Tony Holmes Livres

Two sisters, haunted by more than their past... Just weeks after discovering each other's existence, Jess and Hannah Ballard arrive at Fairhaven Hall, where they will learn the clandestine ways of the Durupinen, an ancient sect of women who control the Gateways between the worlds of the living and the dead. Though they are considered outcasts by most of their classmates, Jess and Hannah are determined to learn what they can to fulfill their responsibility to the many ghosts that haunt them. But danger, it seems, has followed them as closely as a shadow to their new home, and they have more questions than ever. Who is the desperate child spirit pursuing Jess, and what do her terrifying visions mean? What has happened to Dr. David Pierce, Jess' friend and mentor, who has suddenly and mysteriously vanished? And just what is it about Hannah's unique abilities that has the other Durupinen frightened of her? The Ballard sisters are about to find out, and the answers could destroy their newfound life before it has even begun. Spirit Prophecy is the second thrilling installment in E.E. Holmes' award-winning Gateway Trilogy.

"Balloon-busting Aces of World War 1" explores the role of tethered balloons in aerial observation during WWI, highlighting the daring pilots who risked their lives to destroy them. Notable figures include Willy Coppens, Pierre Bourjade, and Michel Coiffard, who exemplified bravery deep in enemy territory.

The last quality Japanese fighter, the Shiden/Shiden-Kai was tasked with holding the line against the massed squadrons of American aircraft in the dying days of the Pacific War.

As much a national hero as Wellington, Nelson or Montgomery, the Supermarine Spitfire has become the most recognisable icon of World War 2 for several generations of Britons. From the throaty growl of its Rolls-Royce Merlin or Griffon, to its beautifully tapered elliptical wings, the Spitfire is a true aeronautical thoroughbred. Regarded by many as the saviour of the Sceptred Isle 'in its darkest hour', the Spitfire is without a doubt the most famous combat aircraft the world has ever seen. The year 2000 celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, the Spitfire’s ‘finest hour’. This lavishly illustrated volume makes a stunning pictorial tribute to the airworthy survivors of today.

Following the enormous success of ‘Aircraft of the Aces: Legends of World War 2’, this book celebrates the achievements of some of the world’s most remarkable Aces. Thirty full-colour paintings from Osprey's best selling Aircraft of the Aces series have been reproduced here for the first time, and new text by Aircraft of the Aces series editor Tony Holmes introduces the ace pilot featured in each painting and describes the action depicted. From World War I to Vietnam, this gripping and visually spectacular volume brings together some of the greatest and most daring feats in the history of military flight. Colour aircraft profiles and aircraft specifications complete each one of the book's thirty chapters.

A compact but comprehensive guide to the iconic fighter planes that fought during World War II, which features full color profile artwork throughout.World War II saw pilots from around the world battling in the skies over Europe, Asia and Africa, with victory resting upon their nerve, skill and the capabilities of some of history's most iconic aircraft. In the chaos of battle, it was vital that they could quickly identify friend from foe. But do you know your Hurricane from your Bf 109, or what the legendary P-51 Mustang looks like? Do you know the wingspan of the A6M Zero-sen, or how fast it could fly?THE WORLD WAR II FIGHTER PLANES SPOTTER'S GUIDE answers all of these questions and more, providing essential information on over 90 legendary aircraft, from the celebrated Spitfire to the jet-powered Me 262. Featuring full-colour artwork to aid recognition, as well as all the details you need to assess their performance, this is the perfect pocket guide to the Allied and Axis fighters of World War II.

Although seen as a replacement for the A6M Zero-sen carrier-based fighter, the Mitsubishi J2M Raiden was actually designed as a land-based naval interceptor optimised for speed rather than manoeuvrability. Despite suffering heavy losses, the units equipped with new fighter proved that the N1K could more than hold its own against P-38s and F6Fs.

A full-color topside voyage aboard today's sophisticated aircraft carriers. Action-packed deck shots from thee floating cities capture all the combat readiness, as today's venomous military technology is catapulted roaring into the seascape. Readers will sail aboard some of the world's finest ships and get and up-close view of the planet's most revered aircraft as they streak forward to enforce NATO's defense of freedom.

This book focuses on the combat careers of the last of the famous Sopwith fighters to enter service during World War 1, the Dolphin and the Snipe, both of which were built on the strong scouting heritage of the Pup and Camel. The Dolphin featured the unique negative-staggered biplane wing arrangement, which provided the pilot with the best possible tactical view forward for seeking out his enemy. Used extensively on the Western Front, the Dolphin proved very effective in combat, with a substantial number of British aces scoring kills with the fighter. The Snipe was built as the successor of the highly successful Camel, and entered service with the fledgling Royal Air Force in the summer of 1918. Although seeing just a few months of action before the Armistice, the Snipe nevertheless proved its superiority over virtually all other fighters.

The Hawker Hurricane was the Raf's first monoplane fighter, and it dragged the air force into a position where it could defend Britain in its 'hour of need'. Prior to the Battle of Britain, a number of squadrons equipped with the fighter had seen action firstly in the 'Phoney War', and then during the disastrous campaign in France. Pilots like 'Cobber' Kain had achieved impressive scores in the face of overwhelming LUftwaffe forces, and although the RAF lost no less than 386 Hurricanes during the Blitzkried, it gave many pilots valuable experience. Hawker fighters outnumbered Spitfires during the Battle of Britain by three to one, and downed far mor aircraft. Overseas, a handful of pilots put up stiff resistance against Germany's Italian ally in Libya and Egypt, and also over Malta.

"[This book] uses detailed profile artwork to illustrate and aid recognition of 70 iconic aircraft, and provides specification boxes to give all the technical details"--Inside front cover.

Focusing on the F-14 Tomcat's evolution, the book details its transformation into a precision bomber from the early 1990s through its retirement in 2006. It highlights the aircraft's significant contributions during the War on Terror, enriched by first-hand accounts and striking in-action photographs. The narrative captures the operational history and enduring legacy of this iconic Cold War jet fighter, celebrating its status as the most popular US Navy aircraft.

The book highlights the remarkable feats of pilots who earned the prestigious 'ace' status by downing five or more enemy aircraft while flying Spitfires. It covers various key models of the Spitfire, detailing their evolution from the iconic 1940 Mk I to the widely used Mk V, and culminating with the powerful Griffon-engined Mk XIV. Through these accounts, readers will gain insight into the bravery and skill of these aviators during significant aerial battles.

Jako hlavní téma tohoto svazku edice Duel si autor zvolil nesmírně dramatický souboj letounů na nebi nad Francií a v bitvě o Británii v roce 1940. Na straně Spojenců se jej zúčastnily mj. první jednoplošné stíhačky RAF Hurricany, na straně Luftwaffe těžké stíhačky Bf 110. Tony Holmes podrobně rozebírá technické parametry a silné a slabé stránky obou aktérů válečného dění, popisuje jejich vývoj, vysvětluje příčiny, proč byly obratné a výkonné Hurricany deklasovány v jistých momentech bitvy německými Bf 110, analyzuje důvody, proč střetávání na nebi nad jižní Anglií dlouho nemělo vítěze, a především objasňuje, proč se nakonec hrdinou bitvy přece jen staly Hurricany, zatímco Bf 110 navzdory své podstatně silnější výzbroji složené z kanonů a kulometů selhaly. Kniha je vybavena množstvím dobových snímků a mapami.

Historie soubojů britských Spitfirů a německých letadel Bf 109 v době, kdy osud britského impéria, ne-li výsledek celé války, visel doslova na vlásku. Autor se v knize zaměřil jak na technickou stránku strojů, jako jsou konstrukce draků letadel, motorů a jejich letové charakteristiky, tak také na výcvik pilotů a používanou bojovou taktiku, která je doplněna schématy bojových formací. Prostřednictvím vzpomínek veteránů a přímých účastníků před čtenářem znovu ožívají letecké souboje a poskytují jedinečný pohled na do té doby nejrozsáhlejší leteckou bitvu v dějinách.

Tyto legendární stíhačky převyšovaly během bitvy o Británii počtem Spitfiry v poměru 3:1 a sestřelily mnohem více letadel. V zámoří s nimi hrstka pilotů kladla tuhý odpor německému spojenci Itálii, a to v Libyi i v Egyptě a také na Maltě.

Spitfire… Jedna z ikon druhé světové války. Překrásná a výkonná stíhačka, která se stala miláčkem britské veřejnosti už v době, kdy za bitvy o Británii bránila nebe nad Anglií a sváděla těžké a urputné boje se stíhacími letouny nacistického Německa. Spitfiry si díky svým bojovým schopnostem a skvělé ovladatelnosti získaly oblibu u britských, kanadských, amerických i ostatních spojeneckých pilotů. Tento ilustrovaný průvodce příběhem nejslavnějšího stíhacího letounu všech dob vypráví o jeho historii, silných stránkách i slabinách, o bojových schopnostech i o bitvách, jež Spitfiry vedly po celém světě. S využitím bohaté palety informací, podrobných nákresů a unikátních dobových fotografií přivádí tato kniha slavný letoun opět k životu a odhaluje, proč a jak se Spitfire stal nehynoucí legendou vojenského letectví. České vydání obsahuje bonusové kapitoly o československých pilotech na Spitfirech a o osudech těchto stíhaček v poválečném Československu.