Luftwaffe Maritime Operations in World War II: Thought, Organization and Technology

Abstract

The development of air power can be traced to three key elements: thought, organization, and technology. This paper will examine the Luftwaffe's thinking, organization, and technology as they pertained to Countersea Operations during World War II, with a focus on the Battle of the Atlantic during the period 1939-1945. First, an examination of Luftwaffe thought will show that German air doctrine did not prepare the Luftwaffe for the maritime role its leaders thrust upon it. However, flexibility and the application of the tenets of air power provided them with the ability to adapt. Second, the author examines the Luftwaffe's organizational structure. Luftwaffe organization during World War II provided a more than adequate basis for conducting the countersea campaign. The adaptability of its operational and support structure allowed the Luftwaffe to accomplish a variety of missions, even as their aircraft and weapons were proving deficient. However, it was the execution, or operational use, of this structure and the inflexibility of leadership which proved to be the Achilles Heel of the Luftwaffe. The author describes the fierce rivalry that existed between the Luftwaffe and Kreigsmarine senior leadership, and how this interfered with the conduct of Countersea Operations. Finally, the paper will discuss German weapons development for the countersea role. The importance of the airplane and how it supported German aspirations in the maritime environment cannot be overstated. The Luftwaffe was at the forefront of innovation in the field of aviation technology, including airframe and weapons development. Once again, interference by senior leadership and equipment teething problems combined with increasing Allied attacks cost the Luftwaffe precious time.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2005
Accession Number
ADA476401

Entities

People

  • Winston A. Gould

Organizations

  • Air Command and Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerial Warfare
  • Air Force
  • Air Power
  • Aircraft Carriers
  • Aircraft Equipment
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Fighter Aircraft
  • Military Organizations
  • Naval Operations
  • Naval Warfare
  • Navy
  • Organizational Structure
  • Reconnaissance Aircraft
  • Second World War
  • United States
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Neurological Diseases/Conditions/Disorders
  • Systems Analysis and Design