At the onset of WWII in 1940, the German Luftwaffe was
the strongest and
most battle-experienced air force in the world. The Luftwaffe dominated the skies over Europe
with aircraft much more advanced than their counterparts. The
Luftwaffe was central to the German Blitzkrieg (lightning war) doctrine, as the
close air support provided by various medium two-engine bombers, Stuka dive
bombers and an overwhelming force of tactical fighters were key to several early
successes.
Unlike the British and American Air Forces, the Luftwaffe early
on decided not to
develope four-engine bombers in any significant numbers, and were thus unable to
conduct an effective long-range strategic bombing campaign against either the
Russians or the Western Allies when needed. The new technology of radar was used effectively
against the powerful German Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain. It was the
first time that German forces failed to achieve a major goal. So while Germany
was on the leading edge of much technology during WWII, these two issues helped
halt the powerful German war machine.
- The Messerschmitt Bf 109 was the most versatile and widely-produced
fighter aircraft operated by the Luftwaffe. The kill ratio (almost 9:1) made this plane
a superior German fighter during the war.
- The Focke Wulf Fw 190 is considered one of the best fighters of World
War II. A superb fighting machine, it soon gained a reputation and the
nickname Butcher Bird.
- The Junkers Ju 87 Stuka was a main asset for Blitzkrieg, able to place
bombs with deadly accuracy.
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