The German Air Force in 1940 was both larger and technically superior to the Royal Air Force. Its pilots were also battle hardened, after a clever deployment of 'assistance' during the recent Spanish Civil War. In Britain, the appointment of Hugh Dowling to head up the RAF's Fighter Command in 1934 led to an urgent modernization of both the structure and aircraft. He had also recognized the potential value of new weaponry, such as Radar. Nevertheless, in June 1940 when the Battle of France ended, the urgent plans for building the UK's defences were still far from complete. Find out how Britain survived and ultimately turned the tables to stop the onslaught of the Nazis in Europe. This six book series looks at the men, the aircraft, the technology and the tactics that enabled victory to be won in the amazing story of The Battle of Britain. 'The most beautiful aircraft ever designed' is how many remember the Spitfire today. Together with the more numerous and legendary Hurricane, it was used by just a few hundred pilots to halt the advance of the German war machine in 1940. This book takes a detailed look at every aircraft that fought during the Battle of Britain. All the aircraft used by both the RAF and the Luftwaffe in the largest and most epic battle for the skies in the history of mankind. * Just why was the Messerschmitt 109 better than the Hurricane? * Why did the Hurricane shoot down three times more German bombers than the Spitfire? * Why was the Heinkel 111 the most successful bomber of the era? * Why was the Stuka dive bomber so feared? * What happened to the two squadrons of Defiants that fought in the battle? This beautifully illustrated book answers these and many more questions about the Aircraft of the Battle of Britain. ILLUSTRATIONS b/w & colour *