World War II spawned a massive variety of weapons systems, many complex and confusing, but all fascinating. This lavishly illustrated volume details the military hardware used in the air, on the seas, and on the ground, by forces around the globe between 1939 and 1945. Covers 1,500 weapons systems, including tanks, small arms, warplanes, artillery, ships, and submarines. Each weapons system is illustrated by detailed profile artwork, together with a photograph showing it in service. Accompanying the illustrative material is detailed text that lists each weapon's service history, the numbers built, and its variants. In this way, readers can compare, for example, the German Messerschmitt Me 109 with the British Spitfire and the American Mustang, or the French Carb B tank with the German Panther. Answers a myriad of questions such as: What were the design features of the German battleship Bismarck? What was the caliber and effective range of the famous Lee-Enfield bolt action rifle? The Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II answers all of these questions, and thousands more. In addition, each weapons system has a specifications table that lists performance, dimensions, armament, and crew details. More than 800 color and black and white photographs, more than 600 full-color illustrations. 9" x 11 1/2"., ISBN13: 9780760710227 ISBN10: 0760710228 Material Type: hardcover