Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War

by René J. Francillon

Book Overview

The most significant types of aircraft operated by the Army and the Navy immediately before and during the Pacific War are described in the two main sections of this book, while a series of appendices... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 087021313X
• Release Date: January 1987
• Publisher: Naval Inst Pr
• Length: 570 Pages
• Weight: 2.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 1.8" x 5.8"

Customer Reviews

Rene is the expert!

Much in the same way that William Greene is the expert on German Aircraft of WW-II, Rene J. Francillon has researched this subject (off and on) over a period of about 30 years. The orignal edition of this book came out in the 1970's and has been updated as information from the files of the US Department of Defense has become declassified and "Pubic Domain".One of the most interesting of the facts that one may come across is that many talented German Aircraft designers TRAINED Japanese aircraft design engineers during the 1920's and early 30's, because the Germans were prohibited by the Treaty of Versailles to engage in the design of war planes in their own country. This led to a close working relationship between German and Japanese warplane designers and a great deal of commerce between the two countries in war time designs.Someone may eventually write a refernce book on this subject. I would if I had time.Bob ClarkPresident International Military Technology Historiansfsearch@yahoo.com

A complete listing of japanese aircraft in the Pacific war

This book is a complete guide of the japanese aircraft of WWII. Every aircraft is featured with technical data, a three view plan and a short text depicting its development and basic operational records. The author is fully knowledgeable in the topic. Most aircraft are also shown in black and white photographs. This is a good reference book and should be in the bookshelf of everybody seriously interested in Pacific war history.

Excellent!

I am a WW2 aircraft afficionado and I am all too familiar with aircraft used in the European theatre. But when it came to Japanese aircraft I have been limited to being familiar with only the famous Zero's and Betty's. This book by Rene J Francillon introduced to me the entire Japanese military aircraft inventory of the war! It begins by providing a background on Japan's aircraft industry during that era as well the history of its army and naval air forces. A section on designation systems, camouflage and markings is also provided before it covers in detail all the Army and Navy aircraft. It closes with appendices on lesser known types, engines and armament, and a designation index including an alphabetical list of the allied code name system. Each aircraft presented includes specifications, 3-view line drawings, several photos and are briefly discussed with very good narration. Very easy on the eyes and a wonderful read. This is the only book I'll ever need on Japanese aircraft.

Japanese reference par-excellance.

I got this book about 2 years ago after seeing it in my local library and it still is the absolute best reference I have seen on Japanese aircraft in the Pacific during WWII. Lots of pics, great explanations and loads of interesting aircraft help make this book the pinnacle reference source of Japanese airpower during WWII.

THE Bible of WWII Japanese Aviation.

There is no other single source of such comprehensive knowledge of World War II Japanese Aviation. Whether one has an interest in fighters, bombers, trainers, recce or transports, Francillion has provided the ultimate reference source.Not only are there synopses of period aircraft replete with technical details, but there is also a lavish photographic compendium. The historical review of the Japanese aircraft manufacturing industry and IJA and IJN aviation is priceless in its own right. And the addendum on powerplants and armaments is icing on the cake.