Aircraft Anatomy of World War II

by Paul E. Eden (Editor)

Book by

Genres: Military Fiction, History, Aviation, Aircraft, Reference, Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published May 30, 2007

Reviews

[Daniel L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even Among Aircraft, Beauty Is More Than Skin Deep

There are those who simply like to look at old airplanes; then there are the truly curious - those of us who want to know what the fascinating planaes produced during World War II were like inside and how they were built. For me, the aircraft of World War II are only second in beauty to the hands-down winners of the Golden Age, that period of aviation between the two great wars. However, upon looking at the masterful cutaway drawings in this book, one realizes that beauty is truly more than skin deep. Under those skins and rivets are complex pieces of machinery, designed to perform their duty with utmost efficiency and reliablity. Aircraft are divided into three sections: bombers and dive bombers; fighters and ground attack aircraft; and transport, reconnaissance, and maritime patrol aircraft. Aircraft range from the familiar B-17s and P-51s to lesser-known craft as the Lavochkin La-5 and Petlyakov Pe-2. In fact, as hard as I tried to find something that had been left out, nearly every aircraft I wanted to look at was featured. The two I would have like to have seen are the Avro Anson and Supermarine Walrus, but it took quite a bit of thought to come up with these two. With so many aircraft built during the Second World War, it would be impossible to include every aircraft; the editors have succeeded admirably in arriving at an excellent cross-section of aircraft and aircraft types. The drawing are of the highest quality, the ones you would find in those history magazines that cater to extremely discriminating readers - you know, the rivet counters. If you are into aircraft of World War II in both senses of the word, this book is a worthy addition.

[Lbloomfield · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although light on aircraft featured, spit, 109 etc, those that are in here are nicley represented with cutaways and painted illustrations amongst the expected period photographs.

I personally use this book for the cut aways as the size if good for being of use when modelling. As a reference book the cutaways as I use them are good but the rest is nothing special and perhaps more suited and aimed at those that want a glimpse of WW2 aircraft, how they are made and a very brief history.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

for us history buffs or those who just love aviation, this book makes for a good read. the techincal drowings are in amazing detail. Every kind of aircraft from the time, well almost, is included on these pages with specs on speed, engine, ect. from the P-51 to all models of the Messerschmitt and the curios German aircraft known as the Donier Do 335. Historians and avaitor alike, enjoy.