Wow! eBook
B-29 Superfortress vs Japanese Nightfighter: Japan 1944–45
Author(s): Mark Lardas (Author), Gareth Hector (Illustrator), Jim Laurier (Illustrator)
- Publisher: Osprey Publishing
- Publication Date: March 11, 2025
- Language: English
- Print length: 80 pages
- ISBN-10: 147286560X
- ISBN-13: 9781472865601
Book Description
An illustrated study of the clashes between B-29s conducting night raids on Japan and the Japanese nightfighters protecting the Home Islands from 1944–45.
The USAAF’s B-29-led strategic bombing offensive against Japan succeeded when XX Bomber Command switched from high-level daytime precision bombing to low-level night time area bombing. The latter tactic required Superfortresses to attack their target individually, without a formation or escorting fighters for protection. Despite this, Japanese nightfighters proved unable to stop the B-29s.
In this study, Mark Lardas examines the capabilities of the aircraft involved, and reveals the conditions under which both sides fought. He evaluates the cutting-edge technology of both sides and how it affected the outcome of the battle. Maps, tactical diagrams, photographs and specially commissioned artwork bring the action to life as the individual US bombers and Japanese nightfighters fight a classic military duel.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Engrossing” ―Aeroplane
“Mark Lardas provides the reader a great look at an often neglected part of the Pacific air campaign of the Second World War and I highly recommend this to anyone with an interest in the B-29 Superfortress, Japanese nightfighters or the strategic bombing campaign against Japan in 1945.” ―Aviation News
“There are plenty of archive images throughout, and some very nice artwork” ―Military Modelscene
“Overall this book is a valuable asset to the modeller looking to build early Mustangs, containing the bulk of the information that you could possibly need. Highly recommended.” ―Scale Aircraft Modelling
“B-29 Superfortress vs Japanese Nightfighter offers a focused and accessible examination of a critical aspect of the Pacific air war. Mark Lardas successfully balances technical explanation with operational narrative, presenting the late-war bombing campaign as a contest shaped by innovation, scarcity and adaptation. For readers interested in aviation history, night combat and the final phase of World War II, this volume provides a concise and informative overview.” ―Maverick Scale Models
About the Author
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.
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.
