Following on from the success of volume 1, Friedrich Georg's second book in the series covers unconventional short- and medium-range weapons. In particular, this volume includes a wealth of information about the V-rocket programme, not just the more familiar V-1 and V-2, but special variants of these two rockets as well as later experimental craft and weaponry. Following a fascinating examination of pre-war efforts to build flying bombs, the author examines the V-1 and V-2 projects in great detail. Particular attention is paid to special variants that have previously received little coverage. These include the V-2 A-4 'America Rocket', and V-2s designed to carry nuclear and radiological warheads. The capability of the Germans to deploy such weapons is also discussed. A large number of weird and wonderful projects that never left the drawing board are examined, including the FR-35, V-6, V-101, Waterfall and Naval EMW A-7 rockets. The fascinating final section examines German plans to utilise such rocketry against London and Paris in 1945, as well as recounting the activities of V-weapons on other fronts, including Italy, Yugoslavia and the Eastern Front. The text is supported by b/w photographs and 16 superb pages of colour artwork, including profiles, computer-generated images of designs that never flew, and pictures of the author's own models.

How close did Hitler come to his dream of developing nuclear weapons? What evidence is there for the design, testing and production of such weapons, and their carrier systems? With this first volume in a series of at least three, Friedrich Georg has begun to answer these questions in great detail. The result is a groundbreaking new book on this topic. This first volume describes the efforts of the Luftwaffe and Kriegsmarine to design and produce carrier-systems for the nuclear weapons the scientists of the Third Reich were developing. Following an introductory section in which the author outlines the Nazi atom bomb programme, Georg then investigates the enormous variety of craft the Luftwaffe began to either adapt, or develop anew, that would be used to carry such weapons of mass destruction. These included the search for an intercontinental 'Amerikabomber', including the innovative Horten Ho XVIII. Lighter designs, such as the Arado Ar E 555, Messerschmitt P 1107 & 1108, and Junkers EF 132 & 140 are also described. The various atom bombs themselves are thoroughly investigated, from the 1-ton to the massive 30-ton variety. Information about the variety of carrier systems being developed-and in at least one case, actually built-by the Kriegsmarine is also provided. Finally, the author investigates the reasons why Germany ultimately failed to produce the atom bomb. Appendices provide the most up-to-date research on a variety of topics, including the small number of craft Japan was developing to carry atom bombs, and the Soviet capture of German nuclear research centres in the Baltic region at the end of the war. Throughout, the author is keen to only rely on the most reliable sources, and lays many myths to rest in the process. The result is a truly compelling and groundbreaking work.

As the Nazi advance across Europe stalled, Adolf Hitler repeatedly told his military advisers and inner circle that Germany possessed Wunderwaffen - miracle weapons - that would turn the tide and bring the Germans ultimate victory. But was he simply boasting out of desperation, or were the 'miracle weapons' real? Ideas that other governments considered too outrageous were funded by the Third Reich. At this time, German scientists and engineers led the world in the fields of aviation research, rocketry, and the quest for alternative sources of energy. They even came perilously close to beating the British and Americans in the search to build the first atomic bomb. This book describes the Nazis' secret plans to produce weapons of mass destruction, and shows how they almost succeeded in defeating the Allies in World War II.

A reference to the ideological, military, political, biographical, and social topics surrounding World War II, which is often considered the pivotal event of the twentieth century.

The third volume in this now-established series expand its coverage to examine Nazi Germany's efforts to develop intercontinental weapons and nothing short of a space program. The author begins by examining whether the V2 rocket was the final development produced by Hitler. He then proceeds to examine, in great detail, Germany's efforts to develop what was called the 'America Rocket', an intercontinental weapon. Much evidence is produced to suggest that planning and preparation were underway for an attempted intercontinental rocket launch against New York at war's end. A final section of the book examines further German rocketry projects that were on the drawing board by the end of the war, including sophisticated orbital craft. The text is supported by a selection of photographs and diagrams, as well as 16 superb pages of color artwork, including profiles, computer-generated images of drawing board designs, and pictures of the author's own models. KEY SALES POINTS: * A superb study of Germany's top secret efforts to develop intercontinental weapons and orbital craft. * Includes a large amount of detail on numerous projects previously shrouded in mystery, as well as compelling evidence that some designs were in advanced stages of development. * Features 16 superb pages of full-color artwork, including profiles, computer-generated images and pictures of the author's own models representing many of the projects discussed in the text.

From 1941, Italy had been developing a top-secret project to install guided rocket weapons aboard aircraft carriers. Campini Capron s revolutionary guided rocket weapon, the DAAC, which would later become Hitler s Henschel HS-117 Schmetterling ( Butterfly ), was the selected projectile. Classified intelligence on the V-1 flying bomb and other aircraft projects were acquired and then discarded when Ansaldo s naval architect, Lino Campagnoli (1911 1975), issued plans for the Impero battleship to be transformed into a modern fleet carrier. Previously unpublished documentation reveals how the last of the four state-of-the-art Littorio-class battleships, which was in advanced completion (hull components and engines installed), was destined for conversion into a modern aircraft carrier. This is an exhaustive historical review of the Impero and Regia Marina s (Royal Navy) developments as well as the dramatic story of the lack of co-operation and strategic insight with Regia Aeronautica before and during the war (1922-1943). Also, a final evaluation of the revolutionary Pugliese anti-torpedo system, based on unpublished German and Russian documentation, is assessed.