US AIRBORNE TANKS 1939-1945

1-227010

Opens with an investigation into the 1930s efforts by Britain, the Soviet Union, and the USA into the development of, or adaptation of, light tanks for airborne operations. WWII accelerated their efforts, but conventional aircraft limited use to existing airfields, negating the effect. Development shifted to gliders and the 28th Airborne Tank Battalion was born. Detailed and comprehensive study covers design and deployment of American airborne tanks from the earliest concepts to their actual use, by British units, on D-Day and during Operation Varsity, the Rhine crossing. Includes 100 black and white illustrations.