Osprey Aircraft of the Aces SC (1994) comic books 2000
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Issue #31-1ST
$12.00
Volume 31 - 1st printing. "VIII Fighter Command at War!" Written by Michael O'Leary. This volume focuses on the little known official Army Air Force report commissioned by the Eighth Air Force's VIII Fighter Command (FC) in May 1944. The detailed document chronicled the experiences of 24 pilots who had seen extensive service in the frontline escorting B-17s and B-24s on daylight raids deep into Germany. Briefed to provide a candid report on combat flying that could be used as a teaching 'manual' for potential fighter pilots, the VIII FC veterans openly discuss their secrets to success, and survival in the deadly skies over occupied Europe. Exactly half of those pilots who contributed to The Long Reach subsequently achieved ace status. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $22.95.
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Issue #33-1ST
$12.00
Volume 33 - 1st printing. "Nieuport Aces of World War 1!" Written by Norman Franks. Art by Harry Dempsey. The French Nieuport company provided the Allied air forces with the first true fighter scout of World War 1 in the shape of the diminutive XI of 1915. Based on the Bebe racer, built for the abandoned Gordon-Bennett Trophy of the previous year, the aircraft utilised a sesquiplane (lower wing much smaller than the upper wing) arrangement which gave the XI extreme manoeuvrability. It was the only scout respected by the all-conquering German Fokker E-series of 1915-16, and was flown by French, British, Russian, Belgian and Italian aces. The XI was replaced from May 1916 onwards by the bigger and more powerful XVII. which proved to be one of the best fighters of World War 1. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $22.95.
