Aviation

Crimson Sky: The Air Battle for Korea (History of War)

In the Korean War’s unique combat environment, significant battles took place that profoundly affected the future of air warfare. Crimson Sky examines in detail twenty of the most interesting and representative aerial actions of the war.

Sabres over MiG Alley: The F-86 and the Battle for Air Superiority in Korea

Combining hardware and personnel, design and operations, a former U.S. Air Force pilot and aviation historian focuses on the one clear American victory of the Korean War, the jet fighter battle between the F-86 and the MiG-15. Kenneth P. Werrell explains how, despite being outnumbered, the USAF won air superiority in Korea with an aircraft that was initially inferior to its opponent. His book examines the Sabre's design and development, its combat service, and efforts to improve its performance. In addition to describing the difficulties encountered with the aircraft, he details the problems with rules of engagement, friendly fire, and personnel. He shows how numerous Air Force pilots, including almost all the aces, abetted by their leaders, violated restrictions and engaged and destroyed MiGs over China.

Werrell is first to take such an indepth look at the F-86, its pilots and operations, in this the first jet versus jet war. One of the few bright spots in the "forgotten war," it is the story of how an outnumbered force, flying an aircraft at the limits of its range, decisively defeated its foe. The author attributes the undisputed aerial victory—the U.S. claimed an eight-to-one air-to-air victory-to-loss ratio—to the skill and aggressiveness of the American pilots, a mixture of World War II veterans and recently trained young men. The winning and retention of air superiority gave UN forces a critical edge in the war, allowing them to fight without fear of air attack while the communists were battered by air power. The study is based on the latest scholarship, including a number of previously untapped sources, and interviews with Sabre pilots.

Korean War Order of Battle: United States, United Nations, and Communist Ground, Naval, and Air Forces, 1950-1953

The United Nation's first military action and America's first major Cold War action, the Korean War, frequently called "the forgotten war," is well documented in studies and reports of specific actions and phases of the war. These sources, however, provide little order of battle information on most of the belligerents, particularly the non-U.S./UN and South Korean forces. Using the historical files kept by each armed service and each nation, Gordon Rottman provides information on combat units and major commands, including both Western forces and North Korean, Communist Chinese, and USSR forces. He has done an invaluable service for scholars and military buffs. Filling a void that would not likely have been filled otherwise, the book provides information on unit backgrounds, organization, manning, periods of service, insignia, weapons, and casualties. The book will be a primary source for anyone, scholar or layman, interested in researching the Korean War.

F-84 Thunderjet Units Over Korea (Osprey Frontline Colour 3)

The first Thunderjets arrived in-theatre in 1950, replacing the F-51 Mustang and the F-80C Shooting Star. It was among the most colourful aircraft to see action in Korea, and this book features many photos from the author's extensive private collection, as well as firsthand accounts from the men who flew these machines.

B-26 Invader Units over Korea (Osprey Frontline Colour 4)

Although a hangover from World War 2, the seemingly antiquated Douglas B-26 Invader 'bombing twin' proved to be one of the hardest-worked assets employed by United Nations' forces in Korea for the duration of the conflict. Capable of dropping bombs and napalm, firing off unguided rockets or simply strafing targets with its battery of up to 14 nose-mounted 0.5-in Browning M-3 machine guns, the B-26 was equally as effective either during the day or at night. Indeed, the vast percentage of Invader mission were flown during the hours of darkness, for it was the only USAF ground-attack aircraft capable of attacking truck convoys and trains with precision. Over 200 bomber and reconnaissance variants saw action in Korea, and many were adorned with some of the most colourful nose-art ever carried by American combat aircraft in any war - this volume features a gallery of this impressive artwork. Accompanying the photos are detailed captions, plus a concise text outlining the use of the Invader. Many first-hand accounts from pilots that saw action in the B-26 are also included, as is a full appendices listing of the various units that served in Korea. Finally, aircraft specifications and a double-page cutaway complete this volume.

Aerial Interdiction : Air Power and the Land Battle in Three American Wars

Aerial Interdiction: Air Power and the Land Battle in Three American Wars