Apparently Osprey's 'Duel' series has hit it pretty big as this is #41 in their ever-growing catalogue. This time, it concentrates on the China-Burma theater of war with the two antagonists being the B-24 Liberator and the Ki-43 Oscar.

The B-24 was America's most manufactured bomber and while it took concentration to fly it, its long range and heavier bomb load eclipsed the B-17, making it the perfect aircraft for the war against Japan. Here, distances were great and as the planes were not really used in the same numbers we saw in Europe, the ability to carry a good load was much more important that ease of flying in formation.

The Ki-43 was Japan's premier Army fighter at the start of the war. Typical of Japanese planes of the time, it was an excellent dog-fighter thanks to is light weight, but was poorly armed. This latter trait was never fully dealt with as even late war Oscars had but two nose machine guns. It made bringing down a big bomber like the B-24 quite a challenge. However, when you had a bunch of planes concentrating on a single aircraft, it could be shot down. This was especially true as most Liberator formations were not covered by escort fighters until much later in the war. When that happened, B-24 losses due to Ki-43s pretty well stopped.

Author Edward M Young follows a tried and true format in this Duel book by first providing the design and development of both aircraft. There is then a section on the technical specifications of each followed by a look at the military in which both were used and how they trained for battle. Next is a look at the situation prior to the start of the war and then a look at some of the more important battles in which these two adversaries faced each other. Finally, an analysis of how these aircraft fared; their strengths and weaknesses. This is all superbly illustrated with some great art work in addition to well chosen period photos of the men and machines of both sides.

Overall, it makes for a most interesting read and provides a good look at these two important early war designs. It is a book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading and I'm sure you will as well. Like all Osprey titles it is one that I can easily recommend to you.

April 2012

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