B-26 Marauder vs Me 262 cover

Description

An illustrated account of the clashes between the Luftwaffe's Me 262, the first operational jet fighter, and the USAAF's B-26 Marauder bomber during the final months of the war in Europe.

As the world's first jet-engined fighter aircraft, the Luftwaffe's Messerschmitt Me 262 heralded a new dawn in design, performance, and combat capability upon its operational debut in 1944, outclassing its Allied counterparts for both speed and firepower. The skies over Austria and southern Germany saw the Me 262 enter savage aerial clashes as fighter ace Adolf Galland's JV 44 engaged three USAAF bomber groups, targeting their formidable – but ill-prepared – Martin B-26 Marauders with often devastating results.

In this dramatic new study, Luftwaffe historian Robert Forsyth examines how USAAF crews in twin-engined Marauders endeavoured to fulfil their bombing missions while jet pilots in Me 262s attacked with 30 mm MK 108 nose-mounted cannon and, eventually, 55 mm R4M air-to-air rockets. First-hand accounts, newly commissioned artwork and archive photography enhance the fascinating and action-packed story of these two aircraft and the fearsome combat that was waged between them.

Table of Contents

(Subject to Confirmation)
Introduction
Chronology
Design and Development
Technical Specifications
The Strategic Situation
The Combatants
Combat
Statistics and Analysis
Aftermath
Further Reading
Index

Product details

Published Feb 27 2025
Format Ebook (PDF)
Edition 1st
Extent 80
ISBN 9781472862624
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations Colour artwork plates and maps; black & white and colour photographs and illustrations.
Series Duel
Short code DUE 142
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Robert Forsyth

Robert Forsyth is an author, editor and publisher,…

Illustrator

Gareth Hector

Gareth Hector is a digital artist of international…

Illustrator

Jim Laurier

Jim Laurier is a native of New England and lives i…

Resources

Book Vote

Tell us what titles you would like to see published by Osprey, then vote for your favourites in our monthly book vote!

Related Titles

Sign up for Osprey membership for access to thousands of plane profiles, maps, battle scenes and more. Plus up to 30% off website purchases