Luftwaffe Colours 1935 - 1945

Michael Ullmann, Hikoki Publications Ltd., Ottringham, England, 2002, ISBN 1-902109-34-1. Illustrated, hardcover, published in English.

Cover image © by Hikoki Publications Ltd., 2002.

It's not quite that simple to draft at a conclusive and fair appraisal of this book. Michael Ullmann has risen to become one of the most renowned experts on the topic of Luftwaffe colors and camouflage. Prior to this lavish, 256-page, large-format Hikoki edition, Ullmann's book (in its original German edition) has gone through a number of incarnations, each time becoming more definitive and professional. The first edition, in the mid 1990s, was a self-published underground release, essentially a photocopied stack of paper, held together by spiral binding. Yet even then, Ullmann's expert knowledge and, not least, his enthusiasm for the topic, were readily apparent from the content of the publication.

One of the subsequent editions of the book - the one immediately preceding this Hikoki edition - was published through Germany's eminent Bernard & Graefe publishing house. Ullmann's work had by now become a substantial hardback book, and the abundant text was supplemented by means of well-reproduced black & white and color photos, color profiles and period drawings. Hikoki's English-language version of the book is based on this last German edition. It contains yet even more photos and profiles, and the format of the book was almost doubled.

Michael Ullmann's research and publishing work are invaluable for anybody seriously interested in the Luftwaffe. And yet, therein lies also this book's limitation, so to speak: it is slightly less "consumer-friendly" than other comparable publications on the same topic by, for example, Classic Publications or Eagle Editions. The text is not primarily designed for readability or narrative quality, but rather for completeness and technical accuracy. It sometimes comes close to resembling a doctoral thesis, and this is not helped by the inclusion of an abundance of specifications and exhaustive instructions translated from German period documents. It is almost too much, even for a reader truly focused on the questions of Luftwaffe colors, unless he or she is in the process of restoring the genuine article.

Moreover, there are no fancy color profiles as customarily used by other Luftwaffe publishers, such as the aforementioned ones. Instead, the Hikoki edition of Ullmann's book provides some basic profiles in the typical Hikoki-style (i.e., they are not rendered to look photo-realistic and three dimensional but rather simply to showcase camouflage patterns).

While thus less commercially appealing and more demanding to the reader, all of this also serves to make Ullmann's Luftwaffe Colours 1935 - 1945 an absolutely essential, excellent, and very thorough study of Luftwaffe aircraft painting and camouflage. Moreover, a section of the book looks at markings and codes. Luftwaffe Colours 1935 - 1945 provides a long overdue and very detailed look at official decrees and period customs. No serious Luftwaffe library can do without this book.

Most of the photos in Luftwaffe Colours 1935 - 1945 are reproduced to a crisp, professional standard. As is almost inevitable due to the nature of the topic at hand, the interpretation of the camouflage in the photo captions is, in a few instances, debatable. In addition to the photos, the book contains period drawings and documents. Also included are 44 color chips, and 10 more were subsequently provided by the publisher as a free supplement.

At the time of the book's release, some enthusiasts expressed a certain unhappiness about the size of the chips (30 by 17 mm) and the fact that they are glossy. To me personally, the size is completely irrelevant. I don't require square-foot sized chips, but rather accurate ones. Besides, there have been many other expert publications with roughly similarly sized chips. Also, there exist countless photos of Luftwaffe aircraft with glossy camouflage surfaces, so the glossiness did not deter me, and I agree with the publisher in that I tend to think that flat chips age less nicely. Whether or not Ullmann's chips will hold up over time remains to be seen.

There are some minute shade differences between the paint chips published by other respectable sources, such as e.g. Eagle Editions' Color Chart or Aura Design Studio's Luftwaffe Tarnfarben (by Tomas Chory). The same goes for the chips in Ullmann's book. A lot of research undoubtedly went into all of these reference works, and it should be remembered that the original Luftwaffe color batches inevitably differed from each other ever so slightly as well, especially towards the end of the war.

(Amended version of a review originally posted on the discussion forum of Hyperscale.com in August 2002.)

German Air Projects 1935-45, Volume 3: Bombers

Marek Rys, Mushroom Model Publications, Redbourn, England/STRATUS s.c., Sandomierz, Poland, 2007, ISBN 978-83-89450-30-2, Red Series No. 5110. Illustrated, softcover, published in English.

Cover image © by Mushroom Model Publications, 2007.

As has become the standard for Mushroom Model Publications' output, this book, too, is professionally produced, well-researched, and clearly laid-out. Most aircraft are allocated at least one full page of text and drawings, although some of the nearly 50 entries (such as the Focke-Wulf Ta 400, for example) are covered in greater detail. Far from only including mere paper projects, Rys also details aircraft designs which either flew (e.g., the Junkers Ju 390 or the Heinkel He 277), were proposed subtypes of existing aircraft (e.g. the Arado Ar 234 or the Messerschmitt Me 264), or were in the process of actually being built as a prototype (e.g. the Horten XVIII or the Heinkel He 343).

The manufacturers included in this book include Arado, Blohm & Voss, BMW, Daimler Benz, Focke Wulf, Heinkel, Henschel, Horten, Junkers, Lippisch, and Messerschmitt. The projects described include both propeller and jet aircraft. Inexplicably, however, some of Arado's, BMW's, and Messerschmitt's projects are spelled with a nonsensical and entirely fictitious Umlaut.

Much like in the case of another Mushroom book reviewed elsewhere in this blog, however, one can occasionally find rather puzzling statements. As stated in the aforementioned review, the limited size of these books renders impossible the inclusion of a detailed list of original references consulted. It is thus impossible, for example, to determine why Rys labels Messerschmitt's P.1107 project "Me 462". This number can't be found in the RLM GL/C list.

The final eight pages of German Air Projects 1935-45, Volume 3: Bombers comprise beautiful and convincing computer renderings of what these aircraft might have looked like if actually built. This is a very pleasing and professional addition, and a huge step forward from older books on this topic (such as, for example, David Masters' legendary German Jet Genesis, Jane Publishing, 1982) whose illustrations at times looked as if drawn by a child and thus provided plenty of ammunition to those who perceive the speculative nature of the content of such books as laughable.

First Classic Publications Flyer

Classic Publications' very first flyer, itself a collector's item by now, announcing the formation of the new publishing house and the publication of Robert Forsyth's massive JV44 - The Galland Circus, in early 1996. (German Aviation 1919-1945 collection)

Bildmappe Ju 388 der Junkers-Werke

Originally produced by the Junkers factory for submission to the RLM, self-published facsimile edition by Dr. Peter Korrell, Wolfenbuettel, Germany. Illustrated, softcover, no text but includes a German-language introduction.

This small 40 page booklet is yet another stunning facsimile publication by Dr. Peter Korrell. The original Bildmappe [Photo Album] was compiled during the war by the Junkers company, for submission to the German air ministry (RLM). The size of the photos was 13 by 18 cm, and Junkers had them glued to grey cardboard pages. The b/w photos had reference numbers, but there were no photo captions.

As usual, Dr. Korrell was meticulous in recreating this unique publication. The photos are no longer glued on cardboard but instead printed on high-quality card stock. The quality of the photographic reproductions is excellent, as it was possible to source all photos directly from the originals. According to Dr. Korrell, more than 40 percent of the photos contained in the Bildmappe had remained unpublished. And even the photos that had been published are reproduced here to a higher quality.

The scope of the Bildmappe is spectacular. The photos first show Ju 388 L-1 RT+KD, Werknummer 340084, and Ju 388 L-1 RT+KC, Werknummer 340083. But the real treasure trove are the subsequent, exquisitely detailed shots of hatches, cockpit, canopy, air intakes and exhausts, wiring, air bottles, fuselage interior, bomb doors, aircraft equipment, and so on.

The booklet contains the familiar German-language leaflet by Dr. Korrell, detailing history and recreation of the original publication.

Rotorcraft Of The Third Reich

Ryszard Witkowski, Mushroom Model Publications, Redbourn, England/STRATUS s.c., Sandomierz, Poland, 2007, ISBN 978-83-89450-43-2, Red Series No. 5109. Illustrated, softcover, published in English.

Cover image © by Mushroom Model Publications, 2007.

In 2002, Classic Publications released "Helicopters of the Third Reich", Steve Coates' landmark study on rotary wing aviation in Germany until 1945. It has become the standard reference on the topic. Ryszard Witkowski's neat little "Rotorcraft of the Third Reich" is thus not a competitor. Instead, it is perhaps perfect for those who have only a passing interest in the subject, and it is also ideal as a compact set of references for modelers.

Due to the fact that helicopters represented a rather diminutive field of aviation which was largely still in development before and during World War II, there is only a finite amount of period material available. It is probably for this reason that Witkowski's "Rotorcraft of the Third Reich" often feels like a compressed miniature version of Coates' "Helicopters of the Third Reich". Witkowski provides an abbreviated overview of German helicopter development and history, including early autogyros, wartime types, projects, aircraft captured by the Allies, and post-war helicopter development.

Needless to say, Witkowski covers many - but not all - of the aircraft featured in the larger work, and there are countless photos which appear in both publications. But a number of these common photos are printed in a slightly inferior quality in Witkowski's "Rotorcraft of the Third Reich", although the very decent paper would surely allow for a better reproduction. Both publications supply numerous line drawings of the aircraft described, and these exhibit only minor differences. There is also a small pull-out with 1/72nd scale drawings of the Focke Achgelis Fa 223 V1, Fa 223 V51, and Fa 223 E. "Rotorcraft of the Third Reich" concludes with several pages of color profiles as well as color photos of surviving aircraft.

This is a handy and very nicely made book, although some questions remain. For example, it would be interesting to find out how Witkowski arrives at the "Fw 354" designation for the Focke-Wulf "Triebflügel" project. This number was not assigned in the RLM GL/C list, and to the best of my knowledge, I also have not seen it in print anywhere else before. Unfortunately, there is neither an explanation nor does the limited size of Witkowski's book provide room for a list of original documents consulted, if any. There is only a short bibliography at the end, almost entirely dedicated to post-war publications.

Junkers Ju 86 Fliegerdenkmal

Previously unpublished photo (from a series of three) of Junkers Ju 86 E-1, NG+??. Date and location unknown. (German Aviation 1919-1945 collection)

[Entry amended February 21, 2020]

Horten Ho 229 - Spirit Of Thuringia (The Horten All-Wing Jet Fighter)

Andrei Shepelev and Huib Ottens, Classic Publications/Ian Allan Publishing Ltd., Hersham, Surrey, England, 2006, ISBN 1-903223-66-0. Illustrated, hardcover, published in English.

Cover image © by Classic Publications/Ian Allan Publishing Ltd., 2006.

Although frequently and ignorantly derided as merely "yet another Luft '46 pipe dream", the Horten Ho 229 was neither only a paper project nor was it simply another aircraft among the uncounted types operated by the German Luftwaffe in World War II. It was a technically, aerodynamically, and aesthetically highly intriguing design which was ahead of its time in many respects. This is even more remarkable if one considers that he Ho 229 did not originate with one of the behemoths of the German aircraft industry such as, for example, Heinkel, Junkers, or Messerschmitt. The Horten brothers thus had to make do without the assignment of a high priority to their design, and they had to cope with inferior financial, industrial, and engineering resources. Add to this the gradually deteriorating situation within Germany as the end of the war approached and the difficulties associated with German jet engine mass production which had an impact on the gestation cycle of any German jet powered design of the period. It is remarkable, then, that the Horten brothers prevailed, managed to bring the design to hardware status, and were able to commence construction of a number of prototypes, three of which were completed and two of which flew.

A serious and competent study of this aircraft was long overdue. We are fortunate that two experts on the topic, Andrei Shepelev and Huib Ottens, have conspired to fill this gap in the documentation of German aviation history. Before the appearance of the book by Shepelev and Ottens, there existed only a handful of publications on the Ho 229, most of them much more limited in format and scope. Among them were David Myhra's typically chaotic and fanciful concoctions, which, due to the absence of an authoritative alternative, unfortunately probably found more readers than they should have.

Horten Ho 229 - Spirit of Thuringia by Classic Publications has since its release become famous for featuring the only known and previously unpublished photo of the assembled Ho 229 V3 prototype. This is indeed a sensational find, and a significant piece in the puzzle that constitues this aircraft's history. But equally astonishing for students of the aircraft are the book's perhaps slightly less spectacular but equally significant further treasures, e.g. the small photo on page 79 showing catapult seat trials specific to the Ho 229, the exhaustive coverage of earlier Horten aircraft designs, or the convincing identification of the Ho 229 V4 and V5 prototypes under construction.

The book is a labor of love. It is extremely detailed, not only with regard to the main facts of the story but down to the lesser known aspects of the history of the Horten brothers and the aircraft's development. Where possible, the authors put faces to names, and there is plenty of background information. In addition, the book provides a plethora of photos as well as superb line and technical drawings, both from original wartime sources as well as by the exceptional Arthur Bentley. There are a small number of color shots where existent or applicable, and Shepelev also contributes his own computer artwork.

The only aspect I found disappointing and highly annoying was the frequent spelling mistake of "Horton" instead of "Horten". Although of course a minor criticism, this should not occur in an exhaustively researched expert publication on the Horten brothers which, after so many years, finally does proper justice to their work. The erroneous spelling of "Horton" can frequently be seen in shoddily compiled English-language texts about the Ho 299, but it has no place in a book such as this one.

At the end of the day, however, this book renders irrelevant all previous publications on the Ho 229. It is a testament to the vision and attention to detail exhibited by the now sadly defunct Classic Publications (now reorganized in slightly different form as Chevron Publishing Limited), and it will stand as the ultimate reference on the topic for many years to come.

Indulgent Retrospection: Arado Ar 234 - Der erste Strahlbomber der Welt (Eine Dokumentation)

Luftfahrt Dokumente LD 21, compiled by Karl R. Pawlas, Publizistisches Archiv Karl R. Pawlas, Nuremberg, Germany, 1976, ISBN 3-88088-211-8. Illustrated, softcover, published in German.

Cover image © by Publizistisches Archiv Karl R. Pawlas, 1976.

Establishing his Publizistisches Archiv in 1956, Karl R. Pawlas made a name for himself by publishing a series of magazines, books, and booklets containing almost exclusively original aviation documents. The 1970s, in particular, saw some of Pawlas' most important aviation releases. Albeit aircraft of every nation and from every period of aviation history were covered, the focus was clearly on the German Luftwaffe of the Second World War.

The idea of utilizing only original documents and information was quite unique at the time and transcended the approach largely common in the then fledgling Luftwaffe publications scene. Instead of petrifying myths or errors committed or copied by previous authors since the 1950s, the publications of Karl R. Pawlas provided a wealth of extremely detailed and factually accurate technical and historical information, illustrations, and photos, most often directly gathered from material compiled by the respective German aircraft manufacturers or former Luftwaffe test establishments.

It is fair to say that Pawlas provided those interested in aviation history with a quantum leap as far as the availability of quality information was concerned. Pawlas, along with a number of further Luftwaffe research pioneers such as Karl Ries, Heinz Birkholz, Hans Redemann, J. Richard Smith, Eddie J. Creek, or Thomas Hitchcock, to name but a few, inspired countless later equally serious historians and researchers and thus laid the base for the abundance of truly excellent Luftwaffe publications available today. Moreover, most of the publications by Publizistisches Archiv Karl R. Pawlas still retain their significance to this day. That alone is an enormous accomplishment, given the major advances in Luftwaffe research since the 1970s which often render even cutting edge publications obsolete only a few years after they are released.

Next to the Luftfahrt International magazines, this comprehensive book on the Arado Ar 234 is probably the most notable legacy of Karl R. Pawlas. It contains 480 pages (!) of reprinted original German-language flight test reports, notes, data sheets, graphs, records, along with an appendix of 68 b/w photos. The Ar 234s covered range from the first prototype Ar 234 V1 TG+KB to the Ar 234 C prototypes V19, V21, and V22. The information contained in these flight test reports is stunningly interesting and makes for riveting reading.

It goes without saying that noteworthy facts contained in these documents have in the meantime found their way into subsequent standard publications such as, for example, J. Richard Smith & Eddie J. Creek's Arado 234 Blitz (Monogram Monarch 1, 1992) or Arado Ar 234 A (Midland Publishing, Military Aircraft in Detail series, 2006). But the mere page count of Pawlas' book alone indicates the sheer quantity and bandwidth of original information contained therein; an amount of data and details which goes far beyond the scope or capacity of any commercially viable book released by any modern publishing house.

Messerschmitt Bf 109 Nightfighter

Previously unpublished photo of a rare late-war Messerschmitt Bf 109 G with FuG 217 Neptun antennae under the port wing. This is most likely an NJG 11 aircraft. Date and location unknown. (German Aviation 1919-1945 collection, additional information kindly supplied by Erich Brown and Lynn Ritger)

[Entry amended January 17, 2020.]

Schnell-Bomber/Schnell-Aufklärer EF 131

Dr. Hermann Schmidt-Stiebitz, originally produced by Junkers Flugzeug- und Motorenwerke, Dessau, Germany, 1946, for submission to the Soviet armed forces, self-published facsimile edition by Dr. Peter Korrell, Wolfenbuettel, Germany. Illustrated, softcover, published in German.

This 55 page illustrated brochure was produced in 1946 by former Junkers designer Dr. Hermann Schmidt-Stiebitz. Dr. Schmidt-Stiebitz had been involved with the design of the Ju 252, Ju 352, Ju 488, and Ju 635, and he had also been in charge of the weekly status reports submitted by Junkers to the German air ministry (RLM). He was one of many Junkers engineers who, after the war in 1946 to 1953, worked for the Soviet aviation industry.

Just why Dr. Schmidt-Stiebitz produced this brochure a year after the German defeat remains something of an enigma. It was possibly intended as an overview of the technical capabilities of the then revolutionary EF 131 design for the Soviet occupiers. Moreover, it appears that the brochure was never printed as intended. Until now, that is.

It is due to Dr. Peter Korrell's labor of love that this rare treasure trove of information on one of the most intriguing German late-war aircraft projects is now available to enthusiasts and researchers. Over the years, Dr. Korrell has gained a distinguished reputation by painstakingly restoring and reassembling German aviation handbooks and documents from the 1940s and 1950s. Dr. Korrell's facsimile editions are printed to the original specifications, i.e., format, materials, and layout are closely patterned after the original. If anything, they are better than the originals, as Dr. Korrell meticulously researches and repairs faded drawings and missing information. The resulting publications are unique expert glimpses into exceptional German aviation history. They are essential reading material for any serious student of the topic.

The EF 131 brochure is significant because of the close relation between the EF 131 and the Ju 287 forward-swept-wing jet bomber, two prototypes of which were built and flown before the end of the war. The Ju 287 concept was revolutionary enough to be pursued by the Soviets after the war, and a further prototype, labeled EF 131 (after the Junkers in-house EF designation, for Entwicklungs-Flugzeug, i.e., development aircraft), was completed and flown at Ramenskoye near Moscow. In contrast to the Ju 287 V1 prototype, the EF 131 featured six Junkers Jumo 004 jet engines, mounted in triple-engine nacelles under the wings.

The subtitle of the EF 131 brochure reads EF 131: Entwurf, Erprobung und Einsatz [EF 131: Design, Testing, and Operations]. Accordingly, the brochure covers a broad range of topics and is very detailed. Covered are, for example, operations on the ground, take-off, landing, engines, landing gear, icing, emergency egress, engine fires, turbine blade failure, armament operations, and more. Nearly every page is illustrated by means of black & white drawings or graphs and tables. The information contained therein reveals a highly advanced state of affairs within the Ju 287/EF 131 project, much more so than could be assumed, given the production of only three Ju 287/EF 131 prototypes under late-war/post-war conditions.

The text is in German, and the brochure contains a German-language leaflet by Dr. Korrell, detailing the history behind both the original publication and the restoration process.