Some Future Titles of Interest for SPF Members

[gatoraptor]

An Ohka with floats?? How bizarre!

 

[gatoraptor]

A little bit off-topic, but that suicide motorboat reminds me of an earlier concept for a suicide motorboat, in 1937, that resulted in the three-point design that is still used today on racing hydroplanes:

"The modern three-point concept had had its origin when representatives of the Chinese government contracted with Ventnor for a fleet of high speed suicide boats. The Chinese wanted a hull that would travel in the area of 50 to 60 miles per hour and carry a 500-pound bomb in the bow. The driver would take this, ram an enemy ship, and blow it up.

Over a dozen of these crafts were built by Ventnor, a company that secondarily manufactured a line of water skis.

As production of the suicide boats got underway, a serious problem was encountered. The 20-foot rigs proved to be terribly erratic. At high speeds and in the corners, they tended to dig in and plow on account of all that weight in the bow.

Perplexed, Adolph and Arno Apel took a pair of Ventnor water skis and jury-rigged the skis with some two-by-fours on the sides of the boats with the hope of improving the riding characteristics. When they tested, they found that the skis came down, absorbed the weight, and greatly stabilized the boats.

The Apels then built these stabilizers right onto the outside of the hulls. This was the original basis for modern sponsons! The fact that Ventnor specialized not only in boats but also in water skis has to be one of the oddest quirks of the industry. It was these two elements coming together that created the three-point design that still dominates more than sixty years later.

As for the suicide boats, thirteen or fourteen of them were sent over to China, and no one seems to know what ever happened to them. As far as is known, they were never used in a war situation for the purpose that they were intended."

One of those suicide boats was never delivered and was modified to a highly-successful racing boat that started the trend to three-point hulls.

 

[bobbymike]

https://www.amazon.com/iWar-War-Peace-Information-Age/dp/1501154966/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483752780&sr=8-1&keywords=bill+gertz

 

[newsdeskdan]

Thanks for your order.
Fonthill has not yet advised on the final publication date

Any news on Axis Suicide Squads?

 

[athpilot]

Yesterday Amazon.de cancelled my preorder. :'( Today I saw the publication date 3rd July 2017 on Amazon.com. Damn, I just can´t wait!

 

[newsdeskdan]

Yesterday Amazon.de cancelled my preorder. :'( Today I saw the publication date 3rd July 2017 on Amazon.com. Damn, I just can´t wait!

Hope that's a real date, not just a placeholder!

 

[Justo Miranda]

I have not recieved the book as yet, although the publishers have sent me the full jacket. But no publication date.

 

[athpilot]

Thank you, Justo!

 

[newsdeskdan]

I have not recieved the book as yet, although the publishers have sent me the full jacket. But no publication date.

Lovely cover - can't wait to get hold of it!

 

[Justo Miranda]

 

[newsdeskdan]

I have not recieved the book as yet, although the publishers have sent me the full jacket. But no publication date.

Email received this morning...


Hello,

Unfortunately, we’ve had to cancel your order #203-8180663-2793165 for the "Axis Suicide Squads: German and Japanese Secret Projects of the Second World War" (1781555656) as we're not currently able to offer this item for sale. You haven't been charged for this item.

We're sorry for any inconvenience this causes and hope to see you again soon.

Regards,

Customer Service Department
Amazon.co.uk

 

[Justo Miranda]

From Fonthill Editor, today.
"Apologies we advertised an earlier publication date and missed, it, we shall change the date to avoid this happening again, we are now back on schedule."

 

[newsdeskdan]

New date?

 

[Justo Miranda]

July 3, 2017

 

[newsdeskdan]

July 3, 2017

Reordered!

 

[athpilot]

July 3, 2017

Reordered!

Not possible in Germany. :-\

 

[bobbymike]

Phoenix. Volume 1: The Phoenix is Reborn 1918-1934: A Complete History of the Luftwaffe 1918-1945

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1910294500/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=BW1R4VUT2EJT&coliid=I3MF04GQ657SKR

Volume II

https://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-1935-1937-Complete-Luftwaffe-1918-1945/dp/1910777277/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1910777277&pd_rd_r=HMY5AT70KHEWBEVPQ33G&pd_rd_w=Ojvo1&pd_rd_wg=YYZta&psc=1&refRID=HMY5AT70KHEWBEVPQ33G

Volume III

https://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Luftwaffe-1918-1945-Confidence-1937-1939/dp/1910777919/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1910777919&pd_rd_r=HMY5AT70KHEWBEVPQ33G&pd_rd_w=Ojvo1&pd_rd_wg=YYZta&psc=1&refRID=HMY5AT70KHEWBEVPQ33G

 

[newsdeskdan]

Phoenix. Volume 1: The Phoenix is Reborn 1918-1934: A Complete History of the Luftwaffe 1918-1945

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1910294500/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=BW1R4VUT2EJT&coliid=I3MF04GQ657SKR

Volume II

https://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-1935-1937-Complete-Luftwaffe-1918-1945/dp/1910777277/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1910777277&pd_rd_r=HMY5AT70KHEWBEVPQ33G&pd_rd_w=Ojvo1&pd_rd_wg=YYZta&psc=1&refRID=HMY5AT70KHEWBEVPQ33G

Volume III

https://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Luftwaffe-1918-1945-Confidence-1937-1939/dp/1910777919/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1910777919&pd_rd_r=HMY5AT70KHEWBEVPQ33G&pd_rd_w=Ojvo1&pd_rd_wg=YYZta&psc=1&refRID=HMY5AT70KHEWBEVPQ33G

Got the first one. It's been carefully pieced together from a huge variety of secondary sources over a long period of time. Unfortunately, some of those old secondary sources I would regard as... not entirely trustworthy. It's gone into a box in the garage.

 

[FighterJock]

New Yefim Gordon MiG-19 book to be released 19th Sept.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mikoyan-MIG-19-Famous-Russian-Aircraft/dp/1910809071/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1486476005&sr=8-4&keywords=yefim+gordon

https://www.amazon.com/Mikoyan-MiG-19-Famous-Russian-Aircraft/dp/1910809071/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486476164&sr=8-1&keywords=yefim+gordon

 

[newsdeskdan]

I have not recieved the book as yet, although the publishers have sent me the full jacket. But no publication date.

Look what came through from the Book Depository this morning (see attached)!

I don't think Justo would appreciate a review from me - particularly on the Daimler-Benz 'projects' section - but suffice to say it's classic old skool Luft 46 fare with lots of the usual painstakingly-drawn speculative diagrams showing what might have been.

 

[Justo Miranda]

If you make a review of the book I will sent you the next volume as a gift

 

[newsdeskdan]

If you make a review of the book I will sent you the next volume as a gift

Axis Suicide Squads by Justo Miranda
REVIEW
by Dan Sharp

When I first discovered Dan Johnson’s Luft 46 website and with it a whole host of weird and fascinating German Second World War projects, one of the chief attractions for me was the artwork that went along with the site. It was all about the drawings – these strange designs brought to life in vivid detail.
Browsing through the site, I noticed a section entitled Reichdreams Dossiers by J. Miranda and P. Mercado. This took (and still takes) the form of a huge catalogue of volumes, each detailing numerous unbuilt types from the major Third Reich manufacturers – many of which were not even on the website itself. I was intrigued. But then I saw that many of these ‘dossiers’ seemed to be out of print and all the prices were in US dollars.
In the days before Paypal and internet shopping proper, even though I longed to explore these volumes, I felt it was too much of a risk so my order was never placed. Then, years later at an air show, I discovered a volume called Secret Wonder Weapons of the Third Reich – German Missiles 1934-1945 by J. Miranda and P. Mercado. I bought it eagerly but getting it home found that it did indeed contain only what it said on the cover. No sign of those Gotha bats, rocket planes or supersonic projects. No companion volumes including these seemed to be available either.
Imagine my delight, then, to find that Justo Miranda’s work was finally being printed up in luxurious hardback form by Fonthill Media. First piston-engined fighters, then flying wings and now we have rammers and other ‘suicide’ aircraft.
I bought each of them when they came out and I have not been disappointed. They are filled to the brim with those same wonderful line drawings that first drew my attention back at the turn of the millennium. My own research into German projects material has often taken me down different paths to those followed by Justo, which makes it awkward for me to pass judgement on the text. But having seen the original drawings of projects such as the one labelled ‘Gotha P.55’ it makes me smile to see how sympathetically Justo has treated them and how carefully he has elaborated upon what is really little more than a sketch.
Setting the German projects aside, Axis Suicide Squads differs from its predecessors in featuring Japanese projects too. This section has a further multitude of Justo’s lovely drawings and the text details the many recorded instances of Japanese aircraft being used for ‘Tokko’ attacks.
I found this very interesting and it has encouraged me to go and find out more about Japanese projects, beyond the two Edwin M. Dyer books.
For me, Axis Suicide Squads has been precisely the trip down memory lane that I wanted and more. As I said before, it really is secret projects done ‘old skool’.

 

[Justo Miranda]

OMG

 

[bobbymike]

https://www.amazon.com/Weapon-Wizards-High-Tech-Military-Superpower/dp/125008833X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1489261075&sr=8-1&keywords=weapons+wizards

 

[blackkite]

OMG

I ordered this important book.

 

[bobbymike]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1612348963/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Nanoweapons: A Growing Threat to Humanity

 

[ford_tempo]

Here is a forthcoming book about French battleships of WW I by John Jordan (if it is like the first volume it must be a superb book)

https://www.amazon.com/French-Battleships-World-War-One/dp/1591146399/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1490715104&sr=8-2&keywords=battleship+world+war+I.

Replying to the last post in this topic the book about nanoweapons mentions 5 pounds nukes....but how would they overcome the critical mass issue? I suspect it might be a sicence fiction book.

best

F_T

 

[newsdeskdan]

People have probably already seen this, but Crecy have posted a preview of the revised British Secret Projects 2: Jet Bombers Since 1949 by Tony Buttler on their website http://www.crecy.co.uk/british-secret-projects-2. Due out on September 29 this year.

 

[Thorvic]

Here is a forthcoming book about French battleships of WW I by John Jordan (if it is like the first volume it must be a superb book)

https://www.amazon.com/French-Battleships-World-War-One/dp/1591146399/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1490715104&sr=8-2&keywords=battleship+world+war+I.

best

F_T

I wish he would update and reissue his own books on the Soviet Navy and Soviet Submarines, taking into account new data or the Cold War programmes but also the new ships and subs of the Russian Navy

 

[Thorvic]

People have probably already seen this, but Crecy have posted a preview of the revised British Secret Projects 2: Jet Bombers Since 1949 by Tony Buttler on their website http://www.crecy.co.uk/british-secret-projects-2. Due out on September 29 this year.

Nice one, I know Tony has mentioned there is not as much updated data in this revised volume than the Fighters volume but still looking forward to it, be interesting to see if they actually publish for the end of September as the Fighter volume has had a couple of slippages so far.

 

[Nick Sumner]

Is there also going to be an update of BSP 1935 to 50? Hopefully a multi volume expansion.

 

[Thorvic]

Is there also going to be an update of BSP 1935 to 50? Hopefully a multi volume expansion.

I'm pretty sure they will be republished in the new format and style as the rest of the series, but i'm not sure how much additional and new information there will be as Tony has also done British Experimental Combat Aircraft of WWII for Crecy as well covering some of the more important projects.

 

[FighterJock]

People have probably already seen this, but Crecy have posted a preview of the revised British Secret Projects 2: Jet Bombers Since 1949 by Tony Buttler on their website http://www.crecy.co.uk/british-secret-projects-2. Due out on September 29 this year.

A smart looking bomber on the front cover. Anyone know what company designed it? B)

 

[Arjen]

Armstrong Whitworth AW.56.

 

[FighterJock]

Armstrong Whitworth AW.56.

I thought it was, thanks Arjen.

 

[Antonio]

Just finished "Axis Suicide Squads" from Justo Miranda.

Mr Miranda's third tittle at Fonthill. Again, I closed the book with a feeling of satisfaction, I've discovered that my knowledge on such desperate actions was only marginal. Af first sight this book, seems a guide of aircraft projects but, the reading reveals a text full of facts and data, connected into a solid story. Readers will learn that suicide actions weren't just an irrational behaviour but the last resort, radical no doubt, to reverse a defeat from the ever increasing superiority from the opponent. Thus, an array of hardware was developed to fight efficiently a get results under that conditions of scarcity and inferiority. In fact, there was an evolution in the aircraft designs as situation worsened for the Axis powers.

Mr Miranda erudition is a plus because, through the text, readers can learn about technological drawbacks from the Axis side. For instance: German SAM effectivity negated by Allied ECM and Japanese fighter design philosophy revealed inefficient to bring down US heavy bombers. I love Mr Miranda books because I always end the readings with much more knowledge than what I expected from the tittle of the book.
So if you're looking for a different approach to the WWII aerial fighting, that book is for you too.

The list of adapted and original designs included is impresive, many of it previously unknown to me. I've been surprised by the quantity of proposals from the Luftwaffe and I didn't knew how many variants of the Ohka were studied.

There is a drawing for every subject, as usual. Original from the author, beautiful technical drawings to scale with different views and detail. Gorgeous, a delight for the aerospace fans. Here comes my only criticism: on page 34 I can hardly appreciate the comprehensive BV40 drawings because it looks too much reduced to fit in place. I must admit that I'm getting older and my eyes start to fail.

In summary, buy it alone or add to the previous works that's a must for a broad group of history, technology, modelling fans. I strongly recommend it. Please Mr Miranda keep on researching and writing new tittles for our enjoyment.

 

[Justo Miranda]

Pag. 34 drawings here

 

[Antonio]

 

[bobbymike]

https://www.amazon.com/Army-None-Autonomous-Weapons-Future/dp/0393608980/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1497580912&sr=8-2&keywords=future+war

 

[bobbymike]

https://www.amazon.com/Going-Deep-Holland-Invention-Submarine/dp/1681774291/ref=mt_hardcover?_encoding=UTF8&me=