Ingman, Peter/Laurier, Jim (Illustr.)/Hector, Gareth (Illustr.) P-40E Warhawk vs A6M2 Zero-sen. East Indies and Darwin 1942

The P-40E "Warhawk" is often viewed as one of the less successful American fighter designs of World War 2, but in 1942 the aircraft was all that was available to the USAAF in-theatre. Units equipped with the aircraft were duly forced into combat against the deadly A6M2 "Zero-sen", which had already earned itself a near-mythical reputation following its exploits over China and Pearl Harbor. During an eight-month period in 1942, an extended air campaign was fought out between the two fighters for air superiority over the Javanese and then northern Australian skies. During this time, the P-40Es and the "Zero-sens" regularly clashed without interference from other fighter types. In respect to losses, the Japanese "won" these engagements, for many more P-40Es were shot down than "Zero-sens". However, the American "Warhawks" provided a potent deterrent that forced the IJNAF to attack from high altitudes, where crews' bombing efficiency was much poorer. Fully illustrated throughout, and supported by rare and previously unpublished photographs, this book draws on both American and Japanese sources to tell the full story of the clashes between these iconic two fighters in Darwin and the East Indies.

Over an eight-month period in 1942, an extended air campaign was waged between the two fighters for air supremacy over the Javanese and then the North Australian skies. During this time, the P-40Es and the "Zero-Sens" clashed regularly without any other fighter aircraft types intervening. In terms of losses, the Japanese "won" these air battles, as significantly more P-40Es were shot down than "Zero-Sens". However, the American "Warhawks" provided a strong deterrent, forcing the IJNAF to attack from high altitude, which significantly reduced the effectiveness of Japanese bombing. This book is extensively illustrated and supported by rare and previously unpublished photographs. It draws on both American and Japanese sources to tell the full story of the clashes between these two famous fighter aircraft in Darwin and the East Indies.