An extensive guide to Japan’s Naval Air Force Fighter Units and their ace pilots during conflicts in the 1930s and ‘40s, now in English. The book begins by looking at the land- and aircraft carrier-based navy fighter units and their operations from 1932 to 1945, as well as their history and achievements. This is followed with biographical details for all pilots who claimed eight or more aerial victories. The thorough appendix provides detailed listings of all pilots known to have claimed five or more victories (and thus considered to be “aces”), listings of the graduation from training of all Japanese Navy fighter pilots, and of fighter pilot casualties. Photographs, maps, and artist’s side-view drawings and paintings of aircraft relevant to each of the units are also included. This revised edition is a companion volume to Japanese Army Air Force Fighter Units and Their Aces, 1931–1945.

An extensive guide to Japan’s Army Air Force Units and their ace pilots during conflicts in the 1930s and ‘40s, now in English. Commencing with a detailed study of the development, equipment, and operations flown by this force since its inception immediately after the end of World War I, until the catastrophic conclusion of World War II, the initial section deals with the wars in China and Manchuria, as well as the Pacific War of 1941-1945. The second section explores the history of each unit, listing the types of aircraft used, the bases from which they flew, and the unit and formation commanders. Notable mission details are also included. Finally, the third section offers biographical notes for notable fighter pilots and features supporting listings and a glossary of Japanese terms. Photographs of pilots and aircraft are also included, along with line drawings indicating the unit markings carried. This revised edition is a companion volume to Japanese Naval Air Force Fighter Units and Their Aces, 1932–1945.

This book is as good as we are likely to get on the subject in English. For Pacific Theater aerophiles, it's a must-have. --Barrett Tillman, author of Whirlwind Vivid account of Japanese navy fighter units in combat Contains biographies of all pilots claiming ace status Includes photos of planes like the Zero fighter and the pilots who flew them

Hitherto only available in Japanese text, this unique work is now published in English language format and provides an in-depth review of the fighter units of the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force and their pilots. Commencing with a detailed study of the development, equipment and operations flown by this force since its inception immediately after the end of World War I, until the catastrophic conclusion of World War II, the initial section deals with the wars in China and Manchuria, as well as the Pacific War of 1941-45. The second section provides details of each of the units from formation onwards, listing the types of aircraft used, the bases from which they flew, and the unit and formation commanders. Details of the more notable actions in which each unit was involved are also provided. Biographical notes relating to all of the more notable fighter pilots form the third section, whilst the book is liberally provided with supporting listings and a glossary of Japanese terms. The whole is heavily illustrated with photographs of the majority of the pilots and of typical aircraft of many of the units, together with line drawings indicating the unit markings carried.

Divided into three parts, this book includes rare photos of the principal Japanese aircraft, concise histories of each air group, and photos and biographies of Japan's leading aces.

This book is as good as we are likely to get on the subject in English. For Pacific Theater aerophiles, it's a must-have. --Barrett Tillman, author of WhirlwindVivid account of Japanese navy fighter units in combatContains biographies of all pilots claiming ace statusIncludes photos of planes like the Zero fighter and the pilots who flew them

In-depth review of Imperial Japanese Army Air Force fighter units and pilots Detailed study of equipment (e.g., the Zero fighter), operations from Pearl Harbor to kamikaze attacks, and pilots who achieved ace status Heavily illustrated with photos of pilots, aircraft, and unit insignia