Originally Posted by Brent
They certainly had imagination but there's a boatload of difference between a doodle and an actual modern aircraft that happens to have a passing resemblance.
Supposedly the Germans originally swept wings in order to maintain aircraft center of balance and it was only later that they discovered the speed advantaged offered by wings being swept.
Also supposedly the Soviets got the plans on the Focke-Wulf Ta 183 and eventually developed the MiG 15 from them.
Brent I whole heartedly agree with you that it is a long way from Mechanix Illustrated to Janes. Did you look at both the links I posted?
http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums...ad.php?t=14644 Mostly renderings with a few photos, and aircraft nomenclature with some "presumed" data?
http://www.scribd.com/doc/5299194/Germany Variety of pictures and classifications of weapon systems. Of interest was the push-me/pull-me' Dornier DO-335 Pfeil with dual 1800 hp engines purported to be the fastest piston engine aircaft in the world at that time.
As I remarked, Ford's tome is a long read, but some interesting info in the captions.
A tidbit I will share: I went to DOD High School in Heidelberg, Germany and my senior year, 1949, our Civics, American Government teacher invited a German Professor to give us a six week segment on German History up through the conclusion of WWII. Without going into depth on the course, he was abviously very proud of his heritage and in acknowledgeing the errors of the **** system. He made two very profound statements that have been with me for almost 60 years. He blamed Hitler for two errors that potentially cost Germany the war. First was not following the British across the channel at Dunkirk. Occupation would have been a problem however there were lots of Germans and German sympathizers in Ireland to be tapped among others.
His second FATAL mistake was declaring war on Russia when he did, having a pact with Stalin at the time. He cut his ranks too thin, and didn't admit to the tenacity of the citizens and the weather he had no control over. That was the lesson I learned from an educated non-admitted rank and file former party member.
The US better heed the lessons of the past before we bite off more than we can chew. We have lost a good portion of our past "friends" and our economic crunch won't buy them back this time I'm afraid.
John P.
FTroopChief