Luftwaffe Emergency Fighters by Robert Forsyth

Luftwaffe Emergency Fighters by Robert Forsyth

An authoritative history of Nazi Germany's futuristic but never-built jet fighters, packed with rare photos and newly researched artwork.

In late 1944, the German Air Ministry organised what it called an ‘Emergency Fighter Competition’ intended to produce designs for quick-to-build yet technically and tactically effective jet fighter aircraft capable of tackling the anticipated arrival of the B-29 Superfortress over Europe, as well as the British Mosquito and US P-38 Lightning which were appearing in ever greater numbers.

Thus was born a cutting-edge, highly sophisticated series of aircraft including the futuristic and elegant Focke-Wulf Ta 183; the extraordinary Blohm und Voss P.212, and the state-of-the-art Messerschmitt P.1101 series. Armed with heavy cannon and the latest air-to-air rockets and missiles, these were designed to inflict carnage on American bomber formations at high speed.

Using stunning three-view illustrations of each prototype along with full colour artwork, aviation expert Robert Forsyth traces the history of the extraordinary aircraft of the ‘Emergency Fighter Competition’, Hitler’s last throw of the dice in the air war against the Allies.

Robert Forsyth has studied the history of the Luftwaffe and its campaigns, units, aircraft and commanders for many years. He is the author of several books on the subject and runs a book production and publishing business in southern England.

Jim Laurier is a native of New England and lives in New Hampshire. He attended Paier School of Art in Hamden, Connecticut, from 1974–78, and since graduating with Honours, he has been working professionally in the field of Fine Art and Illustration. He has been commissioned to paint for the US Air Force and has aviation paintings on permanent display at the Pentagon.

Wiek Luijken has been a professional artist and director for more than 20 years. Wiek created the battlescene and cover artwork for this book.