![]() It was common practice for a Schwarm to develop which included two sections teaming up in flight thus affording the pilots the opportunity to observe their surroundings more efficiently as they flew four abreast ( Mason, 1973). The wingman could focus on searching the airspace in the leader’s blind spots, both from behind and below ( Green, 1980). The leader could hunt enemy aircraft, and also cover the wingman’s blind spots. The flight leader was followed to starboard and also to the rear by his wingman, who was competent enough to stay with him at all times. Luftwaffe fighter pilots flew meticulously designed combat formations and employed the basic unit of a pair (Rotte) of fighters that would be widely spread out by about two hundred meters or so ( Sims, 1972). In addition, “Fighting Area Tactics” also specified that RAF fighter pilots had to open fire on enemy aircraft at long-range, usually from about 275 to 370 m, and then they were to break off without closing in on their prey ( Bungay, 2000 Delve, 2007). RAF fighter pilots usually flew in tight, vee-shaped sections of three aircraft ( Delve, 2007) which meant that the pilots were obliged to concentrate on observing each other’s positions, rather than being free to keep a necessary vantage point in order to see adversarial aircraft ( Duncan Smith, 1981 Bungay, 2000). In general terms, the Messerschmitt and Spitfire aircraft were well matched in performance ( Caldwell, 1991) and the consequence of an aerial duel was mainly finalized by the quality of the aviator, superior flying tactics, the relative position and the skill level of the opposite pilot ( Price, 1995, 1991). There were some who believed that the Spitfire had a higher rate of turn and a smaller turning circle ( Spick, 1983) than the Messerschmitt, but this did not dent the reputation of the latter. Luftwaffe pilots considered the F-1s and F-2s to be exceptional planes which could effortlessly outclass the Spitfire Mk Is and IIs and they closely matched the Mk Vs which were almost ready to enter service. Some of the notable German pilots including ace pilot Adolf Galland embraced the Bf 109 as a super plane which was able to outturn the British Supermarine Spitfire, and this was mainly because untried British pilots did not turn as closely as was possible due to their fear of falling into a high-speed stall ( Sims, 1972 Green, 1980). By late 1940, various Luftwaffe fighter units were being re-equipped with the daunting new Bf 109F-1 and F-2 Messerschmitt variants which had superior performance. Hartmann was a diligent and loyal servant of the Luftwaffe.ĭuring the Second World War, there were numerous fighter aircraft of outstanding quality, but none could match the German Luftwaffe’s main single-engine, single-seat fighter, the famous Messerschmitt Bf 109. He relished the challenges posed by aerial combat and was a very competitive individual with a desire to always be where the action was taking place, and in the heart of all aviation things. Above all his love of aviation and flying was evident from an early age. ![]() He was enormously confident, self-confident, and clearly had a superior cognitive ability and an almost natural ability to fly. In Wolfe’s (2001) book, “The Right Stuff”, fighter pilots are described as having some interesting traits and Hartmann was no different. ![]() Included literature provides context around and details about Hartman’s achievements as an aviator, more specifically the combats that he was involved in and the machines he flew and took down. This article presents a synthesis of the literature describing the aviation career of Erich Hartman. This study gives aīrief overview of the Hartmann and his exploits during World War Two and was This article provides a synthesized look at this talentedĬontributor to World War II and aviation history in general. Messerschmitt Bf 109 approaching, they would bolt instead of engaging him inĪerial combat. Repute had grown so colossal that when many Soviet pilots observed his Warfare it is unlikely to ever be broken. Record that has never been broken, and owing to the nature of modern aerial “The Black Devil” as Hartmann was known, holds a ![]() Staggering 825 missions in recording 352 victories (See Annexure 1 ). Scoring fighter pilot of all the fighters in World War 2. None of them, however,Ĭomes close to the exceptionally gifted Erich Hartmann who served mainly on theĮastern Front during World War II. Great aviators and specifically ace fighter pilots.
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