Handbook of German aircraft of World War 2. Flying exotics of World War II. Battle of Britain
About the book: German aircraft of World War II
The German air force - the Luftwaffe - can be compared to the mythical bird Phoenix, which died in the fire and was reborn from the ashes young and refurbished. After the defeat of the First World War for Germany, the Entente countries were issued for destruction of 5,000 fully combat-ready German aircraft. The German Imperial Air Force ceased to exist. Moreover, in the future, Germany was prohibited from having military aviation. One of the articles of the Versailles Treaty stated: “Germany should not have its own air force, either on land or at sea.
However, the revival of German aviation began almost immediately after its victory, as Germany managed to save aviation industry... Many aircraft manufacturers have switched to the production of light sports and passenger aircraft. Several firms such as Junkers, Heinkel and Dornier have managed to survive thanks to aircraft orders received from Soviet Union... Thus, Ernst Heinkel, the owner and chief designer of the Heinkel company, stated bluntly. "Building aircraft for the Russians was very important to me, as it helped me to survive the terrible crisis that gripped not only aviation, but the entire industry."
The training of flight personnel was gradually improved. Already in 1926, according to the Paris Aviation Agreement, the German ground forces and the navy were allowed to train 36 sports pilots annually (while everyone understood what tasks these "athletes" would face). Soon after this, the Entente states agreed to study in German pilot schools. civil aviation... In the matter of combat training of these pilots, Germany was again rendered substantial assistance by the Soviet Union, which in 1925 provided an airfield near the city of Lipetsk to create a German aviation school. Over the eight years of the existence of this aviation school, which was officially named the 4th aviation detachment of the 40th air squadron of the Red Army Air Force, 120 fighter pilots and about 100 observer pilots were trained or retrained here. Among them were many future aces and generals of the Luftwaffe. However, the main thing about the importance of this aviation school was to work out the tactics of combat operations of aviation, its interaction with the ground forces.
With the advent of A. Hitler to power, all enterprises that could be used for the development of aircraft construction were placed under the control of the newly created German Ministry of Aviation. The construction of airfields was carried out at a rapid pace, flight and aviation technical schools were created, and the formation of the first aviation units began.
This is a publication that contains complete information about German aviation during the Second World War. It provides unknown facts from the history of the creation of Luftwaffe aircraft, shows their flight performance, shows the design and weapons.
The book is intended both for those who are interested military equipmentand for a wide range of readers.
The year of publishing: 2002
Pages in the book: 352
Quality: Scanned pages
Format:DjVu
File size: 26.2 MB
On September 17, 1935, the first flight of the German Junkers Ju.87 "Stuka" dive bomber took place. He got his nickname from the German word Sturzkampfflugzeug, which means "dive bomber". For convenience, German pilots used the abbreviationStuKa, which then took root in the Soviet troops.
The Ju-87 is a single-engine two-seat dive bomber and attack aircraft from the Second World War. It was designed by the designer Hermann Polman. The Stuka made its first sortie in 1936 as part of the Condor Legion in Spain. In total, from 1936 to August 1944, approximately 6,500 winged aircraft were built.
Despite its low speed and mediocre aerodynamics (the landing gear was non-retractable), it was one of the most effective combat aircraft of the Luftwaffe due to its ability to bombard from a steep dive. The Ju-87 has become one of the most famous blitzkrieg symbols.
Video
The program "Military Affairs" of the NTV channel on YouTube
U-87 "Stuka"
In the Soviet troops, he had the nicknames "laptezhnik" (for non-retractable specific type of chassis) and "singer" or "organ grinder" (for the howl of a siren, "Jericho trumpet" or "organ" during a dive).
For the occasion, SmartNews decided to compile a list of the best aircraft in the Luftwaffe.
JUNKERS JU 88
It was a multipurpose aircraft from the Luftwaffe during World War II. It became one of the most versatile aircraft of the war: used as a bomber, high-speed bomber, reconnaissance aircraft, torpedo bomber, and night fighter.
As a bomber, the Ju 88 was capable of pinpoint delivery of bombs, however, despite all the modifications, dive bombing put a lot of stress on the airframe. In 1943, the tactics were changed, and bombs could be dropped from a dive at an angle of 45 °. The aircraft and sight were modified accordingly. With the improved bombsight, the accuracy remained at a very good level. The maximum bomb load for the aircraft was 2800 kg, but in practice the standard load was 1500-2000 kg.
HEINKEL HE 111
This is a medium bomber, which became one of the main in the Luftwaffe in this class (there were also modifications of torpedo bombers and attack aircraft). In total, more than 7,600 He 111 of various modifications were built, which makes this aircraft the second largest bomber in Germany in the Second World War. The first flight took place on February 25, 1935.
The aircraft was equipped with two Jumo-211 engines with a capacity of 1350 hp each. The bomb load of the aircraft was 2500 kg. The design flaw of the aircraft was that the bombs in the bomb bay were positioned vertically, so their caliber was limited. A 20 mm cannon (on some aircraft) and six machine guns (7.92 mm) were installed as defensive weapons.
Video
Video: wizzoplanes on YouTube
"FOKKE-WOLF" FW 189
Officially this aircraft was called the Focke-Wulf FW 189, but in the Soviet Union it was better known by the nickname "frame" given to it at the front. This multipurpose vehicle, the main site of which was the Soviet-German front, was highly appreciated by both German pilots and their opponents. The first flight of the FW 189 took place in July 1938.
Reviews of the flight and ground personnel of the Luftwaffe about this machine were extremely favorable. Reliability, maneuverability, ease of piloting and maintenance were her distinctive features... Very valuable feature aircraft was its high stability, combined with good controllability. The Argus motors started up perfectly and worked like a clock. However, the failure of one engine practically did not threaten the crew of the "frame" in any way: it flew beautifully on the remaining one.
The survivability of the FW 189 was very high. With its high maneuverability (provided with low wing loading), it was a rather difficult target. The aircraft withstood a large number of bullets and shell fragments. There were even cases when the "frame" returned to base after a ram.
Video
Video: Aser Ser on YouTube
Fw-189. "Frame". Educational film.
MESSERSHMITT BF 109
The official name of this aircraft in Germany was Bf 109, but in the USSR it was called the Me-109. The Bf 109 is a single-engine piston fighter that has been in service with the Luftwaffe and the Air Force of various countries for about 30 years. Depending on the modification, it was used as a fighter, fighter-interceptor, high-altitude fighter, fighter-bomber, reconnaissance aircraft. The first flight took place on May 28, 1935.
In World War II, the Germans had next planes, here is their list with photos:
1. Arado Ar 95 - German double seaplane torpedo bomber
2. Arado Ar 196 - German military reconnaissance seaplane
3. Arado Ar 231 - German light single-engine military seaplane
4. Arado Ar 232 - German military transport aircraft
5. Arado Ar 234 Blitz - German jet bomber
6. Blomm Foss Bv.141 - prototype of a German reconnaissance aircraft
7. Gotha Go 244 - German medium military transport aircraft
8. Dornier Do.17 - German twin-engine medium bomber
9. Dornier Do.217 - German multipurpose bomber
10. Messerschmitt Bf.108 Typhoon - German all-metal single-engine monoplane
11. Messerschmitt Bf.109 - German single-engine piston low-wing fighter
12. Messerschmitt Bf.110 - German twin-engine heavy fighter
13. Messerschmitt Me.163 - German fighter-interceptor
14. Messerschmitt Me.210 - German heavy fighter
15. Messerschmitt Me.262 - German turbojet fighter, bomber and reconnaissance aircraft
16. Messerschmitt Me.323 Giant - German heavy military transport aircraft with a carrying capacity of up to 23 tons, the heaviest land aircraft
17. Messerschmitt Me.410 - German heavy fighter-bomber
18. Focke-Wulf Fw.189 - twin-engined two-boom triple tactical reconnaissance aircraft
19. Focke-Wulf Fw.190 - German single-seat single-engine piston monoplane fighter
20. Focke-Wulf Ta 152 - German high-altitude interceptor
21. Focke-Wulf Fw 200 Condor - German 4-engine long-range multipurpose aircraft
22. Heinkel He-111 - German medium bomber
23. Heinkel He-162 - German single-engine jet fighter
24. Heinkel He-177 - German heavy bomber, twin-engined all-metal monoplane
25. Heinkel He-219 Uhu - twin-engine piston night fighter equipped with ejection seats
26. Henschel Hs. 129 - German single-seat twin-engine specialized attack aircraft
27. Fieseler Fi-156 Storch - small German aircraft
28. Junkers Ju-52 - German passenger and military transport aircraft
29. Junkers Ju-87 - German two-seater dive bomber and attack aircraft
30. Junkers Ju-88 - German multipurpose aircraft
31. Junkers Ju-290 - German long-range naval reconnaissance aircraft (nicknamed "Flying Cabinet")
The aircraft was produced by AGO in 1938. It was a twin-engine low-wing aircraft with a pressurized cockpit and retractable landing gear. A total of 9 vehicles were built. The aircraft was used by high-ranking Wehrmacht officials. Performance characteristics of the machine: length - 11 m; height - 3.6 m; wingspan - 13.5 m; wing area - 25 m²; empty weight - 1.6 tons, takeoff weight - 2.8 tons; engines - two Argus As 10 E 270 hp; maximum speed - 330 km / h, cruising speed - 280 km / h; practical range - 1,100 km; practical ceiling - 5,200 m; crew - 2 people; payload - 6 passengers.
The aircraft was produced by Arado Flugzeugwerke in 1943. It was designed to carry bulky cargo and weapons, as well as for airborne assault. The aircraft is a cantilever monoplane of a metal structure with a high wing position and a two-fin tail, mounted on the tail boom.
A two-spar wing with a working duralumin sheathing had flaps about 40% wide of the wing chord, which, when extended, increased the wing area and increased the aircraft's speed range. The cargo compartment had a length of 6.6 m, a width of 2.3 m and a height of 2 m. Loading and unloading of goods was carried out through the rear of the fuselage, which was lowered using a hydraulic drive. A monorail with a telpher with a carrying capacity of 2 tons was laid along the ceiling of the cargo compartment. To accommodate the troops along the sides of the cargo compartment, reclining seats for 24 people are reinforced. A total of 22 vehicles were built in two modifications: Ar-232A (with two 1600-horsepower engines) and Ar-232B (with four 1200-horsepower engines). Performance characteristics of the machine: length - 23.5 m; height - 5.7 m; wingspan - 33.5 m; wing area - 142.6 m²; empty weight - 12.8 tons, takeoff weight - 21.2 tons; engines - two / four BMW 801A / BMW Bramo 323; the volume of fuel tanks - 2 - 3.2 thousand liters; maximum speed - 308 km / h, cruising speed - 290 km / h; practical range - 1,100 km; practical ceiling - 6,900 m; takeoff run - 200 m; armament - three 13-mm MG-131 machine guns, 20-mm MG-151 cannon, additional weapons - 8 MG-34 paratroopers machine guns in the windows; crew - 4-5 people; payload - 8 passengers and 2 tons of cargo.
The medium assault aircraft was developed by installing two engines on the Go-242 airframe. It was admitted in 1942. The aircraft had a fuselage of steel tubes covered with fabric. A total of 176 cars were produced. Depending on the modification of the airframe and the type of engines, the planes were designated: 244V-1, V-2, V-3, V-4 and V-5. Performance characteristics of the car: length - 15.8 m; height - 4.6 m; wingspan - 24.5 m; wing area - 64.4 m²; empty weight - 5.2 tons, takeoff weight - 7.8 tons; engines - two BMW 132 / Gnome-Rhone 14M / M-25A with a capacity of 660/700/750 hp; climb rate - 270 m / m; maximum speed - 290 km / h, cruising speed - 270 km / h; practical range - 740 km; practical ceiling - 7 600 m; armament - four 7.9 mm MG-15 machine guns, additional - four MG-34 paratroopers machine guns; crew - 2 people; payload - 23 paratroopers.
The aircraft was built on the basis of He-111h-6 or He-111h-16. Two aircraft fuselages were interconnected by a straight center section with the fifth engine. The aircraft had two pairs of landing gear. The pilot was located in the left fuselage, the co-pilot in the right. The flight engineer, radio operator and gunner were located in the left fuselage, in the right there was another mechanic and gunner. Common base the chassis was 10 m, and the distance between the two fuselages was 12.8 m. For takeoff, launch rockets were used. The aircraft was intended for towing cargo gliders Ju.322 and Me.321. In total, 1941-1942. 12 cars were built. Performance characteristics of the machine: length - 16.4 m; height - 4 m; wingspan - 35.4 m; wing area - 147.6 m²; empty weight - 21.5 tons, takeoff weight - 28.6 tons; engines - five Junkers Jumo 211F with a capacity of 1,350 hp; the volume of fuel tanks - 4.4 - 8.3 thousand liters; maximum speed - 435 km / h, cruising speed - 390 km / h; practical range - 4,000 km; takeoff run - 250 m; practical ceiling - 10,000 m; armament - four MG-131 machine guns, two MG-81Z and five MG-81J; bomb load - 7.2 tons; crew - 7 people.
The aircraft was produced by Heinkel in 1937-1938. It had a duralumin monocoque fuselage, a two-spar wooden wing, sheathed with plywood. A total of 14 vehicles were built. The aircraft was also used as a reconnaissance aircraft. Performance characteristics of the machine: length - 13.7 m; height - 3.3 m; wingspan - 22 m; wing area - 63 m²; empty weight - 4 tons, takeoff weight - 7.1 tons; engines - four Hirth HM 508 270 hp; maximum speed - 320 km / h, cruising speed - 300 km / h; practical range - 3,500 km; practical ceiling - 6,500 m; crew - 3 - 4 people.
The three-engine medium transport aircraft was produced by Junkers in 1932-1944. It was an all-metal low-wing aircraft with a corrugated fuselage skin, fixed landing gear. In total, the Junkers company built 4.8 thousand cars of 14 modifications, incl. 3.2 thousand cars by other manufacturers. The planes were also converted into bombers, and vice versa, into transport. Performance characteristics of the machine: length - 18.9 m; height - 5.6 m; wingspan - 29.3 m; wing area - 110 m²; empty weight - 5.9 - 6.5 tons, takeoff - 9.2 - 11 tons; engines - three BMW-Hornet A2 / 132Т with a capacity of 525 - 830 hp; climb rate - 3.9 m / s; maximum speed - 270 - 290 km / h, cruising speed - 220 - 250 km / h; practical range - 950 - 1 100 km; practical ceiling - 5,900 m; armament - three 7.9 mm MG-15 machine guns or 13 mm MG-131; crew - 2 - 3 people; payload - 17 - 18 passengers or 1.5 tons of cargo.
The aircraft was produced by Junkers in 1942. It had a square fuselage with working skin and a pressurized cockpit. Loading was carried out through a hydraulic ramp in the aft fuselage. The landing gear legs were hydraulically retracted into the nacelles. A total of 15 vehicles were built. Performance characteristics of the machine: length - 25.1 m; height - 5.8 m; wingspan - 34.1 m; wing area - 122.6 m²; empty weight - 13.1 tons, takeoff weight - 24 tons; engines - three Junkers Jumo 211 F with a capacity of 1,350 hp; climb rate - 12.5 m / s; maximum speed - 440 km / h, cruising speed - 385 km / h; practical range - 3,900 km; practical ceiling - 6,300 m; armament - two 7.9 mm MG-15 and 13 mm MG-131 machine guns; crew - 3 people; payload - 32 passengers.
The aircraft was produced by the Junkers company in 1941-1944. based on Ju-90 in two versions: Ju-290A-1 and Ju-290A-6. It had a loading ramp in the aft fuselage for direct loading from the body. The ramp could also be lowered in flight to provide parachute jumps for paratroopers. A total of 10 vehicles were built. Performance characteristics of the machine: length - 28.6 m; height - 6.8 m; wingspan - 42 m; wing area - 203 m²; empty weight - 33 tons, takeoff weight - 45 tons; engines - four BMW 801Ds with a capacity of 1,700hp; climb rate - 205 m / m; maximum speed - 440 km / h; practical range - 6,200 km; practical ceiling - 6,000 m; armament - two 20-mm MGFF cannons and nine 7.9-mm MG-15 machine guns; crew - 9 people; payload - 48 passengers.
The aircraft was produced by the Junkers company in 1943-1944. based on Ju-252. The fuselage had a mixed design, the wings were all-wood. The engines had a reverse mode when landing. A total of 50 vehicles were built. Performance characteristics of the machine: length - 24.6 m; height - 5.8 m; wingspan - 34.2 m; wing area - 128.3 m²; empty weight - 13.5 tons, takeoff weight - 19.6 tons; engines - three BMW-Bramo-323R-2 with a capacity of 1,200 hp; the volume of fuel tanks - 3.3 thousand liters; climb rate - 315 m / m; maximum speed - 370 km / h, cruising speed - 300 km / h; practical range - 3,000 km; practical ceiling - 6,000 m; armament - 20 mm MG-151/20 cannon; crew - 4-5 people; payload - 4.3 tons.
The heavy transport aircraft was produced by Messerschmitt AG and Zeppelin in 1942-1944. based on the Me-321 airframe. It had a large front cargo hatch, a convertible cargo compartment and a multi-wheeled chassis. A total of 201 vehicles were built in the following modifications: Me-323D-1; Me-323D-2; Me-323D-6; Me-323E-1; Me-323E-2. Performance characteristics of the machine: length - 28.5 m; height - 9.6 m; wingspan - 55 m; wing area - 300 m²; empty weight - 29 tons, takeoff weight - 45 tons; engines - six Gnome-Rhone 14 with a capacity of 1,140 hp; the volume of fuel tanks - 5.3 thousand liters; climb rate - 265 m / m; maximum speed - 250 km / h, cruising speed - 235 km / h; practical range - 1,300 km; practical ceiling - 4 500 m; armament - MG-131 machine guns, MG-151 cannons; crew - 7-11 people; payload - 130 people or 12 tons.
German aircraft during the Second World War were unmatched. The legendary Soviet fighter pilot I. Kozhedub destroyed 62 enemy aircraft. German pilot E. Hartman shot down 352 enemy aircraft. About 100 German fighters destroyed 100 enemy aircraft each. However, the Soviet media did not tell in detail about the achievements of the Luftwaffe pilots.
Fighters
German fighters were the main means of gaining an advantage over the enemy in battle. The success of the combat operation of ground forces and the safety of rear facilities depended on them. Messerschmitt Bf 109 was considered the best. He was the real German king of the air. He dominated the Soviet sky until 1942. This aircraft imposed tactics on other aircraft. He quickly picked up speed, dived the enemy. Then he quickly soared upward.
Although Messerschmitt was considered the main German fighter, the design department of the Third Reich developed other models of devices, for example, the Focke-Wulf Fw-190, Ta-152, Ta-157. The fighter unit of the Luftwaffe also included Heinkel Non-51, Non-112, Non-162 aircraft, as well as Dornier DO 215D-5, Arado Ar 68.
Bombers and attack aircraft
The most recognizable bomber in the Luftwaffe was the Heinkel-111. He served the entire war. The bomber was produced until 1944. He took part in battles in Europe and the Soviet Union. He won many battles, although he lacked speed and maneuverability.
The bombs of the Junkers Ju 87 Stuck bomber hit right on target in battles - on tanks. The plane dropped bombs from a steep dive. He could aim accurately. For a terrifying psychological effect, the pilot turned on a strong signal during the battle, similar to a terrible howl.
However, the best attack aircraft Junkers Ju 88 got into serial production. It had the qualities of a horizontal and dive bomber. Towards the end of the war, the Germans developed another powerful jet bomber, the Arado Ar 234. Others german aircraftused as bombers: Dornier Do 217, Junkers Ju 188, Messerschmitt Me 264.
Reconnaissance and liaison aircraft
The Focke-Wulf Fw 189 Uhu reconnaissance aircraft brought the greatest benefit to the Germans on the Eastern Front. It had an unusual two-girder construction, for which the Soviet soldiers called it a "frame". This apparatus was conducting aerial photography. German bombers always followed him. It was not so easy to spot and shoot down the scout. He walked at a low speed, could maneuver well, and when the enemy fighters approached, he began to describe circles of a small radius.
The first production aircraft intended for support operations and communications was the Fieseler Fi 156 Storch. The device could support the ground forces. The plane had a shortened takeoff. From a height of 3000 m, he could make a soft vertical fit... During the war, Storch carried out the adjustment of artillery fire. It flew at low speeds, and a machine gun was installed on board for protection. Other reconnaissance and communications aircraft: Blom and Foss IM 141, Henschel Hs 126, Flettner FI 282 "Kolibri" helicopter, Henschel Hs 130.
German jet planes of World War II
During the war years, many jet aircraft were put into series production by Germany. For example, the Heinkel He 162 and Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighters, the Messerschmitt Me 163 jet interceptor, and the Arado Ar 234 jet bomber. These aircraft were produced at the end of the war. If the Messerschmitt Me 262 and Arado Ar 234. went into production in 1942, perhaps Germany would have won the war. After all, the outcome of the battle was influenced by the release of "miracle weapons", as Reichsminister of armaments A. Speer said.
The first jet aircraft in Germany is considered the Messerschmitt Me 262. Development and improvement of the aircraft took place from 1938 to 1943. In 1944, serial production of this aircraft began. In total, the Luftwaffe received 1,433 pieces of equipment. This jet aircraft was superior to other models only due to the speed (more than 800 km / h), which was provided by the jet engine.
The Me 262 was used as a fighter. The device had many flaws. It had too much mileage during takeoff and landing and required a lot of fuel. The combat effectiveness of the Me 262 was low. The fighters were used to repel raids on German cities by American bombers and were often shot down by them and accompanying American fighters.
The Arado Ar 234 jet bomber had excellent combat characteristics. It could carry bombs up to 1.5 tons and had a speed of over 700 km / h. Its bombsight ensured accurate hitting of targets on the ground. The Germans produced about 200 of these aircraft. The bomber was used occasionally. He was using too much fuel.
German seaplanes of World War II
Seaplanes were used by the Germans for transporting cargo, patrolling the water area, and occasional attacks on enemy ships. The Heinkel He 115 is considered to be the best German seaplane. These torpedo bombers sank large sea vessels. German designers have developed several models of seaplanes: Arado Ar 95, Arado Ar 196, Blom and Foss Na 139, Heinkel He 114. The aircraft were used as torpedo bombers, reconnaissance aircraft and to protect coastal areas.
German transport aircraft
The German army needed transport aircraft even at the very beginning of the war. After all, the Germans had to transport a huge amount of equipment and weapons to enemy territory. The very first heavyweight development was the Messerschmitt Me 321 "Giant". It was going to be used for the landing operation on the British Isles. True, then the plans changed.
Modifications of the Me 321 were constantly improved. A successful prototype had a length of 11 m and a width of more than 3 m. Loading of equipment on board was carried out through the bow. The cabin could accommodate about 200 soldiers or a small tank. During the war years, "Giant" has repeatedly transported equipment and soldiers to the territory of enemy countries. Other Luftwaffe transport gliders: Arado Ar 232, Siebel Si 204, Junkers W 34h, Gotha Go 242.