Aces of the Luftwaffe
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LESSON 3 Significant Aircraft of World War II
LESSON 3 Significant Aircraft of World War II ORREST LEE “WOODY” VOSLER of Lyndonville, Quick Write New York, was a radio operator and gunner during F World War ll. He was the second enlisted member of the Army Air Forces to receive the Medal of Honor. Staff Sergeant Vosler was assigned to a bomb group Time and time again we read about heroic acts based in England. On 20 December 1943, fl ying on his accomplished by military fourth combat mission over Bremen, Germany, Vosler’s servicemen and women B-17 was hit by anti-aircraft fi re, severely damaging it during wartime. After reading the story about and forcing it out of formation. Staff Sergeant Vosler, name Vosler was severely wounded in his legs and thighs three things he did to help his crew survive, which by a mortar shell exploding in the radio compartment. earned him the Medal With the tail end of the aircraft destroyed and the tail of Honor. gunner wounded in critical condition, Vosler stepped up and manned the guns. Without a man on the rear guns, the aircraft would have been defenseless against German fi ghters attacking from that direction. Learn About While providing cover fi re from the tail gun, Vosler was • the development of struck in the chest and face. Metal shrapnel was lodged bombers during the war into both of his eyes, impairing his vision. Able only to • the development of see indistinct shapes and blurs, Vosler never left his post fi ghters during the war and continued to fi re. -
Axis Blitzkrieg: Warsaw and Battle of Britain
Axis Blitzkrieg: Warsaw and Battle of Britain By Skyla Gabriel and Hannah Seidl Background on Axis Blitzkrieg ● A military strategy specifically designed to create disorganization in enemy forces by logical firepower and mobility of forces ● Limits civilian casualty and waste of fire power ● Developed in Germany 1918-1939 as a result of WW1 ● Used in Warsaw, Poland in 1939, then with eventually used in Belgium, the Netherlands, North Africa, and even against the Soviet Union Hitler’s Plan and “The Night Before” ● Due to the non-aggression pact with the Soviet Union, once the Polish state was divided up, Hitler would colonize the territory and only allow the “superior race” to live there and would enslave the natives. ● On August 31, 1939 Hitler ordered Nazi S.S. troops,wearing Polish officer uniforms, to sneak into Poland. ● The troops did minor damage to buildings and equipment. ● Left dead concentration camp prisoners in Polish uniforms ● This was meant to mar the start of the Polish Invasion when the bodies were found in the morning by Polish officers Initial stages ● Initially, one of Hitler’s first acts after coming to power was to sign a nonaggression pact (January 1934) with Poland in order to avoid a French- Polish alliance before Germany could rearm. ● Through 1935- March 1939 Germany slowly gained more power through rearmament (agreed to by both France and Britain), Germany then gained back the Rhineland through militarization, annexation of Austria, and finally at the Munich Conference they were given the Sudetenland. ● Once Czechoslovakia was dismembered Britain and France responded by essentially backing Poland and Hitler responded by signing a non-aggression with the Soviet Union in the summer of 1939 ● The German-Soviet pact agreed Poland be split between the two powers, the new pact allowed Germany to attack Poland without fear of Soviet intervention The Attack ● On September 1st, 1939 Germany invaded Warsaw, Poland ● Schleswig-Holstein, a German Battleship at 4:45am began to fire on the Polish garrison in Westerplatte Fort, Danzig. -
CRUISE MISSILE THREAT Volume 2: Emerging Cruise Missile Threat
By Systems Assessment Group NDIA Strike, Land Attack and Air Defense Committee August 1999 FEASIBILITY OF THIRD WORLD ADVANCED BALLISTIC AND CRUISE MISSILE THREAT Volume 2: Emerging Cruise Missile Threat The Systems Assessment Group of the National Defense Industrial Association ( NDIA) Strike, Land Attack and Air Defense Committee performed this study as a continuing examination of feasible Third World missile threats. Volume 1 provided an assessment of the feasibility of the long range ballistic missile threats (released by NDIA in October 1998). Volume 2 uses aerospace industry judgments and experience to assess Third World cruise missile acquisition and development that is “emerging” as a real capability now. The analyses performed by industry under the broad title of “Feasibility of Third World Advanced Ballistic & Cruise Missile Threat” incorporate information only from unclassified sources. Commercial GPS navigation instruments, compact avionics, flight programming software, and powerful, light-weight jet propulsion systems provide the tools needed for a Third World country to upgrade short-range anti-ship cruise missiles or to produce new land-attack cruise missiles (LACMs) today. This study focuses on the question of feasibility of likely production methods rather than relying on traditional intelligence based primarily upon observed data. Published evidence of technology and weapons exports bears witness to the failure of international agreements to curtail cruise missile proliferation. The study recognizes the role LACMs developed by Third World countries will play in conjunction with other new weapons, for regional force projection. LACMs are an “emerging” threat with immediate and dire implications for U.S. freedom of action in many regions . -
Messerschmitt Bf 109
Messerschmitt Bf 109 Bf 109 The most famous survivor, Messerschmitt Bf109G-2/Trop "Black 6", Wk Nr 10639; photo taken 1997 Duxford Air Show. Type Fighter Manufacturer Bayerische Flugzeugwerke Messerschmitt Designed by Willy Messerschmitt Maiden flight 28 May 1935 Introduced 1937 Retired 1945, Luftwaffe 1965, Spain Status Retired Primary users Luftwaffe Spanish Air Force Number built more than 33,000. Variants Avia S-199 Hispano Aviacion Ha 1112 1 German Airfield, France, 1941 propaganda photo of the Luftwaffe, Bf 109 fighters on the tarmac The Messerschmitt Bf 109 was a German World War II fighter aircraft designed by Willy Messerschmitt in the early 1930s. It was one of the first true modern fighters of the era, including such features as an all-metal monocoque construction, a closed canopy, and retractable landing gear. The Bf 109 was produced in greater quantities than any other fighter aircraft in history, with 30,573 units built alone during 1939-1945. Fighter production totalled 47% of all German aircraft production, and the Bf 109 accounted for 57% of all fighter types produced[1]. The Bf 109 was the standard fighter of the Luftwaffe for the duration of World War II, although it began to be partially replaced by the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 starting in 1941. The Bf 109 scored more aircraft kills in World War II than any other aircraft. At various times it served as an air superiority fighter, an escort fighter, an interceptor, a ground-attack aircraft and a reconnaissance aircraft. Although the Bf 109 had weaknesses, including a short range, and especially a sometimes difficult to handle narrow, outward-retracting undercarriage, it stayed competitive with Allied fighter aircraft until the end of the war. -
Nicolas Trudgian Alpine Thunder
Nicolas Trudgian Alpine Thunder A new limited edition featuring the Me262s of JV44, Adolf Galland's famous jet fighter wing, during the final phase of World War II. By late April 1945 most of the Third Reich had been cut to shreds by the advancing Allied forces and those units remaining intact were regrouping in southern Germany and Austria. With American advance units nearing the outskirts of Munich, on 28th April Adolf Galland took the decision to evacuate his precious jets to Salzburg, deep in the mountains. Bad weather prevented their departure until the following morning and they only just managed to escape under the noses of the encircling Americans. Galland had hoped to battle on with JV44 but the unsuitable mountain airfields prevented the famous fighter wing from doing much to delay the inevitable. So the beautiful Alpine meadows became the final resting place for what was potentially the most formidable fighter unit of the war. In just a few days the jets were left abandoned. Their short, exhilarating war, consigned to history. Signed by THREE highly respected holders of the famed Knight's Cross who flew the Me262 during World War II. Auflage: 500 Stück Nummeriert und vom Künstler signiert. Weitere Signaturen: Walter Schuck Hermann Buchner Werner Röll Format: ca. 84 cm x 58 cm (33" x 23”) Preis (s/n) 195,00 € Nicolas Trudgian A Welcome at the Inn B-17 fortresses returning to their base in Suffolk following the Eight Air Force´s massive aerial strike against enemy airfields during the Ardennes offensive, Christmas Eve, 1944. -
Airpower Classics Artwork by Zaur Eylanbekov Pe-2
Airpower Classics Artwork by Zaur Eylanbekov Pe-2 The Pe-2 dive-bomber was, by all accounts, one than its nearest counterpart, the RAF Mosquito. of World War II’s best attack aircraft—fast, rug- Stalin put it into serial production in late 1940, and ged, maneuverable, and deadly. The aircraft was it thus was ready for combat when, in June 1941, designed by engineer Vladimir M. Petlyakov during Germany invaded. The aircraft showed excellent his stay in a Soviet prison. He was a victim of dive-bombing and ground-attack performance. Stalin’s paranoia, arrested in 1937 on trumped-up Born fast, the Pe-2 became faster as it acquired charges of sabotaging the new ANT-42 bomber. more-powerful engines. Still, when given the task, Petlyakov delivered. The Pe-2 was so fast that it frequently eluded The aircraft was versatile, enjoying great success in German interceptors. roles of attack, reconnaissance, and night fighting. Aircrews developed deadly “sniper” accuracy for The aircraft that became the Pe-2 began life as their dive-bombing sorties. The Soviet Air Force the VI-100, a highly advanced bomber escort also developed so-called “carousel” tactics, in that flew in late 1939. Impressed by Luftwaffe which bombers 1,500 feet apart would circle a dive-bombing success, however, Stalin ordered target and then pounce, diving at angles of up to Petlyakov to redesign his fighter into a dive- 70 degrees onto a ground target. After the war, a bomber. Petlyakov complied—in a mere 45 days. few Eastern Bloc air forces flew the Pe-2, known The resulting all-metal, low-wing Pe-2 was lighter to NATO as “Buck.” It went out of service in 1954. -
P-38 Lightning
P-38 Lightning P-38 Lightning Type Heavy fighter Manufacturer Lockheed Designed by Kelly Johnson Maiden flight 27 January 1939 Introduction 1941 Retired 1949 Primary user United States Army Air Force Produced 1941–45 Number built 10,037[1] Unit cost US$134,284 when new[2] Variants Lockheed XP-49 XP-58 Chain Lightning The Lockheed P-38 Lightning was a World War II American fighter aircraft. Developed to a United States Army Air Corps requirement, the P-38 had distinctive twin booms with forward-mounted engines and a single, central nacelle containing the pilot and armament. The aircraft was used in a number of different roles, including dive bombing, level bombing, ground strafing, photo reconnaissance missions,[3] and extensively as a long-range escort fighter when equipped with droppable fuel tanks under its wings. The P-38 was used most extensively and successfully in the Pacific Theater of Operations and the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations, where it was flown by the American pilots with the highest number of aerial victories to this date. The Lightning called "Marge" was flown by the ace of aces Richard Bong who earned 40 victories. Second with 38 was Thomas McGuire in his aircraft called "Pudgy". In the South West Pacific theater, it was a primary fighter of United States Army Air Forces until the appearance of large numbers of P-51D Mustangs toward the end of the war. [4][5] 1 Design and development Lockheed YP-38 (1943) Lockheed designed the P-38 in response to a 1937 United States Army Air Corps request for a high- altitude interceptor aircraft, capable of 360 miles per hour at an altitude of 20,000 feet, (580 km/h at 6100 m).[6] The Bell P-39 Airacobra and the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk were also designed to meet the same requirements. -
5Fc5fa615ae94f5ef7c7f4f4 Bofb
Contemporary Accounts 85 Sqn Contemporary Accounts 1 Sqn 1 September 1940 - 10.45 - 11.30 hrs Combat A. attack on Tilbury Docks. 1 September 1940 - 10.45 - 11.30 hrs Combat A. attack on Tilbury Docks. 85 SQUADRON INTELLIGENCE REPORT 1 SQUADRON OPERATIONS RECORD BOOK 12 Hurricanes took off Croydon 11.05 hours to patrol base then vectored on course 110 degrees to Nine Hurricanes led by F/Lt Hillcoat encountered a formation of Me109s protecting enemy bombers Hawkinge area to intercept Raid 23. east of Tonbridge. The fighters were attacked and in the ensuing dog fight four Me109s were destroyed 9 Me109s were sighted at 11.30 hours flying at 17,000 feet believed to be attacking Dover balloons. by F/Lt Hillcoat, P/Os Boot, Birch and Chetham. Our casualties nil. It was noticed that these e/a all had white circles around the black crosses. 12 aircraft landed at Croydon between 11.58 and 12.30 hours. COMBAT REPORT: COMBAT REPORT: P/O P V Boot - Yellow 2, A Flight, 1 Squadron P/O G Allard - A Flight, 85 Squadron I was Yellow 2. Yellow Section split up to avoid attack from the rear by Me109s. I As Hydro Leader the squadron was ordered to patrol base and then vectored to advance climbed to attack some Me109s who were circling with other e/a. When at 15,000 feet base angels 15. When in position I saw e/a on my right. So I climbed a thousand feet above and one Me109 came from the circle with a small trail of white smoke. -
Produit 3187 2Eb1a1502929a5
4 Une autre photo assez connue et en couleurs cette fois du troisième prototype Me 262 V-3 en été 1942; l’appareil avait été peint en gris RLM 74 et 75 puis 76 dessous, seul le nez faisant exception avec une peinture vert (RLM 70?). Avion/WNr/Code Perte Unité Grade/Prénom/Nom (fonction) Pilote Cause/Lieu Dimanche 18 avril 1943 1943 Me 262 V-2 (000002) PC+UB 100 % Usine Messerschmitt Ofw Wilhelm Ostertag T Problème technique. Crash à Hiltenfingen (Leipheim). Wilhelm Ostertag trouva la mort lors de son quarante-huitième vol sur cette machine. Le second prototype ne totalisait que 18h 17min de vol lors de sa destruction. Samedi 22 mai 1943 Me 262 V-3 (000003) PC+UC ? % Erpr.Kdo 262 Gen.Major Adolf Galland Turbine endommagée. Posé en urgence Lechfeld. Second accident du prototype V3. Après ce vol, Adolf Galland – qui s’en est tiré indemne – déclarera avoir voyagé sur les ailes d’un ange et qu’il préférait ce seul Me 262 à cinq Bf 109. Né le 19 mars 1912, Adolf Galland a suivi un entraînement secret au pilotage en Italie avant d’entrer dans la Lufthansa en 1933. L’année suivante, il oblique vers la Luftwaffe et, deux années plus tard, gagne l’Espagne pour y opérer comme pilote au sein de la légion Condor. Il demeure une année dans ce pays avant de revenir dans le Reich et de passer dans l’aviation d’assaut. C’est avec cette arme qu’il vole sur la Pologne avant de revenir à la chasse lors de la Westfeldzug. -
(Ouma Se Bandjie on the Shoulders). It Was Photographed by Numerous SAAF Personnel Still in 70/71/65 Colours
Left and below: Both photos show SAAF ground crew members (Ouma se Bandjie on the shoulders). It was photographed by numerous SAAF personnel still in 70/71/65 colours. These two photos were taken with orthochromatic film, turning the yellow underside and yellow in the roundels a dark shade. Right: This image shows the true yellow colour on the underside. 62 63 Junkers Ju 88 Ju 88 +EK Ju 88A +DH Right: The covers presumably help to keep the tyres cool, and protect the interior from damage. Note the black paint over the side of the engine nacelle. Above: A tail-less Ju 88A - the fuselage band may point to L1 for LG1. 601 Squadron’s ‘trophy’ proved a very popular subject for aspiring Ju 88 3Z+DN 5./KG 77 photographers - benefiting historians and modellers eighty years on with a This wreck was photographed after El Alamein; November 1942 in the vicinity of Fuka. wealth of detail. Ju 87 Wrecks A collection of StG2 Ju 87s in an aircraft dump. B and F are visible. Aircraft ‘B’ appears to be in a different colour scheme to the two aircraft in front of it. Ju 88D-5 4U+GK 2.(F)/123 Ju 88D-5 4U+GK of 2.(F)/123, which was a reconnaissance unit. The caption on the back of the photo was ‘Bahiera 42’. Bir El Bahiera was captured after the batle for El Alamein, thus this photo must have taken after November 1942. 64 65 Ju 88A-4 F1+BC W.Nr.2581 I./KG 76 Ju 88A L1+C? LG 1 Ju 88A-4, W.Nr.2581, F1+BC, previously NI+RE, without engines and partially vandalised, that Ju 88 L1+C? from LG 1 found at Fuka in 1942. -
SPRING 2015 - Volume 62, Number 1 Call for Papers Violent Skies: the Air War Over Vietnam a Symposium Proposed for October 2015
SPRING 2015 - Volume 62, Number 1 WWW.AFHISTORICALFOUNDATION.ORG Call For Papers Violent Skies: The Air War Over Vietnam A Symposium Proposed for October 2015 Four military service historical foundations—the Air Force Historical Foundation, the Army Historical Foundation, the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, and the Naval Historical Foundation—recognize that a half century has passed since the United States became militarily engaged in Southeast Asia, and hope to sponsor a series of conferences involving scholars and veterans, aimed at exploring aspects and conse- quences of what once was known as America’s Longest War. For the first conference in the series, since all military services employed their combat aircraft capabilities in that conflict, the leaders of the four nonprofit organizations agree that the air war over Southeast Asia offers a compelling joint topic for reflective examination and discus- sion. The intent is to host a symposium on this subject in the national capital region on Thurs- day and Friday, October 15 and 16, 2015, potentially extending into Saturday, October 17. Other stakeholder organizations will be approached to join as co-sponsors of this event. The organizers of the symposium envision plenary and concurrent sessions to accommodate a wide va- riety of topics and issues. Panel participants will be allotted 20 minutes to present their research or discuss their experiences. A panel chair will be assigned to provide commentary and moderate discussion. Com- menters from academia, veterans, Vietnamese émigrés, and scholars from the region may be invited to pro- vide additional insights. Panel/Paper proposals may employ both chronological and topical approaches: Examples of chronological subjects can include: U.S. -
Amtech's, 1/48 Scale, Ta-183 “Huckebein”
AMtech’s, 1/48 scale, Ta-183 “Huckebein” By Bryant Dunbar The first time I saw AMtech’s 1/48 scale Ta-183 “Huckebein” kit was at the 2001 IPMS Butch O’Hare show. Scott Van Aken had a built up test shot on display. It only took a moment for me to decide I wanted one, NOW! Scott explained it was a test shot but kits would be available in the near future. The Ta-183 would have been an incredible performer and no doubt would have superseded the Messerschmidt Me 262’s capabilities had it been built and flown. In late 1942, Focke-Wulf’s founder, Kurt Tank and engineer Hans Multhopp, began studies to create the Ta-183. Their work culminated in a design that that was to have a prototype ready for its maiden flight in May or June 1945. Plans were for another fifteen test aircraft to follow. Two tail designs were considered for the aircraft. Both were to be built and compared. One tail was a more conventional, low version mounted along the fuselage. The other was the radical “T” design that we are most familiar. The first production aircraft was scheduled for completion in October of 1945. However, British forces captured Focke-Wulf’s facilities on April 8 and no examples were ever built. The Soviets found complete plans for the Ta-183 in Berlin and it’s believed they may have built as many as six test aircraft. Most are of the opinion the MiG-15 is a direct descendant of the Ta-183.