An illustrated study of the oft-overlooked engagements between the iconic F4F Wildcat and Imperial Japanese Naval Air Force''s 6M2-N ''Rufe'' floatplane during the Solomon Islands campaign. A number of unique confrontations took place between floatplanes and land-based fighters during the fierce aerial battles fought above the Solomon Islands throughout 1942-43. Whilst the most famous Battle of Guadalcanal ''slugfests'' saw US Marine Corps/US Navy F4F Wildcats engage the Zero-sens of the Imperial Japanese Naval Air Force, the pugnacious Wildcats also came up against the A6M2-N ''Rufe'' floatplane - termed the ''Zero on floats'' by American pilots. Such encounters have gone under-explored and misrepresented in Western histories, with the elusive capabilities of the ''Rufe'' and its role combatting raids against Guadalcanal receiving only scant attention. In this revelatory study, Pacific War expert Michael John Claringbould uncovers an aspect of the Pacific air war that has, until now, remained largely unknown. Operational documents, combat reports and first-hand accounts from both Wildcat and ''Rufe'' pilots are combined to help align adversaries, in some cases one-on-one, for the first time in print, while archive photographs, formation diagrams and newly commissioned artwork brings the action to life.

Autorentext

Michael John Claringbould was raised in Papua New Guinea, where he became fascinated by the Pacific air war. An extensive career in the Australian Foreign Service saw him complete six postings within Asia and the Pacific. He is author of numerous books concerning the USAAF Fifth Air Force and Japanese Pacific air power. Appointed an executive member of Pacific Air War History Associates in 2018, Michael is a licensed pilot and also holds an Intermediate paraglider rating. He lives in Australia.

Inhalt

(Subject to Confirmation)
Introduction
Chronology
Design and Development
The Strategic Situation
The Combatants
Combat
Statistics and Analysis
Aftermath
Further Reading
Index