Late in 1938, the German Navy Supreme Command commissioned a report into the combat effectiveness of its airborne divisions. As a result of its findings, the German High Command instigated a major construction program for planes with a specifically maritime role: carrier-borne, reconnaissance, mine laying and most importantly, long-range units were all developed. In this volume of the outstanding Luftwaffe at War series, Manfred Griehl showcases a photo-history of the development of the Kriegsmarine airborne capability from the early Condor missions to the introduction of Me 262 A-1a jet fighters in 1944. More than a hundred rarely seen pictures illustrate the gradual turning of the tide against Germany in the war for the skies over the Atlantic: as the German war machine struggled to match demand for aircraft, so the pilots attempting to control crucial supply routes struggled to compete with mounting allied technical and numerical superiority. AUTHOR: Manfred Griehl was a respected historian with a unique photographic archive, specializing in Luftwaffe operations of World War II. His many publications include X- Planes: German Luftwaffe Prototypes 1930?1945 and Luftwaffe over America: The Secret Plans to Bomb the United States in World War II. SELLING POINTS: ? This superb illustrated series charts the rise and fall of the German Air Force from 1939 to 1945. ? Each volume makes use of over a hundred rare and valuable photographs, many of them taken by Luftwaffe personnel, to bring history to life and record both the men and the aircraft they flew. ? Photographic guide to the Luftwaffe during World War II , with a detailed introduction by an aviation specialist ? Reveals the formidable power of one of the most famous warplanes of all time - the Ju 87 Stuka ? Looks at the men who flew the aircraft and their ground crews ? Includes images not usually found in other sources Integrated b/w photos and 8 pages colour
