B-29 Hunters of the JAAF (Osprey Aviation Elite 5) [Paperback]

Koji Takaki (Author), Jim Laurier (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Aviation Elite Units | Publication Date: November 25, 2001

'B-29!' No other term struck such terror in the hearts of the Japanese public during World War 2 than this single, most-hated name. It was then only natural that the pilots who attempted to shoot these high-flying Boeing bombers out of the skies over Tokyo, Nagasaki, Hiroshima and Kobe should become known as the elite of the Japanese Army Air Force. This book details the exploits of the ‘Dragon Slayers’ who, flying the very latest single- and twin-engined fighters, exacted a heavy toll on the AAF Boeing bombers using a range of tactics including ramming.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Little is written about the Japanese air defense of the the home islands at the end of WWII. This story is told in with vivid pilot profiles, mission histories and stunning photographs. History and accounts from both the Japanese and American sides of the campaign allow the reader to understand the vicious aerial combat that occurred in the skys over Japan, from late 1944 until the end of the war... For anyone interrested in the aerial battles, over Japan, or the Japanese defense against B-29 mission this book is an essential release that you will want in your aviation book library." -www.pacificwrecks.com

From the Publisher

Looking at elite fighter and bomber units in action, these books draw on profile artworks, black and white photographs, fully detailed appendices and breathtaking first hand accounts.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (November 25, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841761613
• ISBN-13: 978-1841761619
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 0.3 x 9.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #828,193 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Gift Horse, February 11, 2002

By 

Stephen Fedor (Richmond, New Hampshire United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: B-29 Hunters of the JAAF (Osprey Aviation Elite 5) (Paperback)

This book has some outstanding strong points. There's a fair overview of the B-29 bombing campaign as opposed by JAAF home defense interceptors. Problems faced by both sides in mounting effective air operations are made clear. And it must be appreciated that any solid historical information from the Japanese side (in English) is an accomplishment. This factor comes out in the stories of selected missions. In these, the heart of the text, the authors have pulled together a wondrous array of sources from both sides, to include commentary by combat participants. This excitement for an armchair historian is amplified by photo illustrations specific to the event discussed in the text. So on the same page opening, good reading becomes memorable by pertinent illustration, some of which are astounding. Hats off to the authors' research skills.

Now, why don't I rate the book 5 stars. It IS an unexpected gift of fine information. But I've got second thoughts. The title is "B-29 Hunters ..." and I'd expected more on total JAAF ops. However, info from the Japanese side heavily focusses on aerial rammings. (Where it can be learned that rammings could be suicidal, or skilled pilots could not only survive but sometimes return with their fighter plane!) As a result of this focus, for example, the relative importance of ramming tactics are not compared to conventional gunfire in terms of B-29s brought down. Readers do not get what might be expected from the title, broader coverage of the JAAF in home defense.

Then, as is typical with Osprey's Elite series, a goodly number of color art profiles are re-cycled from prior publications in the Ace series, in this case, virtually all relevant profiles from the JAAF Aces book. Of course, it was refreshing to see those specially created for this volume.

Also, while an attempt is made to convey good information in the art captions, I found some confusion. Specifically, one caption states the Ki 44 was "quite suited for attacking B-29s," another refers to reduced performance problems when combat loaded. Still in another, Ki 44s became "near useless." Meanwhile, two art profiles show Ki 44 ace planes with multiple B-29 kill markings.

That's why 4 stars. All in all, however, with so much good work by the authors, this one's a real keeper.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars B-29 Hunters of the JAAF, July 11, 2006

By 

James Yencer "Old Navy Wargamer" (Cridersville,Ohio USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: B-29 Hunters of the JAAF (Osprey Aviation Elite 5) (Paperback)

An excellent book detailing the troubles Japan experienced defending against the high-flying B-29's. Trying everything from dropping bombs upon the bomber formations to heavy cannon armament, the Japanese finally resorted to ramming tactics.
An "iffy" proposition at best and survival of the volunteer pilots was possible. At least two pilots were credited with two B-29's destroyed and survived the war. There is also a case of a B-29 surviving being rammed twice.
The color plates show a great many different Japanese Army aircraft that participated in this effort.
As a wargamer and modeller, I found this book one of my most useful.

5.0 out of 5 stars Different Perspective - B-29 Raids from the Japanese View, November 19, 2009

By 

cpt matt (tanktown, DE) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: B-29 Hunters of the JAAF (Osprey Aviation Elite 5) (Paperback)

This is a book that leaves you wanting more - in a good way. It's an overview of the B-29 bombing raids over Japan in WW2, the Japanese fighters and air defenses used to try to stop them. What is particularly refreshing is that it comes from the fighter pilots of the Japanese. It is a reminder that the US B-29s were not invinceable, especially in the early part of the raids.

As you would expect with Osprey books, there are many excellent b&w photos and color plates to show the different planes, unit markings, camoflague schemes used. This makes the book great for modelers. The text also gives pilots views of what it was like to face the Superfortress in combat - Daunting. Weapons are reviewed, effectiveness of the planes, tactics. This is where you'd like to see more, because it is so interesting.

I definately recommend this book for aviation buffs and modelers alike. It is a worthwhile purchase for the color plates, the stories of the Japanese pilots and a very good overview of this part of the air war over Japan from 1944-45.