Mitsubishi Type 1 Rikko 'Betty' Units of World War 2

by Osamu Tagaya

The most produced Japanese bomber of the World War II (1939-1945), the G4M saw action on every front from the first day of the Pacific conflict through to VJ-Day. The 'Betty's' very long range made it... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 184176082X
• ISBN13: 9781841760827
• Release Date: May 2001
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (UK)
• Length: 112 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 7.2" x 9.7"

Customer Reviews

One of the best Osprey aviation series

Rikko was a very imporatant part of the Japanese Imperial navy's offensive tactic and type 1 bomber along with type 96 (presicely speaking , "Land based Attack plane") was one of the most produced Japanese airplanes during the world war II. HOwever, it has been largely neglected and even condescendingly remarked with such an humiliated ephithet "flying Cigar". There are several volumes that covers this interesing speciman and cheery blossom like career of Type 1 Rikkoin Japan ,however Mr. Tagaya's volume is perhaps for the first time in English. Although the volume is a typical Osprey format , which mean less than a 100 page and lots of photos, text of Mr. Tagaya's insightful and often exciting, which show he has incisive knowlege on Japanese aviation in the pacific war. This is one of the best Osprey aviation volumes and I am eagerly waiting for his next volume in this series.

Simply Superb

Osamu Tagaya is one of the world's foremost researchers on Japanese naval air forces. His superb command of the subject material is evident on every page of this volume. The illustrations are excellent as well. A valued part of my personal library. -jon parshall- Imperial Japanese Navy Homepage http://www.combinedfleet.com

Mitsubishi Type I Rikko Betty (G4M) Units of World War II

Osprey has again come through with the goods with this 22nd volume addition to its series. It is filled with the same highly detailed aircraft and unit data readers have come to expect, and receive, from Osprey publications. It has this and a great deal more. I found it insightful and hard to put down. If this volume has any shortcomings it would be that it is so readable that it will be quickly digested by the reader! Mr. Tagaya held my interest through every chapter. I eagerly await the next volume by this gentleman (D3A Val Units) as a result of my satisfaction with this fine piece of research. A great deal of insight from various and numerous Japanese sources is very much in evidence here. Readers are exposed to the G4M Betty and the hardships of the aircrews/units that flew it to be sure, but as an added benefit Mr. Tagaya's research sheds light on the chasm of differences between Japanese and American air campaign theory and management in WW 2. Anyone with a more than casual interest in the subject will quickly realize its value and want to keep this reference readily available. Worth every cent you'll pay, and more!

Another good book of the Combat Serie

The Betty is a famous japanese ww2 bomber, but on his operative are until today few notices. The book is the n° 22 in the growing Osprey Combat Serie; as usual is very well done, with rare photos, many colour plates, some orders of battle for the various air group and enough details on operative use. The evolution of the Sentai strenght and the appaling losses suffered from the aircrw are also well detailed. The action against the Force Z on december 10, 1941 and the use versus US Navy ships in the Guadalcanal campaign, is enriched with day by day account of the mission. I found the book in some way better than others in the same serie, with a particular attention toward new informations on the "Betty".

Another good book of the Combat Serie

The Betty is a famous japanese ww2 bomber, but on his operative are until today few notices. The book is the n° 22 in the growing Osprey Combat Serie; as usual is very well done, with rare photos, many colour plates, some orders of battle for the various air group and enough details on operative use. The evolution of the Sentai strenght and the appaling losses suffered from the aircrews are also well detailed. The action against the Force Z on december 10, 1941 and the use versus US Navy ships in the Guadalcanal campaign, is enriched with day by day account of the mission. I found the book in some way better than others in the same serie, with a particular attention toward new informations on the "Betty".