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Luftwaffe Training Aircraft (Paperback)

The Training of Germany's Pilots and Aircrew Through Rare Archive Photographs

Aviation > WWII > Luftwaffe Military > Frontline Books > Frontline: Aviation Military > Frontline Books > Frontline: WWII WWII > Photographic Books

By Chris Goss
Frontline Books
Series: Air War Archive
Pages: 180
Illustrations: 190
ISBN: 9781473899520
Published: 13th February 2019

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The often unseen and unrecognised element in aerial warfare, is that of training the pilots and crews, yet it its value is beyond calculation. In this fundamental role, a wide variety of aircraft were used by the Luftwaffe, with trainee pilots progressing from simpler, older machines, such as the Klemm 35, the Focke-Wulf Fw 44 and the Bücker 131, to the more sophisticated Arado Ar 66, the Gotha Go 145 and the Arado Ar 76, as well as heavier aircraft like the Junkers W33 and W44. Gradually they would be introduced to newer and faster models that enabled them to experience, to some degree, the type of aircraft they would be flying in combat.

Recruits would initially spend six months at a Fliegerersatzabteilung or training depot, where the main emphasis was on drill and physical training, with introductory lectures on the principles of wireless operation and map reading. This would be followed by two months studying general aeronautical subjects, before being sent to elementary flying school.

The various kinds of aircraft used for training depended upon the role each individual trainee would eventually undertake, from single-seat fighters to multiple-crew bombers or transports. For example, those men ear-marked to become bomber pilots trained on early versions of He 111, the Ju 52, Ju 86 and the Do 17. In this, the Luftwaffe was also able to make use of captured enemy aircraft. It also established training units through the Occupied territories to enable its trainees to familiarise themselves with different conditions and terrain.

In the less-pressurised environment of the training schools away from the front line, more care could be taken over photography, resulting in the author of this extensive study of the wide range of aircraft used for training by the Luftwaffe, being able to assemble such a fine collection of excellent images.

This is a well produced book, covering an impressive range of aircraft.

Read the full review here

History of War

As featured in

Fliegerblatt, February 2019

Featured by

The Moth

This book can be safely recommended to anyone with an interest in World War Two, the Luftwaffe in general, or training aircraft in particular.

Neil Robinson, IPMS, 2019

Lots of detail for enthusiasts, plenty of wrecks to suit creative model-makers (and the morbid!). A useful addition to the library.

Read the full review here

Clash of Steel

This book of some 180 pages depicts Luftwaffe training aircraft from the dainty Klemm L25 to the lethal Me163 and fire-prone He177. So a total of some 400 plus images to delight Luftwaffe aficionados and modellers alike. A glossary of Luftwaffe ranks and units is the best I have seen.
The narrative is necessarily concise but sufficient giving as it does the location, date with personnel identified together with their fate, eg. P.O.W., wounded, K.I.A. or survived. Unit codes are explained with work numerals identified.
A coffee table book, perhaps, to be delved into occasionally or, if an enthusiast, a valuable reference book of rare photographs.

De Havilland Moth Club

This book can be safely recommended to anyone with an interest in World War Two, the Luftwaffe in general, or training aircraft in particular.

IPMS Magazine March-April 2019

An interesting book on a little-documented subject.

Read the full Spanish review here

Miniaturas JM

As featured in

Battle of Britain Historical Society

A book that, due to its huge amount of photos, details, information and interest, cannot be missing from the bookshelves of a fan of the air war in the Second World War.

Read the full Italian review here

Old Barbed Wire Blog

The intro gives some background context, and the glossary is very useful.

Read the full review here

A Question Of Scale, Seb Palmer

An easy book to recommend for Luftwaffe historians as well as modellers. Loads of fascinating archive images and modellers I think will like this one for the detail that is shown in the photos and the large number of pictures which can inspire some great diorama ideas.

Read the full review here

Military Model Scene, Robin Buckland

About Chris Goss

After a 32-year career in the RAF and three years working for a civilian company as its Head of Operations, Chris Goss is now a full-time aviation author and military historian. He is the author of over 40 critically acclaimed books covering aspects of the World War II air war over North- West Europe. He is a historical consultant for a number of major projects, such as the recovery of the Dornier 17 by the RAF Museum and Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and for TV channels such as The History Channel and Channel 5's The Battle of Britain: 3 Days that Saved a Nation.

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