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by William Wolf.
Hardback (7.0×10.0 inches). 222 pages. 2025.
Subtitle: The Axis’ Manned Suicide Attack Aircraft of WW2
I would vote this title “Most Likely To Have Been Created By AI.” I’ve groused before about the “Hitler This” and “Hitler That” style of titles, but now we have the double whammy of Hitler & Hirohito. All we need is Mussolini and you’d hit the trifecta.
Still, never judge a book by its cover or its title, no matter what the expectations set.
First off, not all the flying bombs within are “manned” — the German part is mostly about the design and development of the V-1. I can forgive that since it segues into the Reichenberg version, which is basically a V-1 with a cockpit. Technically, it’s not a suicide aircraft because the pilot is supposed to bail out just before impact. The text goes into some detail about that tidbit as well as the US reverse engineering a captured V-1 to create its own version called the Jetbomb 1 (JB-1). The book is brilliant at ferreting out details like this often overlooked by the run of the mill experimental aircraft books
I should point out that the ME-328, powered by two pulsejet engines, is also well covered. Note that the pilot is also supposed to bail out before impact. Other German drawing-board suicide designs are discussed.
As for the Japanese, the book covers the Okha rocket-powered aircraft, which was used in the Pacific. Had it been longer ranged, it would have been more effective. Had some of the other versions been developed, moreso.
And then follows a goodly section on US Navy defensive operations and procedures to defend against kamikazes. Oddly enough, this is quite exceptional in explaining the interaction of picket ships, radar, CAP, and AA. This is the book right here.
The book contains 199 black and white photos and 39 black and white illustrations.
The design and development aspect of the book I’ve read before, although marvelous tidbits show up. The best part is the integrated air defense system used by the US Navy. For that, ties go to the author.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
