The Mosquito in the USAAF

The Mosquito in the USAAF PDF

Author: Tony Fairbairn

Publisher: Air World

Published: 2021-12-22

Total Pages: 291

ISBN-13: 1399017349

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This history of the US’s British aircraft acquisition “examin[es] the role [the USSAF] played in reconnaissance, special operations, and night fighting.” —Air & Space Power History On 20 April 1941, a group of distinguished Americans visited the de Havilland Aircraft Company’s airfield at Hatfield, England. The party was there ostensibly to gain an insight into how various US aircraft supplied to Britain were performing, as well as to observe some of the latest British products being put through their paces. The eighteen types on display included both US and British bombers and fighters. But the star of the day was undoubtedly the de Havilland Mosquito. Having first flown only a few months earlier, the aircraft was demonstrated by none other than Geoffrey de Havilland. Striving to impress the trans-Atlantic visitors, de Havilland provided an outstanding display of speed and manoeuvrability. It was a routine that left the Americans in no doubt as to the Mosquito’s abilities. Following America’s entry into WWII, formal requests for Mosquitoes began in earnest. A steady flow of the photographic reconnaissance version were provided to what would become the USAAF’s 25th Bomb Group at Watton, England. There they served with distinction in a variety of specialist roles. A number of these Mosquitoes served with the 492nd Bomb Group at Harrington and were involved in the so-called “Joan-Eleanor” project. Finally, in 1945, the USAAF received much-anticipated night fighter Mosquitoes which enjoyed combat success with the 416th Night Fighter Squadron in Italy. In this highly illustrated work, the author explores the full story of why the Americans wanted Mosquitoes, how they went about obtaining them, and their noted success and popularity with USAAF units.

Achtung! Moskito

Achtung! Moskito PDF

Author: Martin W. Bowman

Publisher: Schiffer Military

Published: 2010

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780764333477

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Much has been written about the Mosquito, but this book features the young pilots and navigators who carried out daring operations against targets in Europe. Their stories are as compelling today as they were over sixty years ago at the height of World War II. The Mosquito was for many the perfect synthesis of power and beauty and arguably the most versatile of all Allied aircraft built during the Second World War. Yet three times the Mosquito project was deleted from Britain's future military plans, only to fight its way into the air and turn in performance figures that left fellow aircraft behind and its critics dumbfounded. Altogether, 7,781 examples of the âWooden Wonder' would be built in no less than forty-three versions. Bomber, day fighter, night fighter, pathfinder, attack aircraft, trainer, reconnaissance aircraft â the Mosquito did it all.

Mosquito Aces of World War 2

Mosquito Aces of World War 2 PDF

Author: Andrew Thomas

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2013-02-20

Total Pages: 150

ISBN-13: 1472801865

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The Mosquito developed into one of the most versatile aircraft of World War 2, entering service with Fighter Command in early 1942. The 'Mossie' was soon defending raids on Britain's Cathedral cities and became an integral part of the country's night defences. Its airborne radar gave it the ability to 'see' the enemy at night, and its speed and devastating fire power made it the finest nightfighter deployed by any side during World War 2. This book examines the infamous Mosquito, the nightfighter that was used by many leading RAF, Commonwealth and American aces.

De Havilland Mosquito, Vol. 1

De Havilland Mosquito, Vol. 1 PDF

Author: Ron Mackay

Publisher: Schiffer Military History

Published: 2019-10-28

Total Pages: 112

ISBN-13: 9780764358203

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This first of two volumes on de Havilland's "Wooden Wonder" covers the night-fighter and fighter-bomber variants of the deadly Mosquito. The development of the multirole Mosquito, from its original bomber and photoreconnaissance operational function to that of a night-fighter and fighter-bomber configuration, was initiated by the latent threat of a renewal of the 1940-41 "Blitz." Over the ensuing years of WWII, the Mosquito attacked the enemy with sorties across a 24-hour time span, challenging the German Nachtjagd with aerial interceptions, as well as attacks on Luftwaffe airfields. Pinpoint assaults on specialist targets was another aspect of Mosquito fighter-bomber operations, whose destructive effect on the Axis was constantly felt. Also covered are the Mosquito's operations with the Fleet Air Arm, as well as postwar use. Part of the Legends of Warfare series.

The Shepherd

The Shepherd PDF

Author: Frederick Forsyth

Publisher: Open Road Media

Published: 2012-10-30

Total Pages: 69

ISBN-13: 1453287728

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Christmas Eve, 1957: An RAF pilot needs a miracle to make it home as his fighter jet begins to fail, in a story by the #1 New York Times–bestselling author. It is Christmas Eve, 1957, and there are cozier places to be than the cockpit of a de Havilland Vampire fighter plane. But for the Royal Air Force pilot who has just taken off from West Germany, this single-seat jet is the only way to make it back to England for Christmas morning. His flight plan is simple; the fuel tank is full. In sixty-six minutes, he will be back in Blighty. But then the plane begins to fail. First the compass goes haywire, then the radio dies. Lost and alone above the English coast, the pilot is searching for a landing strip when the fog closes in, signaling certain death. He has given up hope when a second shadow appears—a Mosquito fighter-bomber of World War II vintage. The plane is a “shepherd,” guiding the Vampire to a safe landing, and its appearance is a gift from fate, a miracle out of time—but for one lonely pilot, the mystery has just begun. A classic bestseller, beloved by aviation fans (including actor John Travolta, who calls it “one of my favorites because it personalizes the two planes”) and general readers alike, The Shepherd is a gripping, heartwarming tale for a cold winter’s night.

Apollo's Warriors

Apollo's Warriors PDF

Author: Michael E. Haas

Publisher: DIANE Publishing

Published: 1998-05

Total Pages: 388

ISBN-13: 9780788149832

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Presenting a fascinating insider's view of U.S.A.F. special operations, this volume brings to life the critical contributions these forces have made to the exercise of air & space power. Focusing in particular on the period between the Korean War & the Indochina wars of 1950-1979, the accounts of numerous missions are profusely illustrated with photos & maps. Includes a discussion of AF operations in Europe during WWII, as well as profiles of Air Commandos who performed above & beyond the call of duty. Reflects on the need for financial & political support for restoration of the forces. Bibliography. Extensive photos & maps. Charts & tables.

Beaufighters in the Night

Beaufighters in the Night PDF

Author: Braxton Eisel

Publisher: Pen and Sword Aviation

Published: 2007

Total Pages: 264

ISBN-13:

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The 417th Night Fighter Squadron USAAF was only the fourth such unit to be formed. In the early days of WWII, the US sent observers to England to study how the latest form of air warfare would take shape and it very soon became apparent to them that a night fighting capability was of increasing importance. When they joined the battle against the Reich they found themselves without a suitable American aircraft and were forced to utilize RAF Beaufighters. Having 're-learned to fly' this British design the 417th were sent to North Africa. Most of the ex-RAF aircraft they had inherited were battle weary and no supplies of spares were available through the US supply chain. The squadron found an elderly B-25 bomber, nicknamed the "Strawberry Roan," and they ranged throughout the Mediterranean in search of Beaufighter parts. 417 soon built a healthy score of downed German and Italian aircraft and as the war progressed they were moved to Corsica to support the Italian invasion, After D-Day they were moved to Le Vallon from where they attacked the night-time movements of the German Army. Perhaps their most famous operation was to attack the low flying German Condor that ran the route from the Reich to Spain carrying Nazi gold and treasures.