World War II Biplane Combatants (eBook) by Pen & Sword Books

The era of combat biplanes is often considered to span from 1914 to 1938. However, by World War II's start, many advanced air forces had transitioned to monoplane aircraft for frontline roles. Despite this, numerous biplanes persisted, serving in both frontline and subsidiary capacities. In 1939, major European powers still maintained some biplane aircraft, with Britain having the most, including the Gladiator, Swordfish, and others. Germany, France, Italy, and the Soviet Union also employed biplanes, with some, like the Po-2, serving throughout the war. Even when Japan and the U.S. entered the war, a few specialized biplanes remained. This book showcases a selection of these resilient aircraft from various nations, representing the author's personal choice from a surprisingly wide range that fought effectively in World War II.