Captured Eagles

Secrets of the Luftwaffe

Captured Eagles cover

Description

The growth in size, lethality, and technology of the German Luftwaffe was of concern to some defense planners in the United States before American entry into the war.

Learning about the Luftwaffe became a significant effort once the conflict broke out in Europe. From defectors with German aircraft to battlefield trophies and combat crew reports, the race to understand German aero technology took on sometimes heroic proportions.

After the war, German technology infused American aerospace developments in many ways: German ribbon parachutes were evaluated for high-speed bailouts; sweptwing leading edge slat technology benefited the F-86 Sabre; overall comprehension of sweptwing benefits to fast jet aircraft was validated; pulse jet V1s and supersonic V2 rockets boosted American drone weapon, ballistic missile, and space exploration efforts.

In this volume, Frederick A. Johnsen traces that path of discovery.

Table of Contents

Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
Prologue

Chapter 1: Early observations
Chapter 2: Mid-war understanding
Chapter 3: Attrition versus technology
Chapter 4: Postwar spoils
Chapter 5: Evaluating the technologies
Chapter 6: Jet age and space age refinements
Chapter 7: Dusty jewels rediscovered

Epilogue: German technology in retrospect
List of Illustrations

Appendices
The 1945 von Braun negotiations with the United States
He 162 German pilot commentary, August 16, 1945
Interrogation of Hermann Göring, May 10, 1945
“German Aviation” – July 20, 1945
Interrogation of Gen Karl Koller, 1945
Interrogation of Lippisch and von Latscher, 1945
List of German and Austrian scientists in the United States, January 2, 1947
Interrogation of von Doepp and Frengl, June 11, 1945
Description of Wasserfall
German single-jet fighter projects
Messerschmitt Me 328B Light High-Speed Bomber
Museum aircraft identified for preservation, May 9, 1946

Acronyms and Abbreviations
Select bibliography
Endnotes
Index

Product details

Published Oct 20 2014
Format Ebook (Epub & Mobi)
Edition 1st
Extent 304
ISBN 9781782009740
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Series General Aviation
Short code GNA
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Frederick A. Johnsen

Frederick A. Johnsen retired after nearly 30 years…

Resources

Book Vote

Tell us what titles you would like to see published by Osprey, then vote for your favourites in our monthly book vote!

Related Titles

Sign up for Osprey membership for access to thousands of plane profiles, maps, battle scenes and more. Plus up to 30% off website purchases