AUFKLÄRER (VOLUME TWO) / LUFTWAFFE RECONNAISSANCE AIRCRAFT AND UNITS 1942-1945 (LUFTWAFFE COLOURS)

Characteristics

Description

This book forms one part of a two-part study of the operations, camouflage and markings of Reconnaissance Aircraft of the Luftwaffe 1935-1945. Subjects include:
- The First World War
- The Post-War Reichswehr and Aerial Reconnaissance
- The Organization of the German Aerial Reconnaissance Arm
- Maritime Reconnaissance
- Short-Range Reconnaissance
- Long-Range Reconnaissance
- Weather Reconnaissance
- Night Aerial Reconnaissance
- German Aerial Cameras
- Overview of Camouflage and Markings
- Selected Unit Histories
- Projected Future Trends

Concluding the story of the Luftwaffe s reconnaissance units, this book covers the period from 1942 to end of the war. As the tide of the war turned against Germany, information obtained from Aufklrungsflieger became ever more vital to both the German High Command and local-level ground commanders. Beginning in 1943, new purpose-built aircraft were introduced to deal with the increasing territory range needing coverage on the Russian Front. Among aircraft discussed are the Fw 189, Ar 240, Bv 141, and operations conducted by the Fi 156, Bf 109, and Fw 190-equipped units. The book covers the development of long-range reconnaissance including operations over Russia, the Mediterranean, and Europe using the Bf 110, Me 410, Ju 88, He 111, Ju 188, and Fw 200. Also discussed is the role of high-altitude reconnaissance using the lesser-known Ju 86 and Hs 130, which were fitted with experimental pressurized compartments. The reconnaissance work of pioneering jet aircraft, Me 262 and Ar 234 is included as is the role of ultra long-range machines such as the six-engined Ju 290, (used for co-operation with the U-boats) and the Me 264 America bomber.