P-47D Thunderbolt vs Ki-43-II Oscar: New Guinea 1943–44 (Duel, 103)

P-47D Thunderbolt vs Ki-43-II Oscar: New Guinea 1943–44 (Duel, 103)

An extensively researched and accurate examination of the eight-month confrontation between two key World War II fighter planes in New Guinea. Although New Guinea's Thunderbolt pilots faced several different types of enemy aircraft in capricious tropical conditions, by far their most common adversary was the Nakajima Ki-43-II Hayabusa, codenamed “Oscar” by the Allies. These two opposing fighters were the products of two radically different design philosophies. The Thunderbolt was heavy, fast, and packed a massive punch thanks to its battery of eight 0.50-cal machine guns, while the “Oscar” was the complete opposite in respect to fighter design philosophy--lightweight, nimble, maneuverable, and lightly armed. It was, nonetheless, deadly in the hands of an experienced pilot. The Thunderbolt commenced operations in New Guinea with a series of bomber escort missions in mid-1943, and its firepower and superior speed soon saw Fifth Air Force fighter command deploying elite groups of P-47s to Wewak, on the northern coast. Flying from there, they would pick off unwary enemy aircraft during dedicated fighter patrols. The Thunderbolt pilots in New Guinea slowly wore down their Japanese counterparts by continual combat and deadly strafing attacks, but nevertheless, the Ki-43-II remained a worthy opponent deterrent up until Hollandia was abandoned by the IJAAF in April 1944. Fully illustrated throughout with artwork and rare photographs, this fascinating book examines these two vastly different fighters in the New Guinea theater, and assesses the unique geographic conditions that shaped their deployment and effectiveness. "The book features detailed erudite text, excellent artwork and photographic support, a useful map, and many other enticing characteristics. Modelers should be thrilled by graphic support." - Kitmaker 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. Jim Laurier is a native of New England and lives in New Hampshire. He attended Paier School of Art in Hamden, Connecticut, from 1974–78, and since graduating with Honours, he has been working professionally in the field of Fine Art and Illustration. He has been commissioned to paint for the US Air Force and has aviation paintings on permanent display at the Pentagon. Gareth Hector is a digital artist of international standing and has also enjoyed a successful career in computer animation. He is an aviation history enthusiast and has contributed to numerous Osprey titles such as B-52 Stratofortress Units in Combat 1992–2025 and RAF Lightning Units of the Cold War . He lives in Perthshire, Scotland.