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Queen of the Midnight Skies: The Story of America's Air Force Night Fighters (Schiffer Military History)

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Here is a thorough history of American Army Air Force night fighters (the forerunners of all-weather fighters) in WW II. The book begins with a history of American airbone radar development, then moves on to the aircraft to carry the radar. The authors cover the "interim" night fighter aircraft: the P-70s (modified A-20s), the field modified P-38s and their combat usage. Night fighter concept aircraft are also discussed, including a little known Bell P-39 night fighter mockup and the Douglas XA-26A. It would have been interesting to know the performance (or anticipated performance) of this aircraft as it was a potential competitor of the P-61. Crew training is covered and it is amazing that with all the reorganization that went on anyone had time to fight a war. Lacking a suitable aircraft (while waiting for the P-61) the Americans attempted to arrange a reverse "lend-lease" program whereby the British provided Bristol Beaufighters (the Yanks hated the "Bristol Bastard"), and later DeHaviland Mosquitos. The British were good at making commitments to do this but rather poor in actually following through. The Northrop P-61 Black Widow (ostensibly the Queen of the title) was America's purpose built night fighter and its development and usage are well covered. This information alone would make the book worth the purchase price. An interesting point involving the P-61's combat usage is that RAF Mosquitos intercepted P-61s (a distinctive plane unlike any German aircraft the "Mossies" might be expecting) and fired on them, apparently on a number of occasions. There is no evidence of reverse mistakes from the American P-61s. Also included are a wealth of photos, unit statistics and ending the book is a comprehensive bibliography. This book makes an excellent companion to author Gary Pape's other book on the P-61 ("Northrop P-61 The Complete History and Combat Record") and is possibly the definitive work on USAAF night fighting aircraft and men.