Bøker av Matthew Willis

Reliable and rugged with enough firepower to get the job done, Fairey's Fulmar fighter and reconnaissance aircraft was an essential weapon in the Fleet Air Arm's arsenal during the Second World War.The long-range Merlin-powered type carrier-borne type entered service in May 1940 and was well liked by pilots - its broad-track undercarriage offered good handling on deck, its fuel tanks were capacious and its armament of eight Browning machine guns was effective. Most Fleet Air Arm aces scored at least some of their victories while flying a Fulmar and there were at least two Fulmar aces.Fulmars served with distinction during the pursuit of the Bismarck, the North Africa campaign and over Malta before finally meeting their match in the Far East against the Mitsubishi A6M Zero. Even then, with its fighter role inherited by Seafires and Marlets, the Fulmar continued to serve as a trainer and reconnaissance type.Today there is only one known surviving example of this remarkable aircraft - N1854, housed at the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton.In this fully illustrated third volume of the Fleet Air Arm Legends series, naval aviation specialist Matthew Willis details the Fulmar's development, its entry into service and its operational history from start to finish.

Mustang: The Untold Story examines the history of the aircraft afresh, within the orbit of tactical doctrine, strategy and even politics, as well as the changing nature of World War II as the Mustang crews were fighting it.

Drawing on rare, historical photography and specially commissioned artwork, Matthew Willis explores the heroic feats of the few Royal Navy's obsolescent biplanes that stood between the state-of-the-art Axis warships and their objectives.Focusing on the technical specifications of both opponents, using original records, and detailed armament and cockpit views, this book explores the key attributes and drawbacks of the disadvantaged Royal Navy torpedo-bombers against the mighty Regia Marina and Kriegsmarine destroyers and raiders, covering a wide range of sea battles, from the more famous attacks such as the strike on the Bismarck, the tragic events of the Channel Dash or the clash with the Italian battle fleet at Taranto, to less covered sea battles such as the Battle of Matapan.Despite their powerful weaponry and heavy armour protection, the Axis warships proved vulnerable to a skillfully and audaciously flown torpedo-bomber, thanks to innovative commanders exploiting every possible advantage. Including rare personal recollections from the airmen who flew the torpedo-bombers and historical accounts from the Axis warship crews, this book describes each and every facet of this dramatic duel.

The North American Mustang is one of the most well-studied aircraft. This book examines the history of the aircraft, as well as the changing nature of World War II. The Mustang found its niche and, through this new study, it is hoped that the significance of this vital aircraft can finally be appreciated.