Osprey Combat Aircraft Series: A-10 Thunderbolt, AV-8B Harrier II, and Heinkel He 111
By Chris Banyai-Riepl
A-10 Thunderbolt II Units of Operation Enduring Freedom 2002-07
Combat Aircraft 98
Author: Gary Wetzel
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-78096-304-4
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 96
Designed to counter the overwhelming numbers of Soviet armor during the Cold War, the A-10 saw its first combat action in the Middle East during Desert Storm. The aircraft returned to that region in 2002 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, flying from Pakistan initially before moving to Bagram, Afghanistan. The A-10 proved itself to be a capable aircraft in the Close Air Support role, and nine units from active duty, reserve, and national guard forces rotated through Afghanistan between 2002 and 2007. This book documents those operations quite well, through text, photographs, and the typical high-quality color profile illustrations.
AV-8B Harrier II Units of Operation Iraqi Freedom I-VI
Combat Aircraft 99
Author: Lon Nordeen
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-78096-310-5
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 96
The world's first widely operation VTOL aircraft, the Harrier has evolved over the decades into a potent close air support aircraft. The AV-8B Harrier II remains the only tactical aircraft available to the US Marine Corps for operation off amphibious assault ships. The AV-8B initially saw action in Iraq during Operation Desert Storm, and this book documents the aircraft's return to the region during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. Enhancements between those two conflicts resulted in a significant increase in the use of guided munitions, with nearly 80 percent featuring some sort of guidance. This book features excellent color profiles, a thorough written text, and plenty of great photos.
He 111 Kampfgeschwader on the Eastern Front
Combat Aircraft 100
Author: John Weal
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-78096-307-5
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 96
While the Heinkel He 111 is well known for its operations over England during the Battle of Britain, the aircraft also saw extensive usage on the Eastern Front. Its shortcomings while facing the British were less of a concern on the Eastern Front, and the He 111 remained in frontline service for the entirety of the war. This title from Osprey Publishing covers the myriad of operations the He 111 faced on the Eastern Front, from the standard strategic bombing role to maritime torpedo bomber, night fighter, and even a transport aircraft. Typical of Osprey's Combat Aircraft series, this book features over two dozen color profile illustrations, plenty of photographs, and a well written text.
My thanks to Osprey Publishing for the review copies.