Book Review of
Pacific Profiles Vol. 5
Japanese Navy Zero Fighters (Land-based)
New Guinea & the Solomons 1942-1944
Authors: Michael John Claringbould
With Ed DeKiep & Ryan Toews
Avonmore Books
ISBN: 978-0-6489262-4-5
Copyright: 2021
MSRP: $41.95
ISBN: 978-0-6489262-4-5
Copyright: 2021
MSRP: $41.95
HISTORY:
The Mitsubishi A6M "Zero" was a long-range carrier-based fighter aircraft formerly manufactured by Mitsubishi Aircraft Company, a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and operated by the Imperial Japanese Navy from 1940 to 1945. The A6M was designated as the Mitsubishi Navy Type 0 carrier fighter (零式艦上戦闘機, rei-shiki-kanjō-sentōki), or the Mitsubishi A6M Rei-sen.
The A6M was usually referred to by its pilots as the Reisen (零戦, zero fighter), "0" being the last digit of the imperial year 2600 (1940) when it entered service with the Imperial Navy. The official Allied reporting name was "Zeke", although the name "Zero" (from Type 0) was used colloquially by the Allies as well.
The Zero is considered to have been the most capable carrier-based fighter in the world when it was introduced early in World War II, combining excellent maneuverability and very long range. The Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service (IJNAS) also frequently used it as a land-based fighter.
In early combat operations, the Zero gained a reputation as a dogfighter, achieving an outstanding kill ratio of 12 to 1,[4] but by mid-1942 a combination of new tactics and the introduction of better equipment enabled Allied pilots to engage the Zero on generally equal terms. By 1943, the Zero was less effective against newer Allied fighters due to design limitations. It lacked hydraulic boosting for its ailerons and rudder, rendering it extremely difficult to maneuver at high speeds.
By 1944, with Allied fighters approaching the A6M levels of maneuverability and consistently exceeding its firepower, armor, and speed, the A6M had largely become outdated as a fighter aircraft. However, as design delays and production difficulties hampered the introduction of newer Japanese aircraft models, the Zero continued to serve in a front-line role until the end of the war in the Pacific. During the final phases, it was also adapted for use in kamikaze operations. Japan produced more Zeros than any other model of combat aircraft during the war.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Role: Carrier-based fighter aircraft
National origin: Japan
Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Designer: Jiro Horikoshi
First flight: 1 April 1939
Introduction to service: 1 July 1940
Retired: 1945 (Japan)
Primary user: Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service
Produced :1939–1945
Number built: 10,939
Variants: Nakajima A6M2-N
THE BOOK:
Avonmore Books is based in South Australia.
This book is soft-cover of 120 pages in 7” x 10” page format.
The cover art shows 4 color side-view profiles of the Zero. Each of these is later repeated in profiles inside the book.
The top one is overall dark green with a light khaki-green undercarriage. It has a bright metal spinner and black cowling. Behind the Japanese Air Force insignia there are 2 yellow chevrons on the side of the fuselage and a yellow 17 on the rudder.
It was with the no. 582 Kokutai (Fighter Wing).
The second one down is in a base of light khaki-green with heavy dark green blotches camouflage. It also has a bright metal spinner and black cowling. The Japanese Air Force roundel does not have a white border like no. 17 does. It carries a black drop tank.
It was with No. 6 Kokutai.
The third one down is overall light khaki-green. Again with a bright metal spinner and black cowling. It has 2 diagonal narrow fuselage bands with Japanese writing over them, behind the roundel with no white border. On the rudder there is 2 narrow horizontal bands with black no. V-117 between them.
It was with the Tainan Kokutai.
The fourth one down at the bottom is in a base of light khaki-green with heavy dark green blotches. It’s spinner is bright metal with a black tip and a red band around it. It too has the black cowling. It carries a black drop tank.
It was with No. 251 Kokutai.
The book contains 13 chapters on Japanese Kokutai’s (Fighter Wings) and squadrons within them.
There are 53 black and white photos and 7 color ones. One color photo shows the author Michael John Claringbould standing in a grassy field at the site of the former Japanese Vunakanau Airfield near Rabaul in 2006. He is next to a Zero’s propeller that is stuck into the ground by one blade and is resting his left arm on it.
There are 5 color illustrations, including one on the back cover. It shows a P-38 that is dog-fighting with a Japanese Nakajima J1N1 Gekko “Irving” above the clouds.
Two pages have color illustrations of Japanese stencil markings on the exterior surfaces of Zero’s translated into English. A couple of data lists.
Chapter no. 1 is on No. 2 Kokutai. With 2 color and 5 black & white photos. Included is 8 color side-profiles. All are overall light khaki-green, with bright metal spinners and black cowlings. All have solid red roundels, without borders.
The 1st one has 2 red chevrons around its fuselage with Japanese lettering-877, over more Japanese lettering in black over the chevrons and red Q-101 on the rudder outlined in white.
The 2nd one has black Japanese lettering -872 over more black Japanese lettering and red Q-102 on the rudder outlined in white.
The 3rd one has black Japanese lettering -878 over more black Japanese lettering and red Q-104 on the rudder outlined in white.
The 4th one has one red chevron on its side with black Japanese lettering – 886 over more black Japanese lettering and red Q-106 on the rudder outlined in white.
The 5th one has black Japanese lettering -884 over a solid black bar on its side. With red Q-108 outlined in white on the rudder.
The 6th one has one red chevron on the fuselage side with black Japanese lettering -885 over a solid black bar on its side. With red Q-112 outlined in white on the rudder.
The 7th one also has one red chevron on the fuselage side and red Q-122 outlined in white on the rudder.
The 8th one too has one red chevron on the fuselage side and red Q-126 outlined in white on the rudder.
Chapter 2 is on No. 3 Kokutai. The South Seas Detachment, Aioi Chutai.
It contains 3 black and white photos and 2 color ones.
There are 8 color side profiles shown. All 8 are overall light-khaki green, with bright metal spinners and black cowlings.
The 1st one has 2 red vertical fuselage bands, 2 narrow red bands on the rudder, with black X-111 above the bands.
The 2nd one has one red vertical fuselage band, one narrow red band on the rudder, with black X-101 above it.
The 3rd one has one red vertical fuselage band, with black Japanese lettering -994 over the fuselage band and black X-151 in small lettering high on the rudder.
The 4th one has a medium tan and red vertical fuselage bands, repeated on the rudder horizontally with small black X-182 above them.
The 5th one has two yellow vertical fuselage bands, repeated horizontally on the rudder with small black X-161 above them
The 6th one has black Japanese lettering -515 over smaller Japanese lettering on the fuselage side and small black X-168 high on the rudder.
The 7th one has one yellow vertical fuselage band, repeated horizontally on the rudder with black X 169 over it.
The 8th one also has one yellow vertical fuselage band, repeated horizontally on the rudder with black X-172 over it.
The Mitsubishi A6M "Zero" was a long-range carrier-based fighter aircraft formerly manufactured by Mitsubishi Aircraft Company, a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and operated by the Imperial Japanese Navy from 1940 to 1945. The A6M was designated as the Mitsubishi Navy Type 0 carrier fighter (零式艦上戦闘機, rei-shiki-kanjō-sentōki), or the Mitsubishi A6M Rei-sen.
The A6M was usually referred to by its pilots as the Reisen (零戦, zero fighter), "0" being the last digit of the imperial year 2600 (1940) when it entered service with the Imperial Navy. The official Allied reporting name was "Zeke", although the name "Zero" (from Type 0) was used colloquially by the Allies as well.
The Zero is considered to have been the most capable carrier-based fighter in the world when it was introduced early in World War II, combining excellent maneuverability and very long range. The Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service (IJNAS) also frequently used it as a land-based fighter.
In early combat operations, the Zero gained a reputation as a dogfighter, achieving an outstanding kill ratio of 12 to 1,[4] but by mid-1942 a combination of new tactics and the introduction of better equipment enabled Allied pilots to engage the Zero on generally equal terms. By 1943, the Zero was less effective against newer Allied fighters due to design limitations. It lacked hydraulic boosting for its ailerons and rudder, rendering it extremely difficult to maneuver at high speeds.
By 1944, with Allied fighters approaching the A6M levels of maneuverability and consistently exceeding its firepower, armor, and speed, the A6M had largely become outdated as a fighter aircraft. However, as design delays and production difficulties hampered the introduction of newer Japanese aircraft models, the Zero continued to serve in a front-line role until the end of the war in the Pacific. During the final phases, it was also adapted for use in kamikaze operations. Japan produced more Zeros than any other model of combat aircraft during the war.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Role: Carrier-based fighter aircraft
National origin: Japan
Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Designer: Jiro Horikoshi
First flight: 1 April 1939
Introduction to service: 1 July 1940
Retired: 1945 (Japan)
Primary user: Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service
Produced :1939–1945
Number built: 10,939
Variants: Nakajima A6M2-N
THE BOOK:
Avonmore Books is based in South Australia.
This book is soft-cover of 120 pages in 7” x 10” page format.
The cover art shows 4 color side-view profiles of the Zero. Each of these is later repeated in profiles inside the book.
The top one is overall dark green with a light khaki-green undercarriage. It has a bright metal spinner and black cowling. Behind the Japanese Air Force insignia there are 2 yellow chevrons on the side of the fuselage and a yellow 17 on the rudder.
It was with the no. 582 Kokutai (Fighter Wing).
The second one down is in a base of light khaki-green with heavy dark green blotches camouflage. It also has a bright metal spinner and black cowling. The Japanese Air Force roundel does not have a white border like no. 17 does. It carries a black drop tank.
It was with No. 6 Kokutai.
The third one down is overall light khaki-green. Again with a bright metal spinner and black cowling. It has 2 diagonal narrow fuselage bands with Japanese writing over them, behind the roundel with no white border. On the rudder there is 2 narrow horizontal bands with black no. V-117 between them.
It was with the Tainan Kokutai.
The fourth one down at the bottom is in a base of light khaki-green with heavy dark green blotches. It’s spinner is bright metal with a black tip and a red band around it. It too has the black cowling. It carries a black drop tank.
It was with No. 251 Kokutai.
The book contains 13 chapters on Japanese Kokutai’s (Fighter Wings) and squadrons within them.
There are 53 black and white photos and 7 color ones. One color photo shows the author Michael John Claringbould standing in a grassy field at the site of the former Japanese Vunakanau Airfield near Rabaul in 2006. He is next to a Zero’s propeller that is stuck into the ground by one blade and is resting his left arm on it.
There are 5 color illustrations, including one on the back cover. It shows a P-38 that is dog-fighting with a Japanese Nakajima J1N1 Gekko “Irving” above the clouds.
Two pages have color illustrations of Japanese stencil markings on the exterior surfaces of Zero’s translated into English. A couple of data lists.
Chapter no. 1 is on No. 2 Kokutai. With 2 color and 5 black & white photos. Included is 8 color side-profiles. All are overall light khaki-green, with bright metal spinners and black cowlings. All have solid red roundels, without borders.
The 1st one has 2 red chevrons around its fuselage with Japanese lettering-877, over more Japanese lettering in black over the chevrons and red Q-101 on the rudder outlined in white.
The 2nd one has black Japanese lettering -872 over more black Japanese lettering and red Q-102 on the rudder outlined in white.
The 3rd one has black Japanese lettering -878 over more black Japanese lettering and red Q-104 on the rudder outlined in white.
The 4th one has one red chevron on its side with black Japanese lettering – 886 over more black Japanese lettering and red Q-106 on the rudder outlined in white.
The 5th one has black Japanese lettering -884 over a solid black bar on its side. With red Q-108 outlined in white on the rudder.
The 6th one has one red chevron on the fuselage side with black Japanese lettering -885 over a solid black bar on its side. With red Q-112 outlined in white on the rudder.
The 7th one also has one red chevron on the fuselage side and red Q-122 outlined in white on the rudder.
The 8th one too has one red chevron on the fuselage side and red Q-126 outlined in white on the rudder.
Chapter 2 is on No. 3 Kokutai. The South Seas Detachment, Aioi Chutai.
It contains 3 black and white photos and 2 color ones.
There are 8 color side profiles shown. All 8 are overall light-khaki green, with bright metal spinners and black cowlings.
The 1st one has 2 red vertical fuselage bands, 2 narrow red bands on the rudder, with black X-111 above the bands.
The 2nd one has one red vertical fuselage band, one narrow red band on the rudder, with black X-101 above it.
The 3rd one has one red vertical fuselage band, with black Japanese lettering -994 over the fuselage band and black X-151 in small lettering high on the rudder.
The 4th one has a medium tan and red vertical fuselage bands, repeated on the rudder horizontally with small black X-182 above them.
The 5th one has two yellow vertical fuselage bands, repeated horizontally on the rudder with small black X-161 above them
The 6th one has black Japanese lettering -515 over smaller Japanese lettering on the fuselage side and small black X-168 high on the rudder.
The 7th one has one yellow vertical fuselage band, repeated horizontally on the rudder with black X 169 over it.
The 8th one also has one yellow vertical fuselage band, repeated horizontally on the rudder with black X-172 over it.
Chapter 3 is on No. 4 Kokutai.
There are 4 black and white photos of wrecked Zeros shown.
There are 8 color side profiles. All are light khaki-green with bright metal spinners and black cowlings.
The 1st one has one narrow red fuselage band and black F-128 on the rudder.
The 2nd one just has black F-130 on the rudder.
The 3rd one is carrying a black drop tank. It has 2 narrow red fuselage bands and black F-134 on the rudder.
The 4th one has one narrow red fuselage band and black F-109 on the rudder.
The 5th one has 2 narrow red fuselage bands and black F-115 on the rudder.
The 6th one has one yellow fuselage band and black F-151 on the rudder.
The 7th one just has black F-152 on the rudder.
The 8th one has two yellow fuselage bands and black F-153 on the rudder.
Chapter 4 is on No. 6 Kokutai.
It contains 2 color illustrations and 2 black and white photos.
There are 4 color side profiles shown.
All have bright metal spinners and black cowlings.
The 1st one is overall khaki-green, with black U-107 on the rudder.
The 2nd one is in a base of khaki-green with dark-green mottling camouflage. It’s roundel has a white border. It has 2 narrow yellow horizontal bars across the rudder with a black line across them, between the bars is a white U-131.
The 3rd one is in the same camouflage as the 2nd one. It is carrying a black drop tank. It has white U-167 on the rudder.
The 4th one is also in the same camouflage as the 2nd and 3rd one. It has white U-163 on the rudder.
Chapter 5 is on the Kanoya Kokutai.
It shows one black and white photo.
There are 4 color side-profiles shown. All are overall light khaki-green with bright metal spinners and black cowlings.
The 1st one has black K-112 on the rudder.
The 2nd one has black K-125 on the rudder.
The 3rd one has a red diagonal bar across the rudder with black K-108 across it.
The 4th one also has a red diagonal bar across the rudder with black K-128 across it.
Chapter 6 is on the Tainan Kokutai.
It shows 8 black and white photos. Four of them are of wrecked Zeros.
There are 16 color side-view profiles included. All of them are overall light khaki green, with bright metal spinners and black cowlings.
The first 4 were with the Kurihara chutai.
The 1st one has a red narrow diagonal fuselage band, followed by black Japanese lettering -516. It has black V-104 on the rudder.
The 2nd one too has a red narrow diagonal fuselage band, two narrow horizontal red bands around the rudder, with black V-108 between them.
The 3rd one too has a red narrow diagonal fuselage band and black V-110 on the rudder.
The 4th one has two red narrow diagonal fuselage bands and 2 narrow red bands on the rudder with black V-117 between them.
The next four Zeros were with the Kawai Chutai.
The 1st one has two narrow yellow diagonal fuselage bands, followed by 2 tan vertical fuselage bands. It has 2 narrow red horizontal bands around the rudder with black V-153 between them.
The 2nd one has a narrow blue diagonal fuselage band, two narrow white horizontal bands on the rudder with black V-121 between them.
The 3rd one also has a narrow blue diagonal fuselage band and a narrow red horizontal band on the rudder over black V-128.
The 4th one too has a narrow blue diagonal fuselage band and black number V-130 on the rudder.
The next four Zeros were with the Inano Chutai.
The 1st one has a narrow diagonal red fuselage band, with black Japanese lettering -550 over the band and black V-171 on the rudder.
The 2nd one too has a narrow diagonal red fuselage band. It has a narrow white band across the rudder with black V-172 below it.
The 3rd one has two narrow diagonal fuselage bands, with black Japanese lettering -535 over the bands. It has 2 narrow black horizontal bands across the rudder with -138 between them.
The 4th one just has black V-152 on the rudder.
The next 4 Zeros were with the Buna Detachment.
The 1st one has one narrow blue diagonal fuselage band, a black rudder tip with black V-177 bellow it. It carries a black drop tank.
The 2nd one has black Japanese lettering -870 over more Japanese lettering on the fuselage sides. Black V187 on the rudder. It too carries a black drop tank.
The 3rd one has a narrow black diagonal fuselage band, with black Japanese lettering -974 over more black Japanese lettering. There are two narrow white horizontal bands on the rudder with black V-190 between them.
The 4th one also has a narrow black diagonal fuselage band, with black Japanese lettering -490 over more black Japanese lettering and black V-179 on the rudder.
Chapter 7 is on No 201 Kokutai.
Three black and white photos are shown of Zeros. One is wrecked. There is one color photo.
There are 4 color side profile illustrations.
The 1st one is in a mottle camouflage of 2 shades of green, with a light-grey under-carriage and a dark-green spinner and black cowling. It has one narrow horizontal yellow stripe on the rudder with yellow WI-108 below it. It carries a black drop tank.
The 2nd one is in the same camouflage as the 1st one. Its
There are 4 black and white photos of wrecked Zeros shown.
There are 8 color side profiles. All are light khaki-green with bright metal spinners and black cowlings.
The 1st one has one narrow red fuselage band and black F-128 on the rudder.
The 2nd one just has black F-130 on the rudder.
The 3rd one is carrying a black drop tank. It has 2 narrow red fuselage bands and black F-134 on the rudder.
The 4th one has one narrow red fuselage band and black F-109 on the rudder.
The 5th one has 2 narrow red fuselage bands and black F-115 on the rudder.
The 6th one has one yellow fuselage band and black F-151 on the rudder.
The 7th one just has black F-152 on the rudder.
The 8th one has two yellow fuselage bands and black F-153 on the rudder.
Chapter 4 is on No. 6 Kokutai.
It contains 2 color illustrations and 2 black and white photos.
There are 4 color side profiles shown.
All have bright metal spinners and black cowlings.
The 1st one is overall khaki-green, with black U-107 on the rudder.
The 2nd one is in a base of khaki-green with dark-green mottling camouflage. It’s roundel has a white border. It has 2 narrow yellow horizontal bars across the rudder with a black line across them, between the bars is a white U-131.
The 3rd one is in the same camouflage as the 2nd one. It is carrying a black drop tank. It has white U-167 on the rudder.
The 4th one is also in the same camouflage as the 2nd and 3rd one. It has white U-163 on the rudder.
Chapter 5 is on the Kanoya Kokutai.
It shows one black and white photo.
There are 4 color side-profiles shown. All are overall light khaki-green with bright metal spinners and black cowlings.
The 1st one has black K-112 on the rudder.
The 2nd one has black K-125 on the rudder.
The 3rd one has a red diagonal bar across the rudder with black K-108 across it.
The 4th one also has a red diagonal bar across the rudder with black K-128 across it.
Chapter 6 is on the Tainan Kokutai.
It shows 8 black and white photos. Four of them are of wrecked Zeros.
There are 16 color side-view profiles included. All of them are overall light khaki green, with bright metal spinners and black cowlings.
The first 4 were with the Kurihara chutai.
The 1st one has a red narrow diagonal fuselage band, followed by black Japanese lettering -516. It has black V-104 on the rudder.
The 2nd one too has a red narrow diagonal fuselage band, two narrow horizontal red bands around the rudder, with black V-108 between them.
The 3rd one too has a red narrow diagonal fuselage band and black V-110 on the rudder.
The 4th one has two red narrow diagonal fuselage bands and 2 narrow red bands on the rudder with black V-117 between them.
The next four Zeros were with the Kawai Chutai.
The 1st one has two narrow yellow diagonal fuselage bands, followed by 2 tan vertical fuselage bands. It has 2 narrow red horizontal bands around the rudder with black V-153 between them.
The 2nd one has a narrow blue diagonal fuselage band, two narrow white horizontal bands on the rudder with black V-121 between them.
The 3rd one also has a narrow blue diagonal fuselage band and a narrow red horizontal band on the rudder over black V-128.
The 4th one too has a narrow blue diagonal fuselage band and black number V-130 on the rudder.
The next four Zeros were with the Inano Chutai.
The 1st one has a narrow diagonal red fuselage band, with black Japanese lettering -550 over the band and black V-171 on the rudder.
The 2nd one too has a narrow diagonal red fuselage band. It has a narrow white band across the rudder with black V-172 below it.
The 3rd one has two narrow diagonal fuselage bands, with black Japanese lettering -535 over the bands. It has 2 narrow black horizontal bands across the rudder with -138 between them.
The 4th one just has black V-152 on the rudder.
The next 4 Zeros were with the Buna Detachment.
The 1st one has one narrow blue diagonal fuselage band, a black rudder tip with black V-177 bellow it. It carries a black drop tank.
The 2nd one has black Japanese lettering -870 over more Japanese lettering on the fuselage sides. Black V187 on the rudder. It too carries a black drop tank.
The 3rd one has a narrow black diagonal fuselage band, with black Japanese lettering -974 over more black Japanese lettering. There are two narrow white horizontal bands on the rudder with black V-190 between them.
The 4th one also has a narrow black diagonal fuselage band, with black Japanese lettering -490 over more black Japanese lettering and black V-179 on the rudder.
Chapter 7 is on No 201 Kokutai.
Three black and white photos are shown of Zeros. One is wrecked. There is one color photo.
There are 4 color side profile illustrations.
The 1st one is in a mottle camouflage of 2 shades of green, with a light-grey under-carriage and a dark-green spinner and black cowling. It has one narrow horizontal yellow stripe on the rudder with yellow WI-108 below it. It carries a black drop tank.
The 2nd one is in the same camouflage as the 1st one. Its
fuselage roundel is outlined in white and it too carries a black drop tank. It has one narrow vertical red fuselage band, and yellow WI-111 on the rudder.
The 3rd one is also in the same camouflage as the 1st and 2nd Zero profiles. Its roundel is outlined in black It has yellow I-151 on its rudder and also carries a black drop tank.
The 4th one is overall dark green with light grey undercarriage. Roundel is outlined in white. It has one narrow vertical fuselage band, a narrow yellow horizontal band over yellow WI-187 on the rudder.
Chapter 8 is on the No. 204 Kokutai.
It shows 7 black and white photos of Zeros. One is wrecked. There are 2 color photos of Zeros. These both are wrecks.
There are 8 side view color profiles and one 3-view.
All have bright metal spinners and black cowlings.
The first four all have bright metal spinners and black cowlings.
The 1st one has an un-outlined fuselage roundel and carries a lack drop tank. It has black T 2133 on the rudder.
The 2nd one has a narrow red and two tan fuselage bands and black T 2157 on the rudder.
The 3rd one is in a wave pattern of medium-green over a base of khaki-green. It has one red narrow fuselage band. The fuselage roundel is outlined in white. It has white T2 over 190 on the rudder.
The 4th one is in 2 shades of green mottling. Roundel is outlined in white. White T2 over 175 on the rudder.
The 5th one is in same camouflage as the 4th one. Its fuselage roundel is outlined in white and followed by a single narrow yellow fuselage band. It has white T2 over 121 on the rudder. It carries a black drop tank.
The 6th one is in medium-green over light khaki-green undercarriage. It has two narrow yellow fuselage bands. Roundel is outlined in white. It as white T2 over I followed by 2 white squares on the rudder.
The 7th one is in the same color as the 6th one. It has one narrow yellow fuselage band, followed by a wide dark green one. It has white T2 over 1129 on the rudder.
The 8th one is in the same scheme as the 7th one. It has a narrow and a wide dark green fuselage bands. White T2 over 1163 on the rudder and white border around the fuselage roundel.
Finally, there is a 3-view color profile shown. It is in a wide wave pattern of dark green over a base of light khaki-green and khaki-green undercarriage. It has red spinner, yellow wing leading edges, black cowling and white surrounds to the roundels.
Chapter 9 is on the No. 251 Kokutai.
It contains 4 black and white photos of Zeros.
There are 8 color side profiles included.
The 1st one is overall light-khaki green, with a bright metal spinner and black cowling. It carries a backdrop tank. It has black UI-162 on the rudder. Roundel is borderless.
The 2nd one is in a base of khaki-green with dark-green mottling camouflage. It has a bright metal spinner with a black tip and a grey band around it. The fuselage roundel has a white border. It has white 105 on the rudder.
The 3rd one is in the same scheme as the 2nd one. With white 109 on the rudder.
The 4th one is also in the same scheme as the 2nd and 3rd one. It has 2 white horizontal narrow stripes on the rudder with white 163 between them.
The 5th one is in the same scheme as the 2nd, 3rd and 4th ones. Its fuselage roundel is outlined in white. It has white 183 on the rudder.
The 6th one is also the same as the 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th ones. Its fuselage roundel is outlined in white. It has two diagonal narrow white fuselage bands and a narrow white horizontal band on the rudder with white 158 over it. It carries a black drop tank.
The 7th one is in the same pattern are the previous 6. Its roundelis outlined in black. It has white 157 on the rudder.
The 8th one is overall dark green. Its roundel is outlined in black. It has white 150 on the rudder.
Chapter 10 is on No. 252 Kokutai.
There are 5 black and white photos of Zeros shown. Four of them are of wrecks.
There are 8 color side profiles of Zeros.
They all have bright metal spinners and black cowlings and white borders around the fuselage roundels.
The 1st one is in a camouflage of two shades of green blotch pattern. It carries a black drop tank. It has yellow 1120 on the rudder.
The 2nd one in the same pattern as the 1st one. It carries black 22 on the rudder flap.
The 3rd one is overall khaki-green. It has a wide red fuselage band and black 1125 on the rudder.
The 4th one is identical to the 3rd one, in all respects, except for black tail no. 1129.
The 5th one is identical to the 3rd and 4th one, except for black tail no. 1130.
The 6th one also is identical to the 3rd, 4th & 5th profiles, except for black tail no. 1135.
The 7th one is identical to the 3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th profiles, except is has black Japanese lettering -1033 over more black Japanese lettering on top of the fuselage band and black 1155 on the rudder. It has a white border around the fuselage roundel.
The 8th one is identical also to the 3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th profiles. It has black 1152 on the rudder.
Chapter 11 is on No. 253 Kokutai.
It shows 3 black and white photos and 4 color side profile illustrations.
All have bright metal spinners and black cowlings.
The 1st one is overall khaki-green. The roundel is plain with no border. It carries black ZI-182 on the rudder.
The 2nd one is in a mottle camouflage two shades of dark-green. It has one narrow white diagonal narrow fuselage band and white 53-104 on the rudder.
The 3rd one is also in the same camouflage as the 1st and 2nd Zero profiles. Its roundel is outlined in black It has yellow I-151 on its rudder and also carries a black drop tank.
The 4th one is overall dark green with light grey undercarriage. Roundel is outlined in white. It has one narrow vertical fuselage band, a narrow yellow horizontal band over yellow WI-187 on the rudder.
Chapter 8 is on the No. 204 Kokutai.
It shows 7 black and white photos of Zeros. One is wrecked. There are 2 color photos of Zeros. These both are wrecks.
There are 8 side view color profiles and one 3-view.
All have bright metal spinners and black cowlings.
The first four all have bright metal spinners and black cowlings.
The 1st one has an un-outlined fuselage roundel and carries a lack drop tank. It has black T 2133 on the rudder.
The 2nd one has a narrow red and two tan fuselage bands and black T 2157 on the rudder.
The 3rd one is in a wave pattern of medium-green over a base of khaki-green. It has one red narrow fuselage band. The fuselage roundel is outlined in white. It has white T2 over 190 on the rudder.
The 4th one is in 2 shades of green mottling. Roundel is outlined in white. White T2 over 175 on the rudder.
The 5th one is in same camouflage as the 4th one. Its fuselage roundel is outlined in white and followed by a single narrow yellow fuselage band. It has white T2 over 121 on the rudder. It carries a black drop tank.
The 6th one is in medium-green over light khaki-green undercarriage. It has two narrow yellow fuselage bands. Roundel is outlined in white. It as white T2 over I followed by 2 white squares on the rudder.
The 7th one is in the same color as the 6th one. It has one narrow yellow fuselage band, followed by a wide dark green one. It has white T2 over 1129 on the rudder.
The 8th one is in the same scheme as the 7th one. It has a narrow and a wide dark green fuselage bands. White T2 over 1163 on the rudder and white border around the fuselage roundel.
Finally, there is a 3-view color profile shown. It is in a wide wave pattern of dark green over a base of light khaki-green and khaki-green undercarriage. It has red spinner, yellow wing leading edges, black cowling and white surrounds to the roundels.
Chapter 9 is on the No. 251 Kokutai.
It contains 4 black and white photos of Zeros.
There are 8 color side profiles included.
The 1st one is overall light-khaki green, with a bright metal spinner and black cowling. It carries a backdrop tank. It has black UI-162 on the rudder. Roundel is borderless.
The 2nd one is in a base of khaki-green with dark-green mottling camouflage. It has a bright metal spinner with a black tip and a grey band around it. The fuselage roundel has a white border. It has white 105 on the rudder.
The 3rd one is in the same scheme as the 2nd one. With white 109 on the rudder.
The 4th one is also in the same scheme as the 2nd and 3rd one. It has 2 white horizontal narrow stripes on the rudder with white 163 between them.
The 5th one is in the same scheme as the 2nd, 3rd and 4th ones. Its fuselage roundel is outlined in white. It has white 183 on the rudder.
The 6th one is also the same as the 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th ones. Its fuselage roundel is outlined in white. It has two diagonal narrow white fuselage bands and a narrow white horizontal band on the rudder with white 158 over it. It carries a black drop tank.
The 7th one is in the same pattern are the previous 6. Its roundelis outlined in black. It has white 157 on the rudder.
The 8th one is overall dark green. Its roundel is outlined in black. It has white 150 on the rudder.
Chapter 10 is on No. 252 Kokutai.
There are 5 black and white photos of Zeros shown. Four of them are of wrecks.
There are 8 color side profiles of Zeros.
They all have bright metal spinners and black cowlings and white borders around the fuselage roundels.
The 1st one is in a camouflage of two shades of green blotch pattern. It carries a black drop tank. It has yellow 1120 on the rudder.
The 2nd one in the same pattern as the 1st one. It carries black 22 on the rudder flap.
The 3rd one is overall khaki-green. It has a wide red fuselage band and black 1125 on the rudder.
The 4th one is identical to the 3rd one, in all respects, except for black tail no. 1129.
The 5th one is identical to the 3rd and 4th one, except for black tail no. 1130.
The 6th one also is identical to the 3rd, 4th & 5th profiles, except for black tail no. 1135.
The 7th one is identical to the 3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th profiles, except is has black Japanese lettering -1033 over more black Japanese lettering on top of the fuselage band and black 1155 on the rudder. It has a white border around the fuselage roundel.
The 8th one is identical also to the 3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th profiles. It has black 1152 on the rudder.
Chapter 11 is on No. 253 Kokutai.
It shows 3 black and white photos and 4 color side profile illustrations.
All have bright metal spinners and black cowlings.
The 1st one is overall khaki-green. The roundel is plain with no border. It carries black ZI-182 on the rudder.
The 2nd one is in a mottle camouflage two shades of dark-green. It has one narrow white diagonal narrow fuselage band and white 53-104 on the rudder.
The 3rd one is identical to the 2nd one, all but the fuselage band it does not have. It has white no. 53-157 on the rudder.
The 4th one is identical to the 2nd and 3rd one. It has white no. 53-160 on the rudder.
Chapter 12 is on No. 582 Kokutai.
It shows 6 black and white photos of Zeros. Two are wrecks.
There are 8 color side-view profiles.
The first four are identical. The have bright metal spinners and black cowlings and are in overall light khaki-green.
The first 3 do not have borders on their roundels.
The 1st one has a red chevron on its side and black 2102 on the rudder.
The 2nd one also has a red chevron on its side and black 152 on the rudder.
The 3rd one has 2 red chevrons on its side, with black Japanese lettering -877 over more Japanese black lettering over the chevrons. It has black no. 2181 on the rudder.
The 4th one has a white horizontal stripe across the cowling, white surround to the roundel, two red chevrons and black 2187 on the rudder.
The next 4 all have bright metal spinners and black cowlings and roundels outlined in white. They are all in mottle camouflage of 2 shades of green.
The 1st one has 2 yellow chevrons on its side and red no. 191 outlined in white on the rudder.
The 2nd one has one yellow chevron on its side and red no. 180 outlined in white over a horizontal narrow white bar on the rudder.
The 3rd one has two yellow chevrons on its side and red no. 173 outlined in white on the rudder.
The 4th one has one yellow chevron on its side and red no. 188 outlined in white on the rudder.
Chapter 13 is on the Rabaul Air Force.
It shows 3 black and white photos, one color one and one color illustration and 12 color side profiles.
The first four all have bright metal spinners and black cowlings.
The 1st one is in a mottle of 2 shades of green. It has one tan vertical fuselage band over-top of 2 diagonal yellow ones. Yellow no. I-114 on the rudder.
The 2nd one is in the same camouflage as the 1st one. It has white no. I-151 on the rudder.
The 3rd one is in a base of khaki-green with dark green blotch camouflage. It has white no. 2-116 on the rudder.
The 4th one is in the same camouflage as the 3rdone. It has 2 narrow white diagonal fuselage bands, two white narrow bands around the rudder
with white no. 2-163 between them.
The next 4 profiles are all in mottle camouflage of 2 shades of green, with black cowlings.
The 1st one has a dark green spinner. It carries a black drop tank. It has yellow no. 2-152 on the rudder.
The 2nd one also carries a black drop tank. It has a bright metal spinner and a white no. 4-125 on the rudder.
The 3rd one also carries a black drop tank. Its roundel has a black border. It has a bright metal spinner and a yellow no. 3-108 on the rudder.
The 4th one has a dark green spinner, black border on the roundel and a narrow yellow horizontal band over yellow no. 6-135 on the rudder.
The next four all have dark-green spinners and black cowlings. All are in camouflages of 2 shades of green.
The 1st one carries a black drop tank and has a black border around the roundel. It carries white no. 6-171 on the rudder.
The 2nd one has 2 diagonal narrow yellow fuselage bands and yellow no. 7-101 on the rudder. It carries a black drop tank.
The 3rd one has a black border around the roundel. It has yellow no. 9-120 on the rudder.
The 4th one has a black border around the roundel, followed by a narrow diagonal yellow fuselage band and yellow no. 9-155 on the rudder.
The end of this book has 2 pages of SOURCES and an INDEX OF NAMES.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michael Claringbould is an author and illustrator.
He spent his formative years in Papua, New guinea in the 1960’s , during which he became fascinated by the many WWII aircraft wrecks which still be around the country.
Michael has served widely overseas as an Australian diplomat, including in South-East Asia and throughout the South-Pacific, where he had the fortune to return to Papua New Guinea for three years, commencing in 2003.
Michael has authored and illustrated various books on Pacific War aviation, His history of the Tainan Naval Air Group in New Guinea, “Eagles of the Southern Sky”, received worldwide acclaim as the first English language history of a Japanese fighter unit and was translated into Japanese.
An executive member of Pacific Air War History Associates, Michael holds a pilot license and PC34 paraglider rating. He continues to develop his skills as a digital 3D aviation artist using 3Ds MAX, Vray and photoshop to attain markings-accuracy.
This is a great book on F4U Corsairs. It will be of great interest to modelers planning on building a model of the Corsair and to aviation historians alike.
I sincerely want to thank Casemate Publishers for this review sample. Casemate is the North American distributor of Avonmore Books. All Avonmore titles can be viewed on Casemate’s website at:
The 4th one is identical to the 2nd and 3rd one. It has white no. 53-160 on the rudder.
Chapter 12 is on No. 582 Kokutai.
It shows 6 black and white photos of Zeros. Two are wrecks.
There are 8 color side-view profiles.
The first four are identical. The have bright metal spinners and black cowlings and are in overall light khaki-green.
The first 3 do not have borders on their roundels.
The 1st one has a red chevron on its side and black 2102 on the rudder.
The 2nd one also has a red chevron on its side and black 152 on the rudder.
The 3rd one has 2 red chevrons on its side, with black Japanese lettering -877 over more Japanese black lettering over the chevrons. It has black no. 2181 on the rudder.
The 4th one has a white horizontal stripe across the cowling, white surround to the roundel, two red chevrons and black 2187 on the rudder.
The next 4 all have bright metal spinners and black cowlings and roundels outlined in white. They are all in mottle camouflage of 2 shades of green.
The 1st one has 2 yellow chevrons on its side and red no. 191 outlined in white on the rudder.
The 2nd one has one yellow chevron on its side and red no. 180 outlined in white over a horizontal narrow white bar on the rudder.
The 3rd one has two yellow chevrons on its side and red no. 173 outlined in white on the rudder.
The 4th one has one yellow chevron on its side and red no. 188 outlined in white on the rudder.
Chapter 13 is on the Rabaul Air Force.
It shows 3 black and white photos, one color one and one color illustration and 12 color side profiles.
The first four all have bright metal spinners and black cowlings.
The 1st one is in a mottle of 2 shades of green. It has one tan vertical fuselage band over-top of 2 diagonal yellow ones. Yellow no. I-114 on the rudder.
The 2nd one is in the same camouflage as the 1st one. It has white no. I-151 on the rudder.
The 3rd one is in a base of khaki-green with dark green blotch camouflage. It has white no. 2-116 on the rudder.
The 4th one is in the same camouflage as the 3rdone. It has 2 narrow white diagonal fuselage bands, two white narrow bands around the rudder
with white no. 2-163 between them.
The next 4 profiles are all in mottle camouflage of 2 shades of green, with black cowlings.
The 1st one has a dark green spinner. It carries a black drop tank. It has yellow no. 2-152 on the rudder.
The 2nd one also carries a black drop tank. It has a bright metal spinner and a white no. 4-125 on the rudder.
The 3rd one also carries a black drop tank. Its roundel has a black border. It has a bright metal spinner and a yellow no. 3-108 on the rudder.
The 4th one has a dark green spinner, black border on the roundel and a narrow yellow horizontal band over yellow no. 6-135 on the rudder.
The next four all have dark-green spinners and black cowlings. All are in camouflages of 2 shades of green.
The 1st one carries a black drop tank and has a black border around the roundel. It carries white no. 6-171 on the rudder.
The 2nd one has 2 diagonal narrow yellow fuselage bands and yellow no. 7-101 on the rudder. It carries a black drop tank.
The 3rd one has a black border around the roundel. It has yellow no. 9-120 on the rudder.
The 4th one has a black border around the roundel, followed by a narrow diagonal yellow fuselage band and yellow no. 9-155 on the rudder.
The end of this book has 2 pages of SOURCES and an INDEX OF NAMES.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michael Claringbould is an author and illustrator.
He spent his formative years in Papua, New guinea in the 1960’s , during which he became fascinated by the many WWII aircraft wrecks which still be around the country.
Michael has served widely overseas as an Australian diplomat, including in South-East Asia and throughout the South-Pacific, where he had the fortune to return to Papua New Guinea for three years, commencing in 2003.
Michael has authored and illustrated various books on Pacific War aviation, His history of the Tainan Naval Air Group in New Guinea, “Eagles of the Southern Sky”, received worldwide acclaim as the first English language history of a Japanese fighter unit and was translated into Japanese.
An executive member of Pacific Air War History Associates, Michael holds a pilot license and PC34 paraglider rating. He continues to develop his skills as a digital 3D aviation artist using 3Ds MAX, Vray and photoshop to attain markings-accuracy.
This is a great book on F4U Corsairs. It will be of great interest to modelers planning on building a model of the Corsair and to aviation historians alike.
I sincerely want to thank Casemate Publishers for this review sample. Casemate is the North American distributor of Avonmore Books. All Avonmore titles can be viewed on Casemate’s website at:
Highly Recommended.