Epitomising the advanced nature of Germany's aerospace industry in World War II, the Messerschmitt Me 163 had a huge psychological impact on Allied pilots who encountered it over war-torn Germany. It was unexpected, it was fast and it was a difficult target to destroy – all factors on which to base a good story.
Stephen Ransom studied aeronautical engineering at the University of Salford. One of his most recent works, is the definitive, two-volume study of the Messerschmitt Me 163, Me 163 Rocket Interceptor, (Classic Publications, 2002 and 2003. His latest book is Junkers Ju 287Germany's Forward Swept Wing Bomber (Classic Publications, 2008). Hans-Hermann Cammann has been a regular guest at the annual reunions of former comrades of Erprobungskommando 16 and Jagdgeschwader 400 held either at Bad Zwischenahn or Berlin since 1988. In the course of time a friendship developed between him and Wolfgang Späte, the former Geschwaderkommodore of JG 400. This friendship culminated in Späte appointing him 'archivist' for JG 400. He started work on the two-volume work published by Classic at the suggestion of his co-author, Stephen Ransom, who was conducting detailed research into the history of the airfield at Brandis at the time. Hans-Hermann Cammann is a serving officer in the Bundeswehr.
"The book provides a goodly number of photos of the aircraft and pilots who flew the plane. There are combat reports from both sides on flight operations and like all Osprey 'Aviation Elite Unit' titles, there are several pages of color profiles. Appendices include a full unit organization, a roster of pilots, biographies of some of the more notable personnel associated with the 163, a flight log of every combat sortie flown by 163s and a section on armament ... a fascinating read on an equally intriguing aircraft." --Scott Van Aken, Modeling Madness "...recommended to aviation historians and modelers alike." --Pablo Bauleo, IPMS/USA "...[offers] rare photos, first-hand accounts, and a dramatic history from two experts. Any serious World War II collection must have this!" --The Midwest Book Review
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