Released in January, book 6 in Osprey's DOGFIGHT series takes a look at the incredible, but brief, history of the Me 262.
The book covers the design of the aircraft, which while ground-breaking, could never be produced in the numbers the Luftwaffe would require.
Finding the pilots to fly them was another factor. Many of those trained were previously bomber pilots. The training itself was described as basic. Even experienced fighter pilots struggled to adapt to flying this fast & powerful aircraft. It was a challenge just to take-off & land safely, it was quite another to get involved in combat, once in the air.
As always with these detailed books, the combat tactics employed & the aircraft's armament is fully explained with fantastic coloured graphics, b&w photos, & many first-hand accounts from the pilots.
A remarkable aircraft for its time, but it was immediately up against a lack of valuable jet fuel & bombs. As vital, was the shortage of trained pilots &/or serviceable aircraft, on top of facing an enemy in far superior numbers.
Had the Me 262 arrived earlier in the war, with Germany in a stronger position, we can only imagine the success this innovative aircraft might of had.
Another enlightening read from Osprey to add to its great series.
My thanks to them for my review copy.
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