New book on Heinkel He162
 

Stone and Stone has a new book showing from History Facts. Heinkel He162 "Volksjager" Last Ditch Effort By The Luftwaffe by Peter Mueller. It seems to be printed in German but also in English with over 400 pages.

Re: New book on Heinkel He162
 

I recently got a copy directly from the publisher. (http://www.historyfacts.biz)

Format: soft cover, 430 pages.
ISBN: 3-9522968-1-1
Price: EUR 68

Table of contents:
Wartime Background (Military situation, Economic environment, Development in 1944, Ernst Heinkel aircraft works, Production)
Project "Kleinst-Jäger" (Project commissioned by the RLM, Development work at Heinkel, Development at competing companies)
Volksjäger (Selection process, Contract placed with Heinkel)
Development of the He 162 (Prototype, Construction of prototypes and pilot series, Construction details of the production model)
Manufacturing the He 162 (Environment, Series production, Production output, Delivered aircraft)
The He 162 in Action (Operating instructions for pilots, Test detachment 162, JG 1 "Oesau", Allied spoils of war)
Conclusions
Appendix (Versions, 4-elevation views, Color schemes and markings, Propulsion units, Armament, Cockpit, He 162s in museums, Air attacks against German fuel production, Abbreviations, Glossary, Index, List of sources and bibliography)
Annotations/Endnotes (brief biographies of key individuals, Heinkel's production plants, locations and commanders of JG 1, production time for a He 162 airframe and powerplant, etc.)

The book contains a collection of about 200 primary source documents, describing the aircraft's development, testing, production and operational history. It includes reprints of several manuals, as well as details about performance and specifications, armament, power plants, variations, camouflage and markings, and captured machines.

However, the book is more than just a compilation of documents. Each section contains a substantial amount of text, in which the author provides detailed interpretations and conclusions, backed by extensive footnotes and a comprehensive list of sources. Where surviving documentation is inconclusive, the author states his assumptions and explains his reasoning.

Cons: Photo reproduction is not the best, but it's OK. The scale drawings (1/48th) are not very detailed.

Summary: The best reference on the He 162. A very thorough, readable and balanced account -- highly recommended. I hope this publisher will go on to cover other types in the same manner.

Leon Venter
(No affiliation with the publisher or author.)