Overview
An extensively researched and accurate examination of the eight-month confrontation between two key World War II fighter planes in New Guinea.
Although New Guinea's Thunderbolt pilots faced several different types of enemy aircraft in capricious tropical conditions, by far their most common adversary was the Nakajima Ki-43-II Hayabusa, codenamed āOscarā by the Allies. These two opposing fighters were the products of two radically different design philosophies. The Thunderbolt was heavy, fast, and packed a massive punch thanks to its battery of eight 0.50-cal machine guns, while the āOscarā was the complete opposite in respect to fighter design philosophy--lightweight, nimble, maneuverable, and lightly armed. It was, nonetheless, deadly in the hands of an experienced pilot. The Thunderbolt commenced operations in New Guinea with a series of bomber escort missions in mid-1943, and its firepower and superior speed soon saw Fifth Air Force fighter command deploying elite groups of P-47s to Wewak, on the northern coast. Flying from there, they would pick off unwary enemy aircraft during dedicated fighter patrols. The Thunderbolt pilots in New Guinea slowly wore down their Japanese counterparts by continual combat and deadly strafing attacks, but nevertheless, the Ki-43-II remained a worthy opponent deterrent up until Hollandia was abandoned by the IJAAF in April 1944.
Fully illustrated throughout with artwork and rare photographs, this fascinating book examines these two vastly different fighters in the New Guinea theater, and assesses the unique geographic conditions that shaped their deployment and effectiveness.
This book title, P-47D Thunderbolt vs Ki-43-II Oscar (New Guinea 1943-44), ISBN: 9781472840912, by Michael John Claringbould, Jim Laurier, Gareth Hector, published by Bloomsbury USA (August 4, 2020) is available in paperback. Our minimum order quantity is 25 copies. All standard bulk book orders ship FREE in the continental USA and delivered in 4-10 business days.
Unlike Amazon and other retailers who may also offer P-47D Thunderbolt vs Ki-43-II Oscar (New Guinea 1943-44) books on their website, we specialize in large quantities and provide personal service, from trusted, experienced, friendly people in Portland, Oregon. We offer a Price Match Guarantee, and QuickQuote form, to make purchasing quick and easy.
Prefer to work with a human being when you order P-47D Thunderbolt vs Ki-43-II Oscar (New Guinea 1943-44) books in bulk? Our Book Specialists are standing by Monday-Friday 8-5 PST, ready to help!