126 H6K 'MAVIS'/H8K 'EMILY' vs PB4Y-1/2 LIBERATOR/PRIVATEER: Pacific Theater 1943-45

1-978126

Analyzes technical specifications in detail, includes first-hand accounts, and provides a detailed account of dramatic and aggressive combats. Contains specially commissioned artwork, including armament and cockpit views, battlescenes, and technical diagrams.

The PB4Y-1/2 Liberator/Privateer was the US Navy's first four-engined, land-based bomber that was adapted and allocated to fight the U-boat menace in the Atlantic and protect the vast reaches of the Pacific Ocean. The long range, speed, armament, and bomb load of the PB4Y-1 enabled the US Navy's Pacific squadrons to adopt more aggressive tactics. The PB4Y-1, and its follow-on PB4Y-2, engaged in dangerous bombing missions against Japanese installations, shipping strikes, and air combat.

On the other side, with its doctrine of making the first strike against an enemy fleet, the Imperial Japanese Navy recognized the vital importance of maritime reconnaissance, relying on carrier-based reconnaissance aircraft, ship-borne floatplanes and, for long-range maritime patrols, flying boats. The Japanese would continue to develop their aircraft throughout the war, resulting, among others, in the H6K 'Mavis' and the H8K2 'Emily', which despite never achieving a victory, was regarded by the Allied pilots as the most difficult Japanese aircraft to destroy.