-run, out-climb and out-dive the Spitfire Mk V, the best machine the RAF then had available. The story of the versatile aircraft is offered here, along with first-hand accounts from former pilots, and an interview with the head of the Focke Wulf design team, Professor Kurt Tank.