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Informationen zum Autor Robert Forsyth Klappentext Jagdverband 44 was formed in February 1945 on Hitler's orders, to fly the Me 262 "Stormbird", the world's first operational jet fighter, and demonstrate its superiority. The unit was led by the legendary Adolf Galland, who recruited some of Germany's leading aces into it, to the extent that it was said that the Knight's Cross was its unofficial badge. JV 44 engaged the US Ninth Army Air Force over Bavaria and, with its significant speed advantage and powerful armament of cannon and rockets, the Me 262 proved a formidable interceptor in the hands of its expert pilots. In its brief operational existence, never able to get more than six jets in the air at any one time, this small unit achieved approximately 50 kills in less than a month. Unfortunately for the German defensive effort (though Galland himself was glad not to have prolonged the war) there were not enough Me 262s to have any overall effect on the Allied air campaign. This book is a dramatic record of a highly individual unit and an exciting early chapter in the history of the jet fighter. Four of the world's ten surviving Me 262s are major attractions at flight museums in the USA and recently constructed replicas will soon be a feature of air shows around the nation and the "experten" aces of the Luftwaffe have an enduring fascination. This book provides new insight into the notorious German unit, JV 44, its numerous aces and its stunning success with the revolutionary Me 262 during the last dramatic months of World War 2. Zusammenfassung There was no Luftwaffe fighter unit like Jagdverband 44. Formed in February 1945! the unit grew out of Hitler's bizarre decision that the Me 262 jet fighter should be used as a bomber! despite its potential in the daylight defensive battles over the Reich. Seen as a grave mistake by Göring! a small fighter unit was formed in southern Germany to 'prove' the Me 262's ability as an interceptor. Formed with some of Germany's most experienced fighter pilots! Jagdverband 44 numbered a disproportionately high number of leading aces in its ranks! to the extent that it was said that the Knights' Cross was the unofficial badge of the unit. With numerous first-hand accounts from pilots and detailed colour profiles! this book is a fascinating account of the dramatic birth of the jet fighter and the impact it had during the bitter struggles of 1944-45. Inhaltsverzeichnis CHAPTER ONE HEROES OR OUTCASTS? CHAPTER TWO FORMING UP CHAPTER THREE BATS OUT OF HELL CHAPTER FOUR RED AND WHITE RIDDLE CHAPTER FIVE MOUNTAIN KINGS APPENDICES COLOUR PLATES COMMENTARY BIBLIOGRAPHY INDEX ...
