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Studies in Japanese aircraft
In the 1970s, Osprey published the first English-language studies of Japanese warplanes of WWII. They were later published by Arco in the U.S. and more recently have been reprinted by Schiffer--alas, with no revisions to reflect new knowledge. However, with the exception of the much-written-about Zero fighter (for which I recommend Mikesh; see below), they remain the best accounts available in English. The author is the late Richard Bueschel, the books are large-format paperbacks of 64 pages, lavishly illustrated with black-white photos, three-views, and a cover painting of the warplane in combat. Updated: Amazon now regards these books as special-order items, which take weeks to acquire and carry a $1.99 surcharge. So I've switched the links to Historic Aviation, which has them in stock at the retail price: $14.95 each.
- Mitsubishi A6m 1/2/-2N Zero-Sen navy fighter ("Zeke" or Zero)
- Mitsubishi/Nakajima G3M1/2/3 96 Rikko navy bomber ("Nell")
- Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa army fighter ("Oscar")
- Nakajima Ki-49 Donryu army bomber ("Helen")
- Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien army fighter ("Tony")
- Mitsubishi Ki-67/Ki-109 Hiryu army bomber ("Peggy")
- Nakajima Ki-84 A/B Hayate army fighter ("Frank")
- Nakajima Ki-44 Shoki army fighter ("Tojo")
- Zero: Combat & Development History of Japan's Legendary Mitsubishi A6M Zero Fighter (Robert Mikesh) The definitive history--$19.95 paperback
See the Warbird's Bookshelf