Publisher's Synopsis
Pacific Profiles Volume 13 presents the most accurate wartime profiles and histories to date of Imperial Japanese Navy bombers;transports;flying boats and miscellaneous types which served in the South Pacific. This volume depicts the markings of two dozen mainstream and rare air groups (kokutai);many of which have never been illustrated before. Aircraft types include Betty and Nell bombers (and transports);Val and Judy dive-bombers;Emily and Mavis flying boats;Irving night fighters;Claude fighters;and Babs reconnaissance aircraft. Note this volume excludes floatplanes and Zeros;which are covered separately in Volumes Five and Eight of this series. Past markings errors are corrected;and many profiles are presented for the first time;alongside explanations of markings derivations;including the provenance of unit codes. Until now there has been a paucity of markings material about these units;especially the more esoteric ones such Nos. 31;151;501 and 552 Ku;and the night fighters of No. 251 Ku. Profiles are supported by photos and/or documentation;along with brief histories of each aircraft where known. Primary reference material is exclusively cited including assignment data;unit operational records;photography;diaries;factory markings;Allied intelligence wreck reports;POW interrogation reports;and Combined Fleet markings orders. A brief history of each unit and its leadership structure accompanies the text. The author is world-renown for his expertise on the Pacific air war. Never before have IJN land-based units been illustrated with such breadth;accuracy and detail.
