AIR COMBAT MANEUVERS

Anyone have a choice as the best book on air combat maneuvers?

Thanks,
Steve

my vote, for the time being would be "Fighter Combat" by Robert L Shaw (1985), as published by the Naval Institute Press... it doesn't hurt that the book got endorsements from Gregory Boyington, Johnnie Johnson, Robin Olds, Robert Lee Scott Jr, and Randy Cunningham... a bit technical, but I've found all of the information to be very useful, and it demonstrates just how difficult it really is to fly and shoot things down. Most books only discuss things like formation and strategy, but this gets into the awful detail of it all using examples throughout history... there are lots of other books which I've found useful, but if I had to pick just one this would be it. I always come away from it with something useful, and I've already read it several times. Try to find it at a used book store... it's worth the 30 or 40 dollars, no question about that, but it's also something I know I've found four or five times at a cheaper price at used stores, just a matter of looking.
Jarrod
(ISBN 0-87021-059-9)

Steve,
I second the nomination made by Jarrod. Shaw has written about the best book on air combat tactics to be found. But remember " only the spirit of attack borne of a courageous heart will bring success to the pilot, no matter how technologically superior his aircraft."
VBR,
Jim

[Lufbery]

Jim,

Isn't that quote from Adolf Galland? If so, what the heck did HE know about air combat? Just kidding.

-Drew

hahahahahahahahaha, very good. :-D

I have enjoyed Mick Spick's THE ACE FACTOR (paperback published by Avon Books, New York, 1988, ISBN 0-380-70825-6). My copy tells me he also wrote a book called FIGHTER PILOT TACTICS, about which I cannot comment as I have not seen it.

If you are looking for titles to put things in a historical perspective (specifically WWI) try thses two; Mike Spick's "Fighter Pilot Tactics." It is a small volume published back in 1983. I found my copy via bibliofind.com.

The second is from the RAF Museum series, #7 titled "Fighting in the Air," and the first four chapters (100 pages) are reprints of official RFC/RAF texts.

Mr Shaw's book is a fine effort.

If the USAF would ever consent to distributing reprints of selected articles from the FWR (Fighter Weapons Review), that is where I would direct you for jet stuff. I don't have anything for the last 9 years or so...but I have some excellent articles from the 80's.

Cheers

Try

http://www.halcyon.com/msbinder/links/rktactic.htm

http://www.centuryinter.net/midway/a...n_usvftac.html

Anon2

[Ira_Silverman]

Steve:

In my considered opinion, the BEST treatise on air combat during during WW1 is Oliver Stewart's THE STRATEGY & TACTICS OF AIR FIGHTING (London, Longman's, 1925). Introduction by Wing-Com W.G. Barker, V.C.

The book is something of a collector's item, but can be found in good condition for $60-$100. Try bibliofind or advanced book exchange, and good hunting.

VBR,

Ira