The flyers of the Luftwaffe spearheaded the German blitzkrieg during the early years of World War II, providing a key aerial element to the German war machine that swept all before it.Later in the war, the Luftwaffe concentrated on defence, producing the world’s first rocket- and jet-propelled fighters.German Aircraft of World War II features 52 of the greatest aircraft to fly for the Luftwaffe from 1939 to 1945.Included are the Junkers Ju-87 Stuka divebomber, an aircraft with a shrieking siren that terrorized ground troops and civilians in Poland, France and the Low Countries; the Messerschmitt Bf 109, one of the most adaptable and longstanding fighters of the war that served in every theatre in a variety of roles; the twin- engined Ju-88, which served as a tactical bomber in the early phase of the war and later as a night-fighter during the defence of the Reich; and the Messerschmitt Me 262, the first jet fighter to enter service for any air force and a highly-effective interceptor against Allied bombers from 1944 onwards.Each entry includes a brief description of the type’s development and history, a dynamic artwork, key features and specifications.Packed with more than 200 artworks and photographs, German Aircraft of World War II is an exciting guide for the military historian and aviation enthusiast.