Barbarossa was the biggest German invasion of World War II. Comprehensively illustrated, this study explores the air campaign that spearheaded it, and how it evolved during the rest of 1941.
The German invasion of the USSR, Operation Barbarossa, was the apex of Hitler’s aggression. The strength of the Luftwaffe was gathered from across Europe for its opening strikes, where it faced a huge but badly equipped and ill-prepared Soviet Air Force (VVS) of 20,000 aircraft, which it quickly destroyed.
In this book, Eastern Front expert William E. Hiestand examines this shattering first campaign, as well as how the Barbarossa air war developed over the following months. He describes how between June and December 1941, Luftwaffe losses rose and aircraft readiness steadily decreased under the pressure of combat. He also analyses the evacuation of Soviet industry – including aircraft production – to the Urals, and the rebuilding of the VVS; by the time German columns stalled 25km from Moscow, the VVS had more operational aircraft at the front than the Luftwaffe. He also covers aspects such as the abortive VVS strikes on Berlin and other strategic targets, and the Luftwaffe’s strategic bombing raids on Moscow.
With striking original artwork, 3D diagrams, maps and rare photos, this book reveals the full story of the aerial campaign in Barbarossa, as the devastation began in the most brutal theatre of World War II.
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INTRODUCTION
Origins
CHRONOLOGY
ATTACKER'S CAPABILITIES
The Luftwaffe at its peak
Command and control
Tactics and aircraft
Logistics and training
Leaders
Axis allies
Organization
Luftwaffe order of battle
DEFENDER'S CAPABILITIES
Stalin’s airpower
Command and control
Aircraft
Training, logistics, and maintenance
Leadership
Soviet order of battle
CAMPAIGN OBJECTIVES
Conquest in the east
THE CAMPAIGN
Spearheading the invasion
Barbarossa drives east
The Axis and Soviet air arms in mid-campaign
Operation Typhoon
AFTERMATH AND ANALYSIS
FURTHER READING
INDEX
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Barbarossa was the biggest German invasion of World War II. Comprehensively illustrated, this study explores the air campaign that spearheaded it, and how it evolved during the rest of 1941.
Presents a portrait of the 1941 air campaigns, and explains how the surprisingly rapid rebuilding of the Soviet Air Force contributed to the strategic failure of Barbarossa.
Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9781472861504
Publisert
2024-08-15
Utgiver
Vendor
Osprey Publishing
Høyde
248 mm
Bredde
184 mm
Aldersnivå
G, 01
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Heftet
Antall sider
96
Forfatter
Illustratør