It has been a while since I've had the chance to review a Hikoki book and this is a good one. Like all warring nations, the US was constantly seeking to provide improved weapons for their services. In the days before computer simulations, this meant trying something different to see if it worked. More often than not, what looked promising on paper simply did not translate to the prototype. However, designers kept trying and the result was some fairly intriguing designs.

One also has to take into consideration that the lead time for a new aircraft, while not as long as today, was still a few years. Within that time period, such was the advance of aeronautics that the finished prototype, while meeting specifications, simply was not that much better than what was already in service. In addition, there were times when even with new technology, it proved to have drawbacks that were such that they would prove more of a hindrance to an operational type.

The author has compiled in this volume every project designed before and during the war that actually made it to the flying stage. The book is divided into a USAAF and USN section with the former being by far the largest. Each of the dozens of aircraft entries includes a brief history of its design, its construction and flight testing as well as what happened to the prototype(s) and any preproduction aircraft. Some of these aircraft went through considerable modification, the P-60 being a prime example, and all of that is fully covered. Finally, there are a vast number of photos of each aircraft, which is a real bonus as rarely does one see this many in one place.

In all, it makes for not only an excellent read, but an equally superb reference on these types. Well worth picking up.

February 2025

Review book courtesy of  Casemate Publishers, where you can order your copy at this link. 

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