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Informationen zum Autor Andrew Thomas is one of Britain's leading RAF researchers, having published numerous articles and books on the subject, as well as readily assisting other authors. Having joined the RAF to fly straight from school, he has maintained his enthusiastic interest in the history and development of his Service throughout his career. He has previously published six volumes on British and Commonwealth Aces in the renowned Osprey series. Chris Davey has illustrated more than 70 titles for Osprey's Aircraft of the Aces and Combat Aircraft series since 1994. Based in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, as one of the very last traditional airbrush artists in the business, he has become the company's illustrator of choice for both USAAF fighters and RAF subject matter, proving his undoubted skill when dealing with large aircraft subjects such as the Halifax, Sunderland, Lancaster, and Stirling. Klappentext The Blenheim IF flew some of Fighter Command's early offensive operations, and the type soon proved vulnerable when pitted against single-seat fighters. However, for much of 1940 the Blenheim fighter squadrons provided the RAF's main long-range convoy escort and nightfighter capability. In the mid-1930s, in an attempt to capitalise on its expertise in power-operated gun turrets, the Boulton Paul Company developed the Defiant, a single-engined fighter in which all the armament was concentrated in the turret behind the pilot. Intended as a 'bomber destroyer', the Defiant had its combat debut over Dunkirk, and initially achieved some considerable success. A number of American-built aircraft called Douglas DB-7 light bombers (named Havoc by the RAF), were fitted with radar for nightfighter duties and others successfully replaced the Blenheim as night intruders. A total of 11 pilots claimed five or more victories when flying these three types to become aces, whilst no fewer than 33 who became aces claimed at least part of their scores when flying the Blenheim, Defiant or Havoc.Both the Defiant and the Blenheim served as frontline day fighter types during the first year of the war, enjoying early successes until they came up against the vastly superior Messerschmitt Bf 109. The American-built Havoc was also a pioneering nightfighter, being used in this role in 1940 - 42 alongside the Defiant and the Blenheim. Zusammenfassung An illustrated history of three pioneering fighters. The Defiant and the Blenheim enjoying early successes until they came up against the vastly superior Messerschmitt Bf 109, and the American-built Havoc. Inhaltsverzeichnis Early Day Operations Dunkirk and the Battle of Britain Early Night Operations Overseas Operations Valediction Appendices - Blenheim, Defiant & Havoc Aces - Aces with some Blenheim, Defiant & Havoc claims - Aces that flew Blenheim, Defiant & Havoc but made no claims - Colour Plates Commentary ...
