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Hellcat vs Shiden/Shiden-Kai

Pacific Theater 1944–45
Series: Duel
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Hellcat vs Shiden/Shiden-Kai by Tony Holmes offers an engaging analysis of the aerial clashes between the US Navy's Grumman F6F Hellcat and the Imperial Japanese Navy's Kawanishi N1K Shiden and Shiden-Kai fighters during World War II. Set against the backdrop of the Pacific theatre, the book delves into technical details, tactics, and the pilots' experiences. It captures the strategic importance and the intense air battles that influenced the outcome of the aerial war in that region.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you have a keen interest in aerial combat during World War II. It provides a detailed comparison of two iconic fighter aircraft, exploring their design, performance, and impact on the war. Ideal for those fascinated by military history and aviation technology.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

The last quality Japanese fighter, the Shiden/Shiden-Kai was tasked with holding the line against the massed squadrons of American aircraft in the dying days of the Pacific War.

The last quality Japanese fighter, the Shiden/Shiden-Kai was tasked with holding the line against the massed squadrons of American aircraft in the dying days of the Pacific War.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

By the early months of 1944 in the Pacific, the US Navy’s burgeoning force of carrier-based F6F-3/5 Hellcats had pretty much wiped the skies clear of Japanese fighters during a series of one-sided aerial engagements.

However, starting in October, they faced the superb Kawanishi N1K1/2 Shiden/Shiden-Kai, a formidable fighter with improved armament, a powerful engine, and excellent manoeuvrability. In contrast to earlier Japanese fighters, it had the ability to withstand a greater degree of battle damage.

Japanese pilots using this aircraft would claim more than 170 aerial victories over Kyushu and whilst escorting Kamikazes attacking Allied ships off Okinawa. US Navy Hellcat pilots, in turn, were credited with many of the scores of Shiden-Kais that were downed attempting to defend Japan.

This fully illustrated book, Hellcat vs Shiden/Shiden-Kai, compares these two fascinating aircraft using specially commissioned artwork, first-hand accounts, and a thorough technical analysis.

Series: Duel

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Hellcat vs Shiden/Shiden-Kai by Tony Holmes receives praise for its comprehensive exploration of these iconic aircraft. Reviewers commend its engaging content, rich with photographs and drawings, appealing to both aviation enthusiasts and model builders. The book is highlighted for its detailed biographies of pilots, adding personal context to the historical narrative, making it a recommended read in its series.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781472829740

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 24 January 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Osprey Publishing

Illustration: 50 b/w; 20 col

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Gareth Hector
  • Illustrated by Jim Laurier
  • Cover design or artwork by Gareth Hector

Audience: General / adult, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 8.0mm

Width: 182.0mm

Height: 246.0mm

Weight: 260g

Pages: 80

About the Author

Osprey’s Aviation Editor since 1989, Tony Holmes is a native of Fremantle, Western Australia. Responsible for devising the Aircraft of the Aces, Combat Aircraft, Aviation Elite Units, Duel and X-Planes series, Tony has also written more than 30 books for Osprey in the past 28 years. He lives in Sevenoaks, UK.

Jim Laurier is a native of New England and lives in New Hampshire. He attended Paier School of Art in Hamden, Connecticut, from 1974–78, and since graduating with Honours, he has been working professionally in the field of Fine Art and Illustration. He has been commissioned to paint for the US Air Force and has aviation paintings on permanent display at the Pentagon. He lives in New Hampshire, USA.

Gareth Hector is a digital artist of international standing as well as an aviation history enthusiast. Gareth completed the battlescene artwork and cover artwork. He lives in Perthshire, UK.

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