For more than half a century the big gun was the arbiter of naval power; but it was useless if it could not hit the target fast and hard enough to prevent the enemy doing the same. Because the naval gun platform was itself in motion; finding a 'firing solution' was a significant problem made all the more difficult when gun sizes increased and fighting ranges lengthened and seemingly minor issues like wind velocity had to be factored in. To speed up the process and eliminate human error; navies sought a reliable mechanical calculation. This heavily illustrated book outlines for the first time in layman's terms the complex subject of fire-control; as it dominated battleship and cruiser design from before World War I to the end of the dreadnought era. Covering the directors; range-finders; and electro-mechanical computers invented to solve the problems; America's leading naval analyst explains not only how the technology shaped (and was shaped by) the tactics involved; but analyses their effectiveness in battle. His examination of the controversy surrounding Jutland and the relative merits of competing fire-control systems draws conclusions that will surprise many readers. He also reassesses many other major gun actions; such as the battles between the Royal Navy and the Bismarck and the US Navy actions in the Solomons and at Surigao Strait. All major navies are covered; and the story concludes at the end of World War II with the impact of radar. This is a book that everyone with a more than passing interest in twentieth-century warships will want to read; and nobody professionally involved with naval history can afford to miss.
#206883 in Books Osprey Publishing UK 2010-09-21 2010-09-21Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .39 x .1 x 7.31l; .68 #File Name: 184603973896 pagesOsprey Publishing UK
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. "Once-Over Lightly" History of 2nd TAF Typhoon Ops!By Mike O'ConnorThough a failure in its original fighter role; Hawker's brutish; thick-winged Typhoon was transformed into the RAF's premier ground-attack aircraft. Armed with four 20mm cannons; bombs and rockets; the 18 Tiffy squadrons assigned to the RAF's 2nd Tactical Air Force savaged Wehrmacht troops; MT and other targets as the Allies advanced across Europe. Author-illustrator Chris Thomas presents an overview of Typhoon ground-attack ops in this Osprey 'Combat Aircraft' book; #86 in the series.Prior to D-Day; the Allied Air Forces; realizing the need for effective close-air-support; had cooperatively developed army-air force CAS tactics; revamped the Typhoon for the CAS mission and created the units that furnish that support. Some seven wings - 121 Wing; 123 Wing; 136 Wing; etc. - were parcelled out between 83 and 84 Groups.Prior to D-Day; the units struck various targets in Normandy including radar sites. After D-Day; the units moved to France and followed closely behind the advancing ground units; striking German Army columns; HQs and other hard targets. By war's end; the Tiffy units had destroyed thousands of tanks; trucks and other MET; killed countless enemy soldiers and made a significant contribution to victory in Europe. All that effort came at great cost; the "low-down-and-dirty" attacks carried out by Typhoon units costing 500+ aircraft and over 200 pilots to the hellacious German AA batteries.Given the wide canvas he has to cover - one year's worth of combat by 18 squadrons - author Thomas does an admirable job of summarizing the Tiffy's ground attack career. He traces the Typhoon's make-over; creation of the various wings and some notable Tiffy commanders/pilots and highlights of the aircraft in combat. He also contributes ten pages of nicely-done color profiles of various Typhoons. I gave the book four stars - actually 4 1/2 - simply because I felt more pages were needed to adequately tell the Typhoon story.In any case; TYPHOON WINGS OF 2nd TAF 1943-45 is a comprehensive; well-illustrated and exciting summary of some of the hairiest missions flown by Allied pilots during World War II. Recommended.*****Review #1150.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good and worth the moneyBy Robert P. DyerThis book is good; I must say that. I would have liked a few more colour profiles of the Typhoons. I was looking for more on the 245 Squadron.{shark mouth} A lot of behind the scenes problems from initial introduction; to pilot shortages due to the nature of operations. I would buy it again.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. ExcellentBy p51djm22Very informative with great photos. If you've any interest in the Hawker Typhoon or the 2nd TAF you'll enjoy this reference.
