The author has done some fine research into these interesting 'X-craft' and their prototypes...

... This is a fascinating collection of information, and the author must have spent years assembling the data as so much original material was destroyed or taken away by the victorious allies and as he mentions, hidden away on various archives so that it is now pretty much impossible to unearth. For reference on the many and varied aircraft types designed under the banner of the Third Reich, this is just packed with interesting information for the aircraft historian, modeller and enthusiast.

Military Modelling - Robin Buckland

“X-planes” is a fascinating look at an amazing chapter in aviation history.

Toy Soldier & model figure

This is a book for the enthusiast; many of the machines described and illustrated will be familiar to historians of the period. Perhaps the most valuable part of this book is the explanation of the complex organisation behind the development and trials of the numerous aircraft that were intended for military and civilian use during the Third Reich.

The Bulletin - Military Historical Society

With numerous photographs thorough, is a book for the enthusiast.

Perhaps the most valuable part of the book is the explanation of the complex organisation behind the development and trails of the numerous aircraft that were intended for military and civilian use during the Third Reich.

The Bulletin - Militay Historical Society

By the title alone you know you will like this book and I am pleased to say it does not disappoint once you get inside. This one is a cracker from first to last.

The author details the many test sites where development took place and it helps to illustrate the huge amount of effort that went into the growth of German air power.  The author draws our attention to the fact that while it could do next to nothing about the manufacturing power of it’s enemies the Luftwaffe made the huge mistake of developing too many types while not sticking to the manufacture of successful models.

The book then turns into an illustrated directory of aircraft types. It details them alphabetically by manufacturer showing the types taken way beyond the drawing stage. For the majority this means finished machines, indeed many of which are the production types we all know. However, a great many others are a fascinating mix of concepts and competition designs which did not get beyond the prototype stage. Helicopters and autogyros mix in with the whole polyglot of gliders, floatplanes and sundry jets the German boffins are famous for.

This is another of those dip in and out books I really enjoy.

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