Weapons 09/01/20 “Unabomber”: how to fight the “Flying fortresses” of the Luftwaffe
As you might guess from the title, “Unabomber” is long-range bombers of the Luftwaffe who are able to reach the Urals.
it is Known that even the most ambitious plans of Nazi Germany in the war against the Soviet Union, did not envisage the occupation of the whole territory of the Soviet Union, but even its European part. According to the plan “Barbarossa”, the purpose of the German offensive was to be the line “…the Volga – Arkhangelsk. In this case, the last objects of the industrial region, which will remain at the disposal of the Russian, Ural, can be, if necessary, destroyed by the Luftwaffe.”
And although the commander of the Luftwaffe, Reichsmarschall Hermann Goering could promise that he will perform the task to finish off the last remnants of Soviet industry, this issue is clearly desirable stood out for valid. The projected line was to operate the Luftwaffe, to the Urals was about a thousand kilometers. The basis of the German bombers were machines, the complete range does not exceed 2000 km, even with a light load. It wasn’t enough. And it’s not just range, but also in bomb load, and it was small. For the destruction of the industry was required bombs of large caliber and large quantity.
As we know today, hundreds of British and American heavy bombers, regularly bombed Germany in 1944-45, has not achieved the desired result. In those days, too, well understood that attacks on cities and industrial enterprises need strategic bombers: long-range heavy bombers in large numbers.
Understood this and in Germany, where in 1935 adopted a programme for the development of four-engine heavy bomber that would be capable of delivering more than two tons of bombs to targets in the Urals and in Scotland. ProEkt this is called “Unabomber” that was not quite correct, because at that time the priority objective was the main base of the British fleet in Scapa Flow. It Hitler wanted to put an airstrike when he said the program is the creation of a new bomber. This is easily seen by looking at a map. The range, which is laid in the new plane up to Scotland to fly allowed, but the Urals and to think there was nothing.
the program “Unabomber” in Germany there were many opponents. Their main argument was that these aircraft too complex for a young German aviation industry, and, most importantly, too expensive.
the history of the development of the project described in many works of historians of aviation, such as “Wings of the Luftwaffe” by William green, “Flying fortress Hitler’s battle,” Degteva, D. and D. Zubov, “Heavy bombers of the Third Reich”, P Sysoev.
In 1935 the firm “Dornier” and “Junkers” was ordered three prototypes. They received designations Do.19 and Ju.89, respectively. The first planes were built and entered testing in 1936. Do.19 according to various sources could fly at a distance of 2000 km with a load of 1600 kg, but can carry up to 3000 kg, while the range decreased. Ju.89 at the same distance carrying not more than 2000 kg of bombs. At that time it was very good, and overall the jets were advanced. So, Do.19, despite its angular appearance was the first bomber with the autopilot.
But for the tasks built aircraft were not good, and then all was transformed into a transport.
in 1936 was offered another program, the “bomber A”. In this case, it was about the far medium bomber. The range it was supposed to be 5000 km, but the bomb load was offered a very modest total of 500 kg. the Plane was supposed to have a powerful defensive armament, and managed remotely, as the crew would consist of just two people.
In 1937, this projprepared engaged the firm “Heinkel”, where he was assigned the number “1041”, and he later received an index.177. It was assumed that the new bomber will begin to enter the army not later than 1940. Although this plane is also referred to as a “Unabomber”, but it was a purely anti-ship specificity. Moreover, the terms of reference added the ability to hit targets with dive. Of course, it was not about such possibilities as the famous “Thing”, was supposed to dive shallow. But it greatly complicate an already difficult project. Not.177 didn’t have time to war in France or the attack on the USSR. The military is constantly changing their requirements, resulting from the original project is little left. Serial No.177 first appeared in the army in late 1942, and the first time dropped bombs on 23 January 1943. Despite the fact that they were built a little over a thousand, a role they have to play could not. It was late, Germany has already lost all chances for victory in the war.
If to the beginning of the Second World war, Germany was able to create a strategic bomber force, then, of course, much would have gone wrong. Britain could have inflicted so heavy damage that she’d lost the ability to resist. Would dramatically worsened the situation of the Soviet Union, if the Luftwaffe managed to strike the deep rear. In this situation the Germans could disrupt industries, destroy ports, destroy transportation hubs.
But this option is not possible, even in the form of alternative history. German industry was too weak for war.
plans for the creation of the Luftwaffe (pretty modest compared to German aircraft of the First World) failed. The planned number of air squadrons have not been established. In well formed groups and squadrons, never had enough planes, they are also constantly reduced. To talk about creating at least a few hundred very expensive heavy bombers was impossible.
Cyril Shishkin
Source:
© Russian Seven
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