Luftwaffe Fighter Aces by Mike Spick

[dieg777]

Book: Luftwaffe Fighter Aces

Author : Mike Spick
Pages : 244
Photos: 35 + 25 diagrams
Published 1996 , my edition 2003

This is a must have for anyone starting to study air warfare tactics used in ww2, and has more than enough in it to satisfy the interest of those who have read more or who have an interest through flying sims.
Its subtitle “The Jagdflieger and their Combat Tactics and Techniques” pretty much covers the subject, but as most major air forces adopted the Luftwaffe tactics, and as Mike Spike does comparisons with the opposing flyers, it should be of interest to followers of all air forces.
Throughout the book Mike Spike shows his knowledge of fighter aviation and includes brief sections on topics such as basic flight maneuvers and the effect of aircraft design on performance. There are numerous diagrams illustrating the maneuvers described and tables in each section describing aircraft type, fighter groups used and sorties and losses.
The book is laid out in chronological order, with 11 chapters covering separate periods of the war. In each is a description of the combat, the aircraft used, and the tactics used and usually includes quotes from aircrew involved. At the end of each chapter is an Experten section where the author gives a biography of chosen pilots.
At the end of the book there is an epilogue covering claims, scores and the authors pick of the two aces he considers to be the “ best of the best”. There are also appendices covering Luftwaffe fighter unit organization; a table of the top Luftwaffe aces (detailing their units, areas of operation, kills etc) a similar study of the night fighter aces and a pilot strike rate comparison.
Overall I think that this book includes something of interest on many levels.
Although a bit brief in some departments and covering materiel that is covered in other books it is well written and well laid out.