This superb illustrated series charts the rise and fall of the German Air Force from 1939 to 1945. Each volume makes use of over a hundred rare and valuable photographs, many of them taken by Luftwaffe personnel, to bring history to life and record both the men and the aircraft they flew. Long with its well-known counterpart, the Messerschmitt Bf 109, the Fw 190 became the backbone of the Luftwaffe's fighting force. Capable of performing in theatres as diverse as North Africa, the Russian Front and in Western Europe, its superior killing ability earned it the nickname, the 'Butcher Bird'. Famed for its speed and manoeuvrability - some of the Luftwaffe's most successful fighter aces - from Otto Kittel to Erich Rudorffer - claimed a great many of their kills while flying it. This addition to the Luftwaffe at War series illustrates the different versions of the plane to see service, the theatres in which the plane served and the pilots who carved a name for themselves with the Butcher Bird. AUTHOR: Morten Jenssen is an aviation specialist and the author of 'The Junkers Ju 52: The Luftwaffe's Workhorse'. SELLING POINTS: ? Photographic guide to the Luftwaffe during World War II ? With a detailed introduction by an aviation specialist ? Looks at the men who flew the aircraft and their ground crews ? Includes images not usually found in other sources ? Pictorial history of the Fw 190, designed by the leading aeronautical engineer Kurt Tank ? Demonstrates the Fw 190's unique design and performance profile ? Looks at how this famous aircraft was able to perform in the worst of conditions and bring devastating results Integrated b/w photos
