American Fighter Aircraft in the World War II: Weapons and Air Forces of the World

In the second part of the book, we will look at fighter aircraft of such manufacturers as Bell, General Motors and Curtiss.

In this book, we review the basic models of US Air Force fighters who took part in the Second World War and learn their tactical and technical characteristics. We will also focus on the description of some fights with their participation.

Military aviation in America developed in several different ways than in Europe. The geographical position contributed to the development of the carrier fleet and deck aircraft. From a technical point of view, American aircraft also stood out against the European: they had an unusual fuselage layout (P-38, P-39), powerful radial engines and the prevalence of machine-gun armament. In general, speed and range prevailed over maneuverability and lightness. This was due to their main task - escort long-range bombers.

For American military aircraft, the war began with an attack on Pearl Harbor, when dozens of USAAF fighters were destroyed before they left the runway. Further developments were also not inspiring. Meeting with Japanese A6M was often the last for American pilots. Parity was established only with the appearance of highly mobile P-38 and F4U. The end of World War II put American B-29 dropped atomic bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Content:
F6F Hellcat deck fighter
F7F-1 Tigercat deck fighter
F7F-2 Tigercat deck fighter
Boeing F8B fighter bomber
F8F Bearcat deck fighter
Curtiss F14C deck fighter interceptor
Curtiss F15C deck fighter
Goodyear FG-1 deck fighter
Bell FL-1 fighter
Bell FM-1 heavy escort fighter
General Motors FM-1 deck fighter
Ryan FR deck fighter bomber
Seversky NF-1 fighter
Consolidated PB-2 fighter