F4U Corsair vs Ki-84 “Frank”

Pacific Theater 1945

F4U Corsair vs Ki-84 “Frank” cover

F4U Corsair vs Ki-84 “Frank”

Pacific Theater 1945

Description

An illustrated account of the combats in the closing months of World War II between one of America's premier fighter aeroplanes and the product of Japan's effort to introduce fighters that could match American qualitative superiority.

The Vought Corsair was the first American single-engined fighter to exceed 400 mph and establish dominance over the legendary Mitsubishi Type Zero-sen. The Ki-84 Hayate was introduced by the Japanese specifically to counter this growing American dominance of the skies over the Pacific. Built in greater numbers than any other late war Japanese fighter, nearly 3000 were completed between 1944 and 1945.

This volume examines the clashes between the Corsair and Ki-84 in the closing stages of the war, revealing how Corsair pilots had to adapt their techniques and combat strategies to adapt to these newer types. It also reveals how the kill rate was largely driven by the reduced quality of fighter pilots after the high casualty rates inflicted on the Japanese air force during the air battles over the Solomon Islands.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Chronology
Design and Development
Technical Specifications
The Strategic Situation
The Combatants
Combat
Statistics and Analysis
Aftermath
Further Reading
Index

Product details

Published 19 May 2016
Format Ebook (Epub)
Edition 1st
Extent 80
ISBN 9781472814623
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 20 b/w; 46 col
Series Duel
Short code DUE 73
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Edward M. Young

Edward M. Young is a retired financial executive w…

Illustrator

Jim Laurier

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

Illustrator

Gareth Hector

Gareth Hector is a digital artist of international…

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