Aircraft of the Aces: Imperial Japanese Navy Aces 1937 -1945

by Henry Sakaida

Book Overview

The outcome of the Pacific War was heavily influenced by the results of naval battles between the Imperial Japanese fleet and the US Navy. One of the key elements was Japan's large fighter component,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1855329735
• ISBN13: 9781855329737
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing
• Length: 112 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Japanese aces over 'The drink'.

Challenging the Chinese Air Force in the mid to later 1930's, Many IJNAF pilots became aces flying the A5M 'Claude'. Then with the Pacific war, upgrading to the A6M Zero and N1K 'George'. Ospreys biggest book I have read to date! 100, yes, 100 pages of information, pictures and color plates of both pilots and planes. This book is a truly wounderful book. Yes, it could use some editing, but overall the book is good! Henry Sakaida does another good job of delivering a book about the IJN aces. The color plates of planes have a selection of Zeroes, 'Georges' and 'Nicks'. Even out-of-the-norm planes like the 'Claude', 'Jack', 'Rufe' and a 'Pete' floatplane. A good book for anyone who wants to learn about the brave Japanese pilots who went up against the Hellcats, Corsairs, Lightnings, B-24s and B-29s. Definitely a keeper in my library. 5 stars!

Buy it, but it's not a treasure

Good book - so little is written/recorded about the excellent and brave pilots of the IJN. However, this book "reads" like a reference manual - lots of data, facts and chronology...but no "soul." Oh well. The work is essential as it records the deeds of this little known group of warriors. It's factual, credible and good...just dry. However, dry can be good - I've referred to my copy often. wily ww2fighters.blogspot.com

An excellent book on the Japanese Naval Aces of World War II

An excellent book that covers all the Japanese Naval Aces of World War II. Most of us who have read up on this subject are familiar with names like Saburo Sakai and Nishizawa. Henry Sakaida has compiled years of research into this book and gives us insight into the other Japanese aces and the aircraft they flew. Sadaaki Akamatsu and the J2M Raiden - whose exploits in the air and on the ground were every bit as legendary as Pappy Boyington. Warrant Officer Muto and the N1K1 Shiden - a man whom Saburo Sakai once commented was the 'Toughest pilot in the Japanese Naval Air Force' These two are just a few of the many pilots covered in this book. Highly recommended. You will not be disappointed!

Omedetou! (Congratulations!)

A wonderful book. Henry Sakaida does a marvelous job of introducing, if you will, the top pilots of the JNAF as not only aces, but as people in their own rights as well. Along with his book on the JAAF, this book serves to fill a huge gap in World War II aviation history. The color plates and photographs also serve to document other JNAF fighters than the ubiquitous Zero (I was particularly glad to see the N1K-1 and -2 Shiden fighters), and are of great use as reference materials when modelling.

Sakaida does it again!

In the same style as JAAF Aces 1937-45, Mr. Sakaida fills in the gaps that the histories written by the winning side have left wide open. For once, I have read a book that puts human quality into the Japanese people which my forbears fought against. Additionally, Sakaida does a beautiful job of debunking the myth that the Zero was the only aircraft that the Japanese pilots had available. Another excellent volume in a very fine series!