German Aircraft of World War II

The flyers of the Luftwaffe spearheaded the German blitzkrieg during the early years of World War II, providing a key aerial element to the German war machine that swept all before it. Later in the war, the Luftwaffe concentrated on defence, producing the world’s first rocket- and jet-propelled fighters. German Aircraft of World War II features 52 of the greatest aircraft to fly for the Luftwaffe from 1939 to 1945. Included are the Junkers Ju-87 Stuka divebomber, an aircraft with a shrieking siren that terrorized ground troops and civilians in Poland, France and the Low Countries; the Messerschmitt Bf 109, one of the most adaptable and longstanding fighters of the war that served in every theatre in a variety of roles; the twin- engined Ju-88, which served as a tactical bomber in the early phase of the war and later as a night-fighter during the defence of the Reich; and the Messerschmitt Me 262, the first jet fighter to enter service for any air force and a highly-effective interceptor against Allied bombers from 1944 onwards. Each entry includes a brief description of the type’s development and history, a dynamic artwork, key features and specifications. Packed with more than 200 artworks and photographs, German Aircraft of World War II is an exciting guide for the military historian and aviation enthusiast.