Fighter aircraft truly came of age during the World War Two era and many of these machines passed into legend: Spitfire, Hurricane, Mustang, Thunderbolt. Even today, these names evoke visions of daring manoeuvres and ace pilots. Of course, flying a fighter often offered a simple choice – kill or be killed.

In the second half of the 1930s, the British government escalated its aircraft design and manufacturing programmes. The Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire were instrumental in the Battle of Britain, halting the seemingly invincible German war machine. Britain continued to produce standout fighters, including the Hawker Typhoon and Tempest, Bristol Beaufighter and de Havilland Mosquito. They all made their contribution to the war effort and Allied success.

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the US had no shortage of recruits. However, the US had less time to build up its reserves since all resources had been focused on supplying aircraft to European countries. Despite this, some manufacturers were well placed to start production on some of the most famous American aircraft of the war: the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, Lockheed P-38 Lightning, Republic P-47 Thunderbolt and North American P-51 Mustang.

This new book edition of Aeroplane Collectors’ Archive: British Fighters of World War 2 and Aeroplane Special Aviation Archive: US Fighters of World War II showcases these famous fighters and the role they played in Allied victory in World War Two.