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Luftwaffe and Axis Air Forces Please use this forum to discuss the German Luftwaffe and the Air Forces of its Allies. |
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German aircraft classifications
Hello, first time user here. Looking into German aircraft classifications. Reading a book, in German, "Luftkrieg 1939-1945" by Janusz Piekalkiewics. Find numerous references to Schlachtflugzeug & Zerstorer, anybody know what these terms refer to? These are in addition to the more common tems i.e. Jager (fighter, pursuit), Bomber, Aufklarer (reconnaissance) etc. Greatly appreciate any assistance. thanks in advance.
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#2
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Re: German aircraft classifications
Schlachtflugzeug = ground-attack aircraft
Zerstörer = twin-engined heavy fighter |
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Re: German aircraft classifications
Zerstorer is German for destroyer, and also used for the ship class.
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#4
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Re: German aircraft classifications
Quote:
But IIRC, some early Zerstörer units did have some single engine a/c - 109s? - that might muddy the water a bit. Peter |
#5
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Re: German aircraft classifications
Yes they did operate the Bf109, but only as a temporary measure due to the early lack of Bf110s. I don't think that's any reason to argue with your identification of the term. Although perhaps the Ju88C/G should be included as a fairly major type in the category. There is some logic to arguing that the Me262 should be included, though it never is. The He219 could be an obvious candidate, but the specialist role of night fighters had overtaken the prewar terminology.
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#6
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Re: German aircraft classifications
Hello all
Interesting question about Zerstörer. Does anyone know about some original document, explaining the term? Judging by the way Zerstörer units were employed from the beginning of the war the term more likely means high-performance twin-engined multipurpose aircraft. And here is the analogy with the warship.
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Regards, Andrei |
#7
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Re: German aircraft classifications
Interesting theory but I remain doubtful of it.
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#8
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Re: German aircraft classifications
Zerstörer is short for Flugzeugzerstörer (aircraft destroyer), perhaps escort fighter would be the appropriate translation. It appears in the November 1935 Flugzeugentwicklungsprogramm and perhaps earlier as well. The Bf 110, FW 57 and Hs 124 were in this category.
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#9
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Re: German aircraft classifications
Destroyer when applied to a ship is short for "torpedo-boat destroyer" ("contre-torpilleur" in French — I just learned that!), intended to come between the capital ships and said torpedo boats. So not a bad analogy for a bomber escort intended to counter lighter opponents.
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#10
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Re: German aircraft classifications
Nick
Yes, it's true. But it is also true that already in the Great War destroyers became multi-purpose ships performing a variety of roles. Perhaps it would be a strange question, but I'll ask it. What is the source of information, that term Zerstörer means heavy fighter? Is there any LW document explaning it in such a way? It seems that the German wikipedia supports my interpretation https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zerstörer_(Flugzeug)
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Regards, Andrei Last edited by Andrei Demjanko; 5th September 2018 at 19:44. Reason: correct link |
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