P-61 Black Widow
Northrop Night Fighter in WWII
By: David Doyle
The P-61 Black Widow was one of the most advanced and most sinister-looking fighter aircraft of the Second World War.
AI Overview
The book "P-61 Black Widow: Northrop Night Fighter in WWII" by David Doyle provides a comprehensive history of the Northrop P-61 Black Widow, one of the most advanced and sinister-looking fighter aircraft of World War II. Here is a detailed overview of the book:
Key Themes
- Historical Context: The book delves into the development of the P-61 from its experimental beginnings as the XP-61 to its final production variant, the F-15A.
- Design and Technology: It highlights the aircraft's unique design, which was purpose-built for night fighting, combining sufficient airframe size to house advanced radar sets.
- Operational History: The book covers the operational history of the P-61, including its military service and later civilian use.
- Visual Documentation: The book is rich in visual documentation, featuring black-and-white photos, vintage color photos, four color profiles, and detailed line drawings.
Plot Summary
The narrative begins with the experimental XP-61, detailing its development and testing. It then progresses to the production variants, including the F-15A, highlighting the technological advancements and design innovations that made the P-61 a formidable night fighter. The book also explores the aircraft's operational history, including its role in World War II and its final aerial kill of the war.
Critical Reception
While specific reviews are not provided in the sources, the general reception of David Doyle's books is positive. Here are some insights from related reviews:
- Pictorial Essay: The book is described as a "pictorial essay" that effectively uses drawings and photos to describe the aircraft in service with both military and civilian use.
- Detailed Documentation: It is praised for its detailed documentation, including photos and line drawings that complement the text.
- Historical Accuracy: The book is known for its historical accuracy, providing a thorough account of the P-61's development and operational history.
Book Details
- Author: David Doyle
- Title: P-61 Black Widow: Northrop Night Fighter in WWII
- Publisher: Not specified in the sources
- Size: 9″ x 9″ x 3/4″
- Pages: 112 pp
- ISBN13: 9780764365270
- Binding: Hard cover
Overall, "P-61 Black Widow" by David Doyle offers a comprehensive and visually engaging history of this iconic aircraft, making it a valuable resource for historians, modelers, and enthusiasts of World War II aviation.