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The MS.406 was an important aircraft not only because it was built in larger numbers than any other French fighter of the period, but also because it was the first modern fighter in the Armée de l'Air inventory. Although comparable to the British Hurricane and early models of the German Bf 109, it was outclassed when flown against the more powerful, and faster, Bf 109E. With little or no protection (no armour or self-sealing tanks), the MS.406 sustained heavy losses during the Battle of France. Too lightly armed, and fitted with unreliable weaponry, the French fighter struggled to down German bombers. It therefore comes as no surprise that only a dozen French pilots became fully fledged aces on the type during this period, despite the aircraft being present in significant numbers. However a score of pilots, who bagged their very first kills at the controls of the MS.406, fought on after the fall of France, flying Dewoitine D.520s, Spitfires and even Soviet Yak-3s to attain ace status against both Allied and Axis opponents.
Published | May 20 2014 |
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Format | Ebook (PDF) |
Edition | 1st |
Extent | 96 |
ISBN | 9781782003427 |
Imprint | Osprey Publishing |
Illustrations | 80 b/w; 32 col |
Series | Aircraft of the Aces |
Short code | ACE 121 |
Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing |
In line with other books in this series, there are a ton of well done period photographs as well as the usual large center section of full color profiles of the planes that were flown by units during the war. We also get the usual mission stories to spice things up, one of the major attractions of this series. In the appendices is a listing of aces and their scores. An excellent read and a great reference book for the fan of this French fighter.
Scott Van Aken, www.modelingmadness.com
...I utterly relished this ripping read. And if you seek breaks from commonplace Mustangs and Messerschmitts, you will, too.
David L. Veres, www.cybermodeler.com
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