Most of you reading this will have some idea of what it was like to fight in aerial combat. You have read a lot about it, seen several television shows or movies about it or may be one of many who enjoy the experience with computer simulations. I would bet that few would be able to accurately demonstrate just what an Immelman Turn or a Scissors or a Yo-yo or a Corkscrew maneuver looks like.

I have to admit that while I do know a few, most of these maneuvers is a bit beyond my ability to show others. At least until now.

Classic books has produced a superb and highly colorful book that on the cover, states it is for those who enjoy aerial simulations, but is really a great look at all of the classic maneuvers that have ever been produced in the annals of air warfare. As one might imagine, much of the emphasis is on WWII where the air battles were many and frequent. I seriously doubt if the world will ever see air combat on such a scale again. Of course, the beginnings in World War One as well as what has been learned in Korea and Vietnam are not left out, but face it, the basics of what are taught today, came from the two world wars.

The book not only includes air to air information, but also on how ground defenses operate, how bombers are able to fend off night fighters, how to perform a variety of ground attack missions, anti-ship operations, dive bombing, evading SAMs, and a plethora of other information pertinent to the air combat arena.

All of these various maneuvers are superbly illustrated in full color and include period photos of the men and aircraft involved in these ops. A treat at the end of the book is an interview with Eric Brown, who has flown more types of combat aircraft than probably anyone else. He shares his outlook and opinions of many famous aircraft types.

In all this is one of those 'Must Buy' books of the year for aviation enthusiasts and for simulator pilots of all ages. Most highly recommended.

January 2009

Review book courtesy of Specialty Press, where you can order your copy of this and many other superb aviation and modeling books. Visit their website at the link above or call them at 1-800-895-4585

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