Air Armada - The Hardest Days

Overall Print Size: 33" wide x 25¼" high

Plane Type:Me-109

In just six weeks Hitler’s forces had overrun Western Europe as once-proud armies swiftly fell before the might of the German ‘Blitzkrieg’. It was a devastating defeat, and now only Britain stood alone. Few thought she could survive. As Churchill pledged that Britain would never surrender, a German invasion seemed inevitable. But before any invasion could take place the Luftwaffe must neutralise the RAF and win control of the skies over southern England. Awaiting them was a small, but resilient band of young men, the pilots of RAF Fighter Command. On 12 August, the Germans turned their full attention to the forward fighter bases and radar stations, hoping to obliterate them once and for all. From Norway in the north, through the Low Countries and northern France to Brittany in the west, the Luftwaffe threw every available aircraft into the attack. For the young men of Fighter Command the next seven days of fighting would leave them exhausted and all but spent: They were to be the hardest days of the Battle of Britain, culminating on Sunday 18 August. Robert Taylor’s magnificent new masterwork, Air Armada, recreates a moment on that day as Heinz Bär, the Luftwaffe’s top-scoring NCO Ace of the Battle of Britain and one of the greatest Aces in history, climbs away from his airfield near Calais with the other pilots of 1./JG51 to escort the Do17s of KG76 for yet another deadly attack on the RAF. Away in the distance, Me110s from EPRG 210 also prepare to join the epic encounters that lie ahead.

THE SIGNATURES
This historic new edition carries the original signatures of prominent Luftwaffe Aces that flew in combat during the Battle of Britain.

THE LIMITED EDITION
Each print is personally signed by artist Robert Taylor, and individually hand-numbered; together with two famous Luftwaffe fighter Aces who flew and fought in the Battle of Britain. 

-Oberst HAJO HERRMANN
-Major HANS-EKKEHARD BOB

THE LIMITED EDITION with TWO signatures 450 signed & numbered prints US$ 320 / UK£ 200

THE ANNIVERSARY EDITION
With all the components of 'The Limited Edition', this special FIVE signature Anniversary Edition has been additionally signed by three of the most highly respected Luftwaffe veterans who fought in the Battle of Britain:

-Major ERICH RUDORFFER
-Generalleutnant GÜNTHER RALL
-Oberleutnant HEINRICH SUDEL

THE ANNIVERSARY EDITION with FIVE signatures 350 Anniversary Edition US$ 395 / UK£ 265 25 Artist Proofs US$ 575 / UK£ 375

Air Armada is the first in Robert Taylor’s new Battle of Britain Trilogy entitled The Hardest Days, issued to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the battle. All three prints in this inspirational new series will focus on these ‘Hardest Days’ to provide a unique snapshot in time. It will be a memorable series, and for that reason all serious collectors will be guaranteed matching numbers throughout the trilogy providing they are requested at the outset.


PLANE JUNKIE - Air Armada by Robert Taylor (Me-109)