A New Form of Artillery
- Thread starter M79
- Start date
Military Air Forces
After Action Report
August 19, 1941
Central Theater, Smolensk District
Col. Tantanovich, Operations Commander 4th Soviet Air Force
Our latest fighter aircraft deployed successfully against the new German jets noted two months ago. Their He 280 aircraft are formidable but our I-250 aircraft with its impressive engine was able to defeat them with a kill ratio of 1.5 - 1. German metallurgy and jet engine production currently exceed our own but will not do so for much longer, and the aircraft in our possession will continue to increase in number as time goes on. Our aircraft achieved the phenomenal speed of 650 kph consistently in flight with a range of over 500km, exceeding even the designer's best expectations. Using a combination of highly refined kerosene and gasoline in a 1:1 ratio also permits us to use domestic resources for fuel production. Their aircraft are approximately 15kph faster with greater range, but the I-250 turning radius is approximately 8% shorter, has a greater time-to-climb speed, and resists damage more effectively. The ejection seats used by German pilots should be found and engineered into our own aircraft along with this new "seeker" rocket, should they refine the "seeking" technology sufficiently it could prove catastrophic if we do not have a defense available.
As of yesterday the first jet-to-jet battle yielded 3 German jets destroyed while 2 of our own were lost, all over our territory. Remains and wreckage quickly made their way to the Moscow railway where they can be examined for further improvement. Smolensk may be where the German tide can be broken, these new aircraft will prove most helpful in helping us achieve that aim. German air superiority is effectively challenged by these new fighters and a bomber, the Pe-19, is reportedly in the prototype stage. Additional reports will be sent as they are available following any additional actions in the theater.
After Action Report
August 19, 1941
Central Theater, Smolensk District
Col. Tantanovich, Operations Commander 4th Soviet Air Force
Our latest fighter aircraft deployed successfully against the new German jets noted two months ago. Their He 280 aircraft are formidable but our I-250 aircraft with its impressive engine was able to defeat them with a kill ratio of 1.5 - 1. German metallurgy and jet engine production currently exceed our own but will not do so for much longer, and the aircraft in our possession will continue to increase in number as time goes on. Our aircraft achieved the phenomenal speed of 650 kph consistently in flight with a range of over 500km, exceeding even the designer's best expectations. Using a combination of highly refined kerosene and gasoline in a 1:1 ratio also permits us to use domestic resources for fuel production. Their aircraft are approximately 15kph faster with greater range, but the I-250 turning radius is approximately 8% shorter, has a greater time-to-climb speed, and resists damage more effectively. The ejection seats used by German pilots should be found and engineered into our own aircraft along with this new "seeker" rocket, should they refine the "seeking" technology sufficiently it could prove catastrophic if we do not have a defense available.
As of yesterday the first jet-to-jet battle yielded 3 German jets destroyed while 2 of our own were lost, all over our territory. Remains and wreckage quickly made their way to the Moscow railway where they can be examined for further improvement. Smolensk may be where the German tide can be broken, these new aircraft will prove most helpful in helping us achieve that aim. German air superiority is effectively challenged by these new fighters and a bomber, the Pe-19, is reportedly in the prototype stage. Additional reports will be sent as they are available following any additional actions in the theater.
Report of Military Activities in German Air forces
Agent X42 of Spanish External Security Ministry
Report: Advances of German aerial technologies
12 September 1941 2200
Our German allies have proven more frosty as our country refuses to commit all resources to the new war Germany launched against Russia in June of this year. Nevertheless their rivalry with the Americans with regards to aerial technologies is cause for pause. After receiving intelligence that the American NERD program (National Engineering Research and Development, combined around a core at the California Institute of Technology focused on a group formerly known as GALCIT) developed a successful "beep-n-seek" aerial torpedo, Germany has replicated the technology successfully. More interestingly the American "transistor" has evolved in German hands and discussions are being held over the possibility of using a photolithographic technique to produce very small components able to focus the power of a dozen vacuum tubes into an area smaller than a coin. These "integrated circuits" are in the prototype stage and able to give German aerial torpedoes the ability to chase aircraft while in flight.
German jet and metallurgy technology advances rapidly, their Siemens engineers have created newer electronic devices capable of putting fairly powerful detection systems inside an aircraft. The newest radios have thrice the range with half the weight while the ejection seats and self-sealing fuel tanks make their latest aircraft a true flying killer. Using a pair of HeS30 engines, the Lippisch P.09 "Schwartzritter" is a maverick design with no true tail to speak of and a top speed estimated at over 800kph. With two 30mm cannons and hardpoints for up to four aerial torpedoes this
beast is truly devastating. We have confirmation that the HeS011 jet will be ready for testing within the next 6 months and designs are already being planned around this new engine. Rumor is that Focke-Wulf plans to announce a competitor with a top speed of 975kph using this engine known only as "Project 182", this will be discussed if more information is available.
Germany is also exploring high-altitude work via their "Adler" program, already the effect of the "terror weapons" hitting Moscow and Leningrad in large numbers is having a notable impact on the morale of the citizens there. These "A4" weapons are sophisticated and easily mass-produced with a range of approximately 500km using a single large stage. They have built a two-stage version using six engines as a core with a single stage on top, this "A9" weapon is still in the testing stage though and not expected to be ready for another six months. Its proposed range of 2100km would put the bulk of Europe at its sights, London would have little defense against it and our involvement could be forced if given a "with us or against us" attitude. More information to be sent as it becomes available.
Agent X42 of Spanish External Security Ministry
Report: Advances of German aerial technologies
12 September 1941 2200
Our German allies have proven more frosty as our country refuses to commit all resources to the new war Germany launched against Russia in June of this year. Nevertheless their rivalry with the Americans with regards to aerial technologies is cause for pause. After receiving intelligence that the American NERD program (National Engineering Research and Development, combined around a core at the California Institute of Technology focused on a group formerly known as GALCIT) developed a successful "beep-n-seek" aerial torpedo, Germany has replicated the technology successfully. More interestingly the American "transistor" has evolved in German hands and discussions are being held over the possibility of using a photolithographic technique to produce very small components able to focus the power of a dozen vacuum tubes into an area smaller than a coin. These "integrated circuits" are in the prototype stage and able to give German aerial torpedoes the ability to chase aircraft while in flight.
German jet and metallurgy technology advances rapidly, their Siemens engineers have created newer electronic devices capable of putting fairly powerful detection systems inside an aircraft. The newest radios have thrice the range with half the weight while the ejection seats and self-sealing fuel tanks make their latest aircraft a true flying killer. Using a pair of HeS30 engines, the Lippisch P.09 "Schwartzritter" is a maverick design with no true tail to speak of and a top speed estimated at over 800kph. With two 30mm cannons and hardpoints for up to four aerial torpedoes this
beast is truly devastating. We have confirmation that the HeS011 jet will be ready for testing within the next 6 months and designs are already being planned around this new engine. Rumor is that Focke-Wulf plans to announce a competitor with a top speed of 975kph using this engine known only as "Project 182", this will be discussed if more information is available.
Germany is also exploring high-altitude work via their "Adler" program, already the effect of the "terror weapons" hitting Moscow and Leningrad in large numbers is having a notable impact on the morale of the citizens there. These "A4" weapons are sophisticated and easily mass-produced with a range of approximately 500km using a single large stage. They have built a two-stage version using six engines as a core with a single stage on top, this "A9" weapon is still in the testing stage though and not expected to be ready for another six months. Its proposed range of 2100km would put the bulk of Europe at its sights, London would have little defense against it and our involvement could be forced if given a "with us or against us" attitude. More information to be sent as it becomes available.
Uh oh sounds like the Nazis got a mole in the American program. Good Post Sir, and a belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you.
The first generation Transistors and Diodes were very temperature sensitive, and could only 'switch' very low currents.
There was a reason you didn't see military Solid State devices until the 1960s, and tubes still had a place in very high power applications like TV and Radar until recently
Early transistors wouldn't be able to shrink radar transmitter size for a decade or two, but would help some on the reception and processing side.
There was a reason you didn't see military Solid State devices until the 1960s, and tubes still had a place in very high power applications like TV and Radar until recently
Early transistors wouldn't be able to shrink radar transmitter size for a decade or two, but would help some on the reception and processing side.
National Archives
Declassified accidentally as part of larger information release on December 24, 2005
October 4, 1941
Office of Vannevar Bush
Director, National Defense Research Committee
Limited Distribution: Total copies: 3
Beyond Top Secret
Burn after reading
Distribute to:
-Leslie Groves
-Franklin Roosevelt
Total Pages: 2
As of 1800 hours on October 1, 1941 the government of Germany placed an artificial satellite in an unstable orbit that lasted fifty-six hours, forty minutes. This satellite was denied publically by the USSR, but given that it is transmitting on a frequency easily detectable by anyone with a large enough radio receiver in most of the world the damage is already done. It is a stunning propaganda victory, the immediate aftermath with the fear in the streets is both palpable and dangerous. We need to consider something never done before - a true manned vessel that orbits the Earth. Their claims of being so far ahead of our own technical capabilities need to be quashed before our people begin to react out of fear, especially if they begin to think that Germany might be able to strike the United States from European bases. The launch of such a satellite implies exactly that without actually stating as much. We have prepared our 1S (One-star/General) launch vehicle as a refinement of all previous designs to date, our previous experience with interfering radiation will lead us to use a larger satellite with a solar power source, rechargeable battery, and with a polar orbit. We are also designing a satellite whose specific purpose is photoreconnaissance to test the feasibility of such a project.
A meeting recently occurred between the turbojet experts at Heinkel, BMW, and Jumo with the group forming a consensus about the "steps" at which to proceed. Apparently their HeS 3b is entering mass production as a "first step" with the BMW 003 design being refined as a "second step" and the Jumo 014 design being taken as a "third step". The latter appears to be a significant step forward and "shares" a lot with our J47 design, using a second turbine and several additional compressors. If aircraft using that engine get airborne we could be in for serious problems.
Finally it appears that the Japanese have successfully field tested their copy of the second German mass production fighter, known as the "Schwable" or Messerschmitt 262. This nimble aircraft is quite the danger, its top speed exceeds 500MPH while its payload is also notable in that its 20mm cannon can rip even heavier fighters to shreds. Most interestingly is that the Navy is pushing this fighter, reportedly they are interested in figuring out how to launch one off of a carrier. We are not sure if this is possible but from a sufficiently large vessel using RATO it is plausible they might succeed.
Declassified accidentally as part of larger information release on December 24, 2005
October 4, 1941
Office of Vannevar Bush
Director, National Defense Research Committee
Limited Distribution: Total copies: 3
Beyond Top Secret
Burn after reading
Distribute to:
-Leslie Groves
-Franklin Roosevelt
Total Pages: 2
As of 1800 hours on October 1, 1941 the government of Germany placed an artificial satellite in an unstable orbit that lasted fifty-six hours, forty minutes. This satellite was denied publically by the USSR, but given that it is transmitting on a frequency easily detectable by anyone with a large enough radio receiver in most of the world the damage is already done. It is a stunning propaganda victory, the immediate aftermath with the fear in the streets is both palpable and dangerous. We need to consider something never done before - a true manned vessel that orbits the Earth. Their claims of being so far ahead of our own technical capabilities need to be quashed before our people begin to react out of fear, especially if they begin to think that Germany might be able to strike the United States from European bases. The launch of such a satellite implies exactly that without actually stating as much. We have prepared our 1S (One-star/General) launch vehicle as a refinement of all previous designs to date, our previous experience with interfering radiation will lead us to use a larger satellite with a solar power source, rechargeable battery, and with a polar orbit. We are also designing a satellite whose specific purpose is photoreconnaissance to test the feasibility of such a project.
A meeting recently occurred between the turbojet experts at Heinkel, BMW, and Jumo with the group forming a consensus about the "steps" at which to proceed. Apparently their HeS 3b is entering mass production as a "first step" with the BMW 003 design being refined as a "second step" and the Jumo 014 design being taken as a "third step". The latter appears to be a significant step forward and "shares" a lot with our J47 design, using a second turbine and several additional compressors. If aircraft using that engine get airborne we could be in for serious problems.
Finally it appears that the Japanese have successfully field tested their copy of the second German mass production fighter, known as the "Schwable" or Messerschmitt 262. This nimble aircraft is quite the danger, its top speed exceeds 500MPH while its payload is also notable in that its 20mm cannon can rip even heavier fighters to shreds. Most interestingly is that the Navy is pushing this fighter, reportedly they are interested in figuring out how to launch one off of a carrier. We are not sure if this is possible but from a sufficiently large vessel using RATO it is plausible they might succeed.
Declassified, German State Archives, October 31, 2012
Five page report, one entirely blacked out, two mostly blacked out
November 20, 1941
Technical Assessment Report
From: Office of Field Marshal Walther von Brauchitsch
To: Army High Command, Luftwaffe High Command
Streng Geheim!
Burn after reading!
Our deployment of increasing numbers of Me 262s and He 280s have met with significant success on both the Eastern Front and in the bombing of the English industrial targets of interest. Though precision bombing remains a significant problem, radio controls are improving and the problem is being investigated. We are organizing research along lines of application and theory with interesting results, most recently the testing of jet engines and specific weaponry. Our recent encounters with the Russian SVT-40 for example have yielded inspiration to Walther in reworking their existing semi-automatic rifle into a much more versatile rifle with help from Mauser, the resulting Karabiner (41) is impressive though the proposed addition of a selective fire capacity and "new bullet" are being developed as of the time of this letter.
Perhaps most interesting is the development of the prototype FW 210, a slightly modified Condor which is designed to use four Jumo 004 jet engines as a longer-range bomber that might be able to deliver 10,000 pounds of bombs at a time, significantly increasing our strategic capacity. With a proposed range of just over 1700km, it may also enable us to reach some of the Russian industrial capacity over the Ural mountains as well. In addition, the advancement of our rocket program continues with improved precision of the A9 system. Unfortunately production is limited as the materials are available in limited quantities and factories known to produce materials needed are often bombed once discovered. Our solution is already underway, we are building very large factories under the mountains of the Sudetenland with all due speed.
Our recent satellite is a propaganda success but reaction is not what the hoped. Apparently the Americans are mulling with the idea of putting a human in orbit and returning him to the Earth, the British have also shown their increasing capacity with rocketry and jet engines as their new "Meteor" fighter has begun to take to the skies in notable quantity. For the moment we have dominance, but as always caution is being exercised given the situation. Designs for the new Ta183 are impressive, especially with its transistor-aided RADAR system and capacity for the new air-to-air missile system, but they are as yet on the drawing board. I hope to see one of these potentially magnificent aircraft running a Jumo 024 engine perhaps in 12 months but even with a Jumo 014 it should be an impressive sight. Let us hope the promise of 25kN from a single jet engine is feasible.
Five page report, one entirely blacked out, two mostly blacked out
November 20, 1941
Technical Assessment Report
From: Office of Field Marshal Walther von Brauchitsch
To: Army High Command, Luftwaffe High Command
Streng Geheim!
Burn after reading!
Our deployment of increasing numbers of Me 262s and He 280s have met with significant success on both the Eastern Front and in the bombing of the English industrial targets of interest. Though precision bombing remains a significant problem, radio controls are improving and the problem is being investigated. We are organizing research along lines of application and theory with interesting results, most recently the testing of jet engines and specific weaponry. Our recent encounters with the Russian SVT-40 for example have yielded inspiration to Walther in reworking their existing semi-automatic rifle into a much more versatile rifle with help from Mauser, the resulting Karabiner (41) is impressive though the proposed addition of a selective fire capacity and "new bullet" are being developed as of the time of this letter.
Perhaps most interesting is the development of the prototype FW 210, a slightly modified Condor which is designed to use four Jumo 004 jet engines as a longer-range bomber that might be able to deliver 10,000 pounds of bombs at a time, significantly increasing our strategic capacity. With a proposed range of just over 1700km, it may also enable us to reach some of the Russian industrial capacity over the Ural mountains as well. In addition, the advancement of our rocket program continues with improved precision of the A9 system. Unfortunately production is limited as the materials are available in limited quantities and factories known to produce materials needed are often bombed once discovered. Our solution is already underway, we are building very large factories under the mountains of the Sudetenland with all due speed.
Our recent satellite is a propaganda success but reaction is not what the hoped. Apparently the Americans are mulling with the idea of putting a human in orbit and returning him to the Earth, the British have also shown their increasing capacity with rocketry and jet engines as their new "Meteor" fighter has begun to take to the skies in notable quantity. For the moment we have dominance, but as always caution is being exercised given the situation. Designs for the new Ta183 are impressive, especially with its transistor-aided RADAR system and capacity for the new air-to-air missile system, but they are as yet on the drawing board. I hope to see one of these potentially magnificent aircraft running a Jumo 024 engine perhaps in 12 months but even with a Jumo 014 it should be an impressive sight. Let us hope the promise of 25kN from a single jet engine is feasible.
That's the one aspect of this otherwise excellent timeline that bothers me. Apparently the American rocket and jet programs are simply riddled with foreign agents of all stripes, because no sooner does the U.S. make an advance in a particular technology but that it almost immediately shows up in German and Soviet hands.
Henry Ford, Irene Dupont, several of the Rockafeller family, Davis of Davis Oil and many others were admirers of the Nazis and business partners with notable German firms. ie: Dupont & IG Farben owned Analine Dye together, Ford partnered with Opal & had a vehicle factory in Germany, Chase bank had a number of large joint investment ventures with the Reichsbank, Davis Oil was financed mostly by the Recihsbank. Its not a streach that these businessmen could be actively supporting the Nazis past 1939.
Other than that they didn't past the DoW on Germany, and their investments being nationalized. and GM owned most of Opel AG, not FMC
Hoover in truth, missed a lot of obvious Soviet agents.
Not so much with the Nazis.
The Nazis just were not as good at that as were the Soviets
A few did. Davis ended up arrested in 1942 & died in jail awaiting trial in 1943. Post DoW Standard Oil was told to stop trying to send uncertified oil tanker ships to Spain. 'Trading With the Enemy' is a interesting if difficult read on the various US business leaders and their reluctance to cooperate with "..that Bolshivik Roosevelt". Elsewhere such as in Hermans 'Call to Arms' you can find descriptions of henry Fords refusal to take on war contracts that he thought would benefit Britain, "Those Jewish bankers in London". He passed on a offer to build Merlin aircraft engines.
Farrago in 'Game of the Foxes' describes USN intelligence investigators probing into the failures to make contract goals at Brewster Aircraft and concluding the production manager and head engineer were German sympathizers and had been deliberately sabotging landing gear production.
Cant argue with that.
[editor]
/Russians are watching US and infiltrate at levels akin to OTL Manhattan Project.
/Nazis are better at intelligence on the United States than they were given credit for, though not by much.
/Fremde Heere Ost, however, is very good at its job.
/Limited American industrial sympathy but technical publications are still getting out and scientists are able to coordinate more in this TL.
/Nazis use what they deign from both sides and British sources to put together whole picture though it is not always accurate
[/editor]
/Russians are watching US and infiltrate at levels akin to OTL Manhattan Project.
/Nazis are better at intelligence on the United States than they were given credit for, though not by much.
/Fremde Heere Ost, however, is very good at its job.
/Limited American industrial sympathy but technical publications are still getting out and scientists are able to coordinate more in this TL.
/Nazis use what they deign from both sides and British sources to put together whole picture though it is not always accurate
[/editor]
Military Air Forces
After Action Report
December 12, 1941
Office of Vladimir Tributs
Captain, Soviet Naval Forces - Baltic Command
Re: Pearl Harbor incident of December 8th
Assessments from our intelligence out of Japan along with that of the United States confirms some of the latest assessments of the recent events at Pearl Harbor. Apparently the Japanese were able to modify many of their "Kikka" aircraft, clones of the German Messerschmitt 262, to successfully to fly off of three of their larger carriers. These fighter aircraft were able to carry the Type 91 torpedo (not the heavier Type 93 torpedo with the oxygen compressor that we are seeking to emulate) successfully into Pearl Harbor and wrecked havoc on the American fleet stationed there. Of the eight battleships present, two are damaged beyond repair, two were sunk, and four are being restored at this time. Lexington and Enterprise were also damaged, the former so much so that she is estimated to need six month's work to repair and needed assistance to head back to California for repairs. Enterprise is being repaired on site but will be out of action for at least a month. Japanese encounters with weather fronts caused a one-day delay that permitted them to find the carriers mentioned, otherwise they would not have been able to do so. The decision to strike at dawn on December 8th was also fortuitous as many of the sailors were not ready for the attack.
Of interest also is the performance data of both the "Kikka" aircraft and the American counterparts. The vaunted Lockheed "Starfire" fighters were largely destroyed on the ground, rendering much of our desired data unattainable. Their recent arrival of the "Canuck" approximately three weeks ahead of schedule gave quite the showing, the jet engines are more advanced than originally expected and its prowess as a fighter is simply awesome. Twin jet engines with just under 60 kilonewtons of combined thrust together with four cannons using 20mm ammunition decimated the Japanese Kikka until simply overwhelmed by sheer numbers. The use of admittedly prototype "Sidewinder" missiles was incredible, the six fighters literally ran out of missiles but scored 21 hits for 24 missiles fired, effectively reducing the Japanese force by a third. Had the defenders not been outnumbered twelve to one at that point the Americans might have carried the day as they were still able to defeat seventeen additional aircraft!
While this "Canuck" aircraft is unlikely to be adapted for carrier use, the prospective development of the "Panther" aircraft for naval use is almost equivalent in this case. Our intelligence service remains uncertain of the extent of development for such an aircraft, but with multiple sources confirming the increased armored deck for the newer ships not already at sea trials or close this aircraft may be ready for production in the near future. Our sources also indicate that Japan has successfully developed its own jet engine called the Ne-24 capable of producing over 8 kilonewtons of thrust which is what powers the "Kikka" (combined output approximately 17.6 kilonewtons of thrust). Japanese work on a radical aircraft is rumored but we are unable to provide specific details, only that it is a single engine aircraft reportedly carrying a 30mm cannon and capable of over 650 KPH top speed. More details as this develops along with the rumored German "Project 1101" which is similar in scale and may serve as an example of Japanese engineering influencing German aviation, both ironic and dangerous.
After Action Report
December 12, 1941
Office of Vladimir Tributs
Captain, Soviet Naval Forces - Baltic Command
Re: Pearl Harbor incident of December 8th
Assessments from our intelligence out of Japan along with that of the United States confirms some of the latest assessments of the recent events at Pearl Harbor. Apparently the Japanese were able to modify many of their "Kikka" aircraft, clones of the German Messerschmitt 262, to successfully to fly off of three of their larger carriers. These fighter aircraft were able to carry the Type 91 torpedo (not the heavier Type 93 torpedo with the oxygen compressor that we are seeking to emulate) successfully into Pearl Harbor and wrecked havoc on the American fleet stationed there. Of the eight battleships present, two are damaged beyond repair, two were sunk, and four are being restored at this time. Lexington and Enterprise were also damaged, the former so much so that she is estimated to need six month's work to repair and needed assistance to head back to California for repairs. Enterprise is being repaired on site but will be out of action for at least a month. Japanese encounters with weather fronts caused a one-day delay that permitted them to find the carriers mentioned, otherwise they would not have been able to do so. The decision to strike at dawn on December 8th was also fortuitous as many of the sailors were not ready for the attack.
Of interest also is the performance data of both the "Kikka" aircraft and the American counterparts. The vaunted Lockheed "Starfire" fighters were largely destroyed on the ground, rendering much of our desired data unattainable. Their recent arrival of the "Canuck" approximately three weeks ahead of schedule gave quite the showing, the jet engines are more advanced than originally expected and its prowess as a fighter is simply awesome. Twin jet engines with just under 60 kilonewtons of combined thrust together with four cannons using 20mm ammunition decimated the Japanese Kikka until simply overwhelmed by sheer numbers. The use of admittedly prototype "Sidewinder" missiles was incredible, the six fighters literally ran out of missiles but scored 21 hits for 24 missiles fired, effectively reducing the Japanese force by a third. Had the defenders not been outnumbered twelve to one at that point the Americans might have carried the day as they were still able to defeat seventeen additional aircraft!
While this "Canuck" aircraft is unlikely to be adapted for carrier use, the prospective development of the "Panther" aircraft for naval use is almost equivalent in this case. Our intelligence service remains uncertain of the extent of development for such an aircraft, but with multiple sources confirming the increased armored deck for the newer ships not already at sea trials or close this aircraft may be ready for production in the near future. Our sources also indicate that Japan has successfully developed its own jet engine called the Ne-24 capable of producing over 8 kilonewtons of thrust which is what powers the "Kikka" (combined output approximately 17.6 kilonewtons of thrust). Japanese work on a radical aircraft is rumored but we are unable to provide specific details, only that it is a single engine aircraft reportedly carrying a 30mm cannon and capable of over 650 KPH top speed. More details as this develops along with the rumored German "Project 1101" which is similar in scale and may serve as an example of Japanese engineering influencing German aviation, both ironic and dangerous.
iddt3
Donor
The Nazis didn't have British sources. The UK managed to turn *all* German agents in the UK. It sounds ridiculous, but it's true. It's part of the reason their V2 targeting was shit, and got worse; Their agents were telling them they were falling short when actually the V2s were going long, eventually resulting in most V2s hitting well north of the city. The Germans had some notable intelligence successes in the US prewar, but once the war happened that all dried up, and the Germans had *no* success penetrating any of the various secret US projects running. Note that part of the problem is Admiral Canaris, who was head of Abwehr, but also an active opponent of the Nazi regime and was likely leaking information to the British. You need to make some significant changes from OTL to give Germany foreign intelligence that's worth shit.
More a cover for horrible management and terrible labor relations, that the Union did try to use spies as an excuse on why the workers were sabotaging what little they did build, and the Press claimed that the Union leadership had enemy Agents employed, too
Oh, and Management had sweetheart deals and kickbacks all over the place, too
It's hard to reenforce how toxic things had got there by 1942.
Using Occam's razor won't get a spook much cred in an investigation, though.
Last edited:
January 4, 1942
Intelligence Field Assessment and Technical Advances of the Enemy Forces
From: Office of Abwehr Chief Wilhelm Canaris
To: Army High Command, Luftwaffe High Command, Naval High Command
Burn After Reading
Total Copies: 26 (2 survive the war)
I feel I must address recent intelligence briefings that have not only misled our leadership but also to address repeated misinformation that has appeared on my desk as well as attempt to brief you on the latest developments of the enemies of the Reich.
First, the blunders. In the attempts of overly zealous SS agents to upstage the operations of the Abwehr they have made predictions and operational guesses that, while very occasionally in line with actual developments, have actually underestimated Western and Eastern capacities significantly. Examples would include missing the magnetically-influenced short-range "Sidewinder" program of the United States along with its counterpart the "Falcon" program, the Soviet development of a short-range rocket artillery system, and the failure to note British development of a counter-signal intelligence system that had broken some of our Enigma cryptography. This latter development was suspected three months ago but kept quiet until triple confirmation could be had, in fact it was noted that the failure of SD and SS agents in maintaining radio discipline contributed to this. Thankfully we have "agents" on the ground in the UK, equally lazy radio operators that are seemingly unaware that we have deciphered their own coded transmissions via the Z6 series of computers. Because of our diligence we were able to not only report the beginnings of the Russian counteroffensive after the Moscow push but also to report on developments in the British Eighth Army and its development in Cyrenaica. Most impressive is the development of a Z7a and Z7b system, the beginnings of a new Enigma-based series of coded radios and the Lorenz 52 system for highest-level communications. We anticipate that the security of this system will be markedly improved and should take some time for our enemies to even recognize.
Technical capacities for the British and especially Americans are advancing at an astounding rate. The recent deployment of the "Canuck" series of heavy fighters is awe-inspiring but the "Sidewinder" program is especially dangerous. While our recent propaganda coup with the DFS 349 rocket-powered program and its achievement of a "Mach 1.4" speed (or 1.4 times the speed of sound) with the pilot on board are impressive, especially with the follow-on planned for a "Mach 2.1" version, our own Project 1101 is underway but not ready for realization. I appreciate the collaboration of our jet engine manufacturers and especially the implementation of the SA-2 air defense missile system, the bombing raids over our cities have been reduced. However, the Americans are at work on a counter to this system both electronically and with the very effective British solution of simply shooting magnesium-laden steel flares at the missiles which track and destroy...the flares. Although the Focke-Wulf 210 has begun to note impressive results with the bombing of the westernmost Soviet industrial targets, their simple response of moving facilities ever eastward poses significant problems. Our counter to this is the first combined Japanese-German aircraft project known as the "Project Z"...
(rest of document remains *highly* classified...and will be presented later today)
Intelligence Field Assessment and Technical Advances of the Enemy Forces
From: Office of Abwehr Chief Wilhelm Canaris
To: Army High Command, Luftwaffe High Command, Naval High Command
Burn After Reading
Total Copies: 26 (2 survive the war)
I feel I must address recent intelligence briefings that have not only misled our leadership but also to address repeated misinformation that has appeared on my desk as well as attempt to brief you on the latest developments of the enemies of the Reich.
First, the blunders. In the attempts of overly zealous SS agents to upstage the operations of the Abwehr they have made predictions and operational guesses that, while very occasionally in line with actual developments, have actually underestimated Western and Eastern capacities significantly. Examples would include missing the magnetically-influenced short-range "Sidewinder" program of the United States along with its counterpart the "Falcon" program, the Soviet development of a short-range rocket artillery system, and the failure to note British development of a counter-signal intelligence system that had broken some of our Enigma cryptography. This latter development was suspected three months ago but kept quiet until triple confirmation could be had, in fact it was noted that the failure of SD and SS agents in maintaining radio discipline contributed to this. Thankfully we have "agents" on the ground in the UK, equally lazy radio operators that are seemingly unaware that we have deciphered their own coded transmissions via the Z6 series of computers. Because of our diligence we were able to not only report the beginnings of the Russian counteroffensive after the Moscow push but also to report on developments in the British Eighth Army and its development in Cyrenaica. Most impressive is the development of a Z7a and Z7b system, the beginnings of a new Enigma-based series of coded radios and the Lorenz 52 system for highest-level communications. We anticipate that the security of this system will be markedly improved and should take some time for our enemies to even recognize.
Technical capacities for the British and especially Americans are advancing at an astounding rate. The recent deployment of the "Canuck" series of heavy fighters is awe-inspiring but the "Sidewinder" program is especially dangerous. While our recent propaganda coup with the DFS 349 rocket-powered program and its achievement of a "Mach 1.4" speed (or 1.4 times the speed of sound) with the pilot on board are impressive, especially with the follow-on planned for a "Mach 2.1" version, our own Project 1101 is underway but not ready for realization. I appreciate the collaboration of our jet engine manufacturers and especially the implementation of the SA-2 air defense missile system, the bombing raids over our cities have been reduced. However, the Americans are at work on a counter to this system both electronically and with the very effective British solution of simply shooting magnesium-laden steel flares at the missiles which track and destroy...the flares. Although the Focke-Wulf 210 has begun to note impressive results with the bombing of the westernmost Soviet industrial targets, their simple response of moving facilities ever eastward poses significant problems. Our counter to this is the first combined Japanese-German aircraft project known as the "Project Z"...
(rest of document remains *highly* classified...and will be presented later today)
Certainly there were Nazi sympathizers in the U.S., including major industrialists, but it's a huge stretch to consider any of them active Nazi agents passing on highly classified information to the Germans, even assuming they have access to it. Pre-war American counterintelligence may have been rather inexperienced, but it wasn't entirely incompetent.