Anything goes: A-5, SAC, and Luftwaffe

[PraetorH 166]

Hello,

 

as I wrote already, I paused my Mirage IIIG (77) project for a little while to restart freshly. Meanwhile I made this is fictional fun story about a German participation in SAC, so do not expect too much, even though bits and bytes are factual as you can read in the notes. But pics first:

 

 

(cookie for the first who guesses the girl in the pic )

 

 

The German Search for a Long Range Bomber

 

In the later 50ies, the German government in its desire for nuclear weapons was pressing hard for more active role in the NATO strikes. Especially the secretary of defense, Franz Josef Strauss, looked for an aircraft that could reach any target between Rhine and Volga …and nuke it. (1).

In 1960 Eisenhower, still trusting in Massive Retaliation and the deterrence it offered, believed German long range bombers over Moscow with nuclear ordnance a very deterring thought for the Soviets. So he agreed, but Germany had a price to pay. The new bomber wing was to be under SAC control and even outside Luftwaffe chain of command if the SAC required so. This was regarded as a small price on the way to nuclear power and a good opportunity to learn (2).

 

Enter the A-5G

 

Strauss rushed ahead and requested the B-58 Hustler, however both US and German Air Force officials pointed out that the Luftwaffe had neither experience with heavy bombers nor supersonic aircraft, much less support capability (3). A smaller two-engined bomber was deemed more suitable, as the German airfield were closer to the main targets anyway. Top-requirements were speed and survivability in face of the massive SAM line throughout Middle Europe. It was anticipated that a small group of fast bombers could break through that line during the chaos of the first air battles.

At that time, the US Navy was coincidentally phasing out the A-5A due to a shift in nuclear policy which emphasized missiles launched by submarines. North American realized the A-5 would be relegated to reconnaissance service only in the Navy (4), and offered a somewhat downgraded A-5A with simplified avionic systems. The navigation system for example was replaced by the LN3 Litton, which was also used on Luftwaffe new standard aircraft, the F-104G. Likewise, the engines were J79 G-11A. While providing slightly less thrust they were used on the F-104G as well.

The most radical modification was the addition of Sidewinder launch rails, although it was not sure how exactly they would be used in a war. Some advocated splitting the flight in a main bomber section and an escort section, while others favoured them for self defense during the return. Ultimately it had little operational use and was more of a comfort for the pilots, assuring them there would be a return (5). The combat radius of the Vigilante would allow bombing even Moscow from Munich and fly back - in theory.

 

Strategisches Kampfgeschwader 11

 

Aptly, the new unit equipped with A-5G bombers was called Strategisches Kampfgeschwader 11 (Strategic Bomber Wing). Pilots who had shown the greatest stress resistance were handpicked from the fighter bomber wings. Oberstleutnant Hanns Heise became the unit’s commander because he had commanded KG 40, one of Germany’s few long range bomber wings in WWII, then flying Fw-200 and He-177 (6).

Soon StratKG 11 took up this legacy donning their aircraft with the orbited earth of KG 40, but since they were operating under SAC command, they not only added the SAC stripe to their aircrafts’ noses but also set the orbited earth against a stripe of stars in dark night, illustrating their commitment to SAC.

Like the British V-bombers the German Vigilantes were painted with an anti-flash white wraparound to reflect some of the thermal radiation of a nuclear explosion. And like the British they forgot to pale their insignia at first...

 

 

 

(1) This is actually true but often forgotten. The Starfighter was chosen for the Luftwaffe due to its excellent low lever strike capabilities.

(2) Eisenhower indeed did, but he would never have allowed German strategic bombers, nor had anyone else done. The Soviet Union was angry enough about nuclear sharing and even threatened Kennedy with war should Germany get any more involved. The German public on the other hand did not know much about nuclear sharing and considered the Starfighter an interceptor first. Moreover the Luftwaffe itself had never intended to wage strategic air war, leaving that role to SAC.

(3) Germany had massive problems operating Starfighters for various reasons including pilot training, maintenance and shortage of manpower. The Luftwaffe simply could not handle a Mach-2 aircraft in the early 60ies. A monster like the Hustler was absolutely inadequate. However, so would have been the A-5!

(4) This is what happened…

(5) Morale was a problem for the fighter bomber pilots assigned to units with nuclear sharing, especially early on. This combined with the rather inexperienced Luftwaffe might explain the wish for Sidewinders. Of course, I just wanted something to shoot with ;)

(6) The name of the unit follows Bundeswehr regulations and the numbers from 11 to 29 were not used for any wing. Heise later became the commander of the German forces in the US. Luftwaffe units using old Luftwaffe insignia was actually quite frequent.

 

 

 

regards

 

 

PS: thanks to Julhelm, his A-5 and his template!

Edited March 26, 2011 by PraetorHonoris

[FrankD 7]

A very enterstructive story PraetorHonoris

Whatifing is so much more fun with a solid background.

Nice texture too by the way.

[+sony tuckson 12]

Ursulla Andres...

[PraetorH 166]

Cookie!

The first Bond Girl ever

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JsOJBGYDJnQ/TCCgTgabf0I/AAAAAAAAA64/ivc0XZ314Mo/s1600/ursula-andress-01.jpg

 

 

Thanks Frank, I am still working a bit too improve the skin, although one usually does not see that on screens but only in game. However an idea I took from the great BAC TSR.2 by Bongodiver and Sundowner is the gold film for the windscreen. This was done to protect the pilot against the nuclear flash. Since German pilots also asked for a gold film on their helmet visors at least, it is quite a possible what-if. Also it looks good in combination with the anti-flash white, I think.

 

[Wrench 9,662]

Diego has some gold-plated visors on a couple of his pilot figures ... shoot him a PM; I don't remember where they are

 

wrench

kevin stein

[PraetorH 166]

Thanks for the note, I'll see to it!

[Toryu 156]

Looks pretty neat - totally LOVE the KG40-badge