A handful of German manufacturers dominated the market to design and build bomber aircraft for the Luftwaffe of World War Two. Among the giants were Dornier, Heinkel, Junkers, Fieseler, Focke-Wulf and Henschel. Between them their creative output was limited to a few variations, and in common with other high-profile industries serving the war effort, manufacturers were hindered by political interference, inadequate finance and a shortage of parts, particularly engines. This volume reviews those aircraft in service at the beginning of the war, when many operational aircraft were considered effectively obsolete. It analyses the advances in aircraft development through the war and how each step forward gained momentary advantage or prompted an urgent need to catch up with the opposition. Among the better known aircraft and those manufactured in the greatest number are those that served with multiple roles including night fighters, dive bombers, and reconnaissance aircraft. All are included in this volume, along with historical accounts of significant events in the war such as the bombing of the Empress, and the Exeter Blitz, as well as a biography of Hajo Herrmann, an exceptional pilot and German hero.
