Aufklarer, Volume Two: Luftwaffe Reconnaissance Aircraft and Units 1942-1945 (Luftwaffe Colours)

Concluding the story of the Luftwaffe s reconnaissance units, this book covers the period from 1942 to end of the war. As the tide of the war turned against Germany, information obtained from Aufklärungsflieger became ever more vital to both the German High Command and local-level ground commanders. Beginning in 1943, new purpose-built aircraft were introduced to deal with the increasing territory range needing coverage on the Russian Front.
Among aircraft discussed are the Fw 189, Ar 240,
Bv 141, and operations conducted by the Fi 156, Bf 109, and Fw 190-equipped Aufklärungsflieger units. The book covers the development of long-range reconnaissance including operations over Russia, the Mediterranean, and Europe using the Bf 110, Me 410, Ju 88, He 111, Ju 188, and Fw 200. Also discussed is the role of high-altitude reconnaissance using the lesser-known Ju 86 and Hs 130, which were fitted with experimental pressurised compartments. The reconnaissance work of pioneering jet aircraft, Me 262 and Ar 234 is included as is the role of ultra long-range machines such as the six-engined Ju 290, (used for co-operation with the U-boats) and the Me 264 Amerika bomber.