Osprey's examination of German air forces of World War I (1914-1918). The Imperial German Army Air Service of World War I grew from just 500 men in 1914 to 80,000 in 1918, inventing in the process a wholly new form of warfare. The exploits of the first fighter 'aces' have been widely celebrated, and have tended to overshadow the other, equally important branches of the fighting air forces - the reconnaissance and ground attack units, the airships and strategic bombers. This concise but fact-packed guide to both the Army and Naval Air Services - their command, organization, strength, training, support services andoperations - offers a morebalanced picture, while giving the heroes of the Jagdstaffeln their full due. Uniforms and flying clothing are described in detail, and illustrated with rare photographs and meticulous colour plates.

Ian Sumner was born in 1953 in Eccles, near Manchester, UK. He originally trained as a librarian in Newcastle-upon-Tyne but now devotes himself to full-time writing. He has written numerous titles for Osprey and also several books on the history of the East Riding of Yorkshire, where he now lives with his wife.
Graham Sumner was born in 1958. He studied illustration at Wrexham Art School and has specialised in archaeological reconstruction drawings. Graham has been involved with the Ermine Street Guard for nearly 20 years. He has written a number of articles for 'Military Illustrated' magazine and was the author of the popular 'Roman Army: Wars of the Empire' in Brasseys' 'History of Uniform' series. He lives in Flintshire, UK.

Origins of the Army Air Service · Chronology 1914-18 · Field Units · Strategic Bombing · Observation Balloons · Anti-Aircraft Defence · Command, Training and Support · The Naval Air Service · Conclusion · Select Bibliography · the Plates