Description

As the routed North Korean People's Army (NKPA) withdrew into the mountainous reaches of their country and the People's Republic of China (PRC) funneled in its massive infantry formations in preparation for a momentous counter-offensive, both lacked adequate air power to challenge US and UN. Reluctantly, Josef Stalin agreed to provide the requisite air cover, introducing the superior swept-wing MiG-15 to counter the American's straight-wing F-80 jets. This in turn prompted the USAF to deploy its very best – the F-86A Sabre – to counter this threat. Thus began a two-and-a-half-year struggle in the skies known as “MiG Alley.” In this period, the unrelenting campaign for aerial superiority witnessed the introduction of successive models of these two revolutionary jets into combat. This meticulously researched study not only provides technical descriptions of the two types and their improved variants, complete with a “fighter pilot's assessment” of these aircraft, but also chronicles the entire scope of their aerial duel in “MiG Alley” by employing the recollections of the surviving combatants – including Russian, Chinese, and North Korean pilots – who participated.

Product details

Published May 20 2013
Format Ebook (PDF)
Edition 1st
Extent 80
ISBN 9781780963204
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 10 b/w; 54 col
Series Duel
Short code DUE 50
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Douglas C. Dildy

Douglas C. Dildy is a retired US Air Force colonel…

Author

Warren Thompson

Warren Thompson has been an avid military aviati…

Illustrator

Jim Laurier

Jim Laurier is a native of New England and lives i…

Illustrator

Wiek Luijken

Wiek Luijken is an artist based in England but bo…

Resources

Discover More

Visit our exclusive member's website to see artwork, maps, and more from this book.

Resources

Book Vote

Tell us what titles you would like to see published by Osprey, then vote for your favourites in our monthly book vote!

Related Titles

Sign up for Osprey membership for access to thousands of plane profiles, maps, battle scenes and more. Plus up to 30% off website purchases