The Republic Aviation Corporation F-84 series, the Thunderjet, Thunderstreak, and Thunderflash was the United States Air Forces first Post World War II jet fighter. As a somewhat sad result of this, it has been ignored by most aviation historians and afi
Focusing on the legendary 56th Fighter Group, this narrative chronicles their daring combat missions during World War II, highlighting the heroic pilots who flew P-47 Thunderbolts to dominate the skies and achieve significant victories against the Luftwaffe. The book details their aggressive tactics in escorting bombers and ground attacks, as well as their innovative post-war missions, including operations in Alaska and pioneering trans-Atlantic jet flights with the P-80 Shooting Star. The foreword by former commander Hub Zemke adds personal insight into this storied unit.
Includes Lightweight Fighters XP-51F, XP51G, & XP51J
The North American Aviation Corporation's series of "Lightweight" Mustangs, the XP-51F, XP51G, XP-51J, and ultimately the P-51H, came as a result of North American's further development of their standard P-51A and B/C designs. These efforts were the direct result of combat experience in Europe in attempting to counter the fast German Luftwaffe's Focke Wulf 190 with its higher rate of roll, and the requirement in the Pacific Theater for a light, long-range fighter to counter Japanese aircraft, particularly the long-range, highly-manueverable Mitsubishi A6M Reisen ("Zero" or "Zeke").