William Wolf Livres

The North American B-25 Mitchell is WWII’s most heralded and versatile medium bomber. Volume 1 (of two) gives the reader a concise illustrated look at the A through D models and follows the bomber’s genesis from the formation of the North American Company and its early steps toward the development of the NA-40, the first B-25. The continued evolution of the Mitchell from the A, B, C, and finally to the iconic D models is described in vintage photos. The production at the parent Inglewood, California, plant and then the Kansas City plant is illustrated, as are the important modification centers. The last half of the book covers the D model in many color photos of the interior and exterior, from nose to tail and from wingtip to wingtip. The Wright R-2600 radial engine and Hamilton-Standard propeller are detailed, as are their associated systems. The Mitchell’s markings and insignia changes are featured throughout.

Focusing on the B-24 Liberator, this comprehensive two-volume set explores its development from concept to becoming a key bomber in America’s arsenal. It offers in-depth details and illustrations, catering to air enthusiasts, historians, and modelers alike. The first volume serves as an essential resource, highlighting the aircraft's design and operational history.

Focusing on the evolution of guided bombs, missiles, and drones, the book provides a comprehensive examination of their research, development, and combat use from 1917 to 1948. Utilizing previously confidential materials, including manuals, reports, and photographs, the author offers air war historians and enthusiasts a detailed exploration of this lesser-known aspect of military aviation history.

The XB-40 and XB-41 were experimental modifications of the B-17F and B-24D, designed as heavily-armed bomber gunships, referred to as "convoy protector airplanes" or "bomber escorters." Developed during early WWII, they aimed to address the absence of long-range USAAF fighters that could escort B-17 formations on missions deep into Germany. However, these modifications struggled to perform as intended, failing to protect large formations effectively. Delays in development, particularly with the Bendix chin turret, compounded issues. The added armaments made the aircraft overweight and tail-heavy, leading to center of gravity problems. Consequently, after dropping their bombs, standard B-17F formations could easily outpace these overloaded escorts. The YB-40 saw limited operational service in mid-1943 before being withdrawn, while the XB-41, a unique bomber escort, faced similar performance issues and never underwent operational testing before its cancellation. Over the past 75 years, the histories of both aircraft have been minimally documented. This work utilizes previously classified documents to present their detailed history, including the politics, development challenges, armament specifics, and operational missions of the YB-40, all within the broader context of USAAF strategic bombing and fighter escort efforts during the European air war.

In 1935 the USAAC wanted to build a potential intercontinental bomber, a 'Guardian of the Hemisphere,' and granted Donald Douglas a contract to build the world's largest bomber. The groundwork for the intercontinental bomber had been laid in the previous two decades by the courageous military and civilian pilots who risked their lives to set new distance and endurance records. After World War I the future Axis and Allied nations built larger aircraft and finally during World War II Germany and Japan became intent on developing intercontinental bomber to retaliate against America. While the XB-19 never flew as an intercontinental bomber or even as a combat bomber; its contributions as a 'Flying Laboratory' significantly influenced the development of the Consolidated B-36 Peacemaker, the world's first true intercontinental bomber. Since the XB-19 project was top secret and there was only one example built there is little information remaining for researchers. Over the years Bill Wolf has collected the largest quantity of XB-19 material and a number of photographs, including a copy of the original Army Air Force acceptance of the aircraft, first-hand narratives of its first flight, and other USAAC and Douglas Company documents. This book provides a superbly illustrated history of the XB-19 intercontinental bomber and the text is supported by previously unpublished photographs

This book explores the various roles and operations undertaken by the special duties and special operations variants. číst celé

Volume 2 of our two-volume visual history of the North American B-25 Mitchell.