Robert Forsyth has studied the history and operations of the Luftwaffe for many years. He has thrice authored books for Osprey - Aviation Elite Units Jagdverband 44 - Squadron of Experten and Jagdgeschwader 7 'Nowotny' and the recently published Duel title Fw 190 vs B-17. He is also the author of JV 44 - The Galland Circus (1996), Battle over Bavaria: The B-26 versus the German Jets (1998), Mistel: German Composite Aircraft and Operations 1942-1945 (2001) and Messerschmitt Me 264 Amerikabomber (2006 - with Eddie J Creek). He works in publishing.

Jim Laurier is a native of New England, growing up in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. He has been drawing since he could hold a pencil and throughout his life he has worked in many mediums creating artwork on a variety of subjects. He has worked on the Osprey aviation list since 2000, and in that time he has produced some of the finest artwork seen in these volumes.

For Germany, the Spanish Civil War proved a perfect testing ground for new technologies and tactics. During the war, some 19,000 German 'volunteers' formed an aviation group called the Legion Condor in support of the fascists. Originally flying He-51s, they were soon upgraded to 109s. These fighters proved dominant in the Spanish skies, and many members of the legion scored five or more kills during the fighting.