Hellcat vs Shiden/Shiden-Kai : Pacific Theater 1944–45

By the early months of 1944 in the Pacific, the US Navy's burgeoning force of carrier-based F6F-3/5 Hellcats had pretty much wiped the skies clear of Japanese fighters during a series of one-sided aerial engagements. However, starting in October they faced the superb Kawanishi N1K1/2 Shiden/Shiden-Kai, a formidable fighter with improved armament, a powerful engine, and excellent maneuvrability that in contrast to earlier Japanese fighters had the ability to withstand a greater degree of battle damage.

Japanese pilots using this aircraft would claim more than 170 aerial victories over Kyushu and whilst escorting Kamikazes attacking Allied ships off Okinawa. US Navy Hellcat pilots in turn were credited with many of the scores of Shiden-Kais that were downed attempting to defend Japan. This fully illustrated book compares these two fascinating aircraft, using specially commissioned artwork, first-hand accounts, and a thorough technical analysis.

"Whether books inspire our models or our models pique our interest in their history, this book is an excellent source for either interest." - Model Ship Wrights

"This excellent "Duel" effort provides an illuminating introduction to both of these classic combatants. It enjoys my strong recommendation." - Cybermodeler

"This is a good read. There is a lot of information within the pages. The photos and drawings are a great enhancement for the book. This book is recommended to the aviation historian, buff and modeler alike. I don't think you will be disappointed." - IPMS / USA Reviews

"The people who flew and fought these aircraft are certainly not ignored
and biographies and brief descriptions of a few of each side’s representative aviators round out this book, one of the best in the long-lived Duel series. Highly recommended." - Naval Aviation News