It never ceases to amaze me that new information is constantly being brought forth regarding Japanese aircraft of WW II. I guess that is because most of what is written is not in English so it takes time for that information to hit the shelves around here. A case in point is this particular book from Mushroom Models Publications.

In the back of my mind, I have always known that the Japanese Navy was a proponent of submarine-operated aircraft. It just never really hit me on how much this was true until I read this book. Unlike other navies who basically just tinkered with the idea, the Japanese did a great deal of development in the field and produced viable aircraft. They also designed many of their huge fleet submarines around the need to carry aircraft. In the beginning of the war, these planes were used a great deal for reconnaissance of major cities and harbors, including those of the United States. It is a sub launched plane that did the only mainland U.S. bombing during the war and while highly ineffective in terms of actual damage, was able to glean resources away from the front lines to protect from a threat that never developed.

The book covers all of the known sub-launched aircraft and even the prototypes that never really made it. There is also a history of sub-launched planes, going into the work of not only Japan, but other nations. There are lots of photographs, most of which I have never seen, as well as nicely done three views of the various aircraft. Since only one aircraft of all the types is still extant, there is not much in the way of close up photos for the other aircraft. However there are some very good drawings showing some of the more unusual features of these planes. The M6A1 Seiran is the only plane that has survived and there are many photos of this plane before and during restoration.

Also included in the book is a table listing all of the aircraft carrying subs and their eventual fate. Not surprisingly, most of them were destroyed during the war. In addition, there are a number of very well done color profiles and three views of the planes. I found the book to be fascinating reading and one that I can highly recommend to you.

Review book courtesy of Mushroom Model Publications. Thanks for your support

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