Author Thomas Hitchcock is widely regarded as an expert on  Luftwaffe aircraft and on Luftwaffe colors and markings. This edition on the Ta-152 adds to Jerry Crandall's previous works on the FW-190D as it is very much the logical follow-on to the 190D, an aircraft that Kurt Tank considered to be a stop gap aircraft until the 152 was able to reach full production.

Like all Focke-Wulf fighters, there was a full spectrum of variants that was projected, though only two, the Ta-152C and the Ta-152H were ever built. Only the Ta-152H was able to see combat, and that in the last months of the war. Typical of the time, the plane was only used in very limited numbers, mostly because of a lack of spare parts that kept the majority of the planes grounded.

The 152 was one of those planes that had a very much 'start and stop and start again' career. Initially, the type was designed as a high altitude fighter, and indeed, the Ta-152H was capable of operating successfully at elevations higher than most other German fighters. This was thanks to its pressurized cockpit and its long wings. Typically, most of the pressurization systems were non-functional so those that were flown at altitude were done without the benefit of the system. However, the design of the aircraft meant that it could climb better than most and once up there, was able to maneuver without stalling. This ability was quite useful at lower levels where the 152H was able to out turn Allied fighters. In fact, thanks to its design and engine power, it was pretty much superior to anything the Allies could pit against it. It climbed faster, turned tighter and was able to dive at speeds other planes could not. It also had superb straightline speed, thanks to its Jumo 213 power plant.

Engines were a major part of the plane's history as there were several that were planned for use, but due to the usual factors of the last years of the war, none of the various engines from Daimler-Benz or Junkers was able to be produced either in the quantities needed or with the reliability that was required from a fighter engine.

Only one unit ever was able to have enough Ta-152s available for operations and that was JG-301. Even then only the Stab and I./JG 301 were able to get enough planes to be considered operational. Though availability was low as the weeks progressed, those who were able to fly it were quite successful, scoring against aircraft that previously considered themselves to be top dogs. Mustangs and Tempests and Spitfires were no match for the 152, much to the delight of Luftwaffe pilots. However, this late in the war, there were simply not enough and those on hand were often unable to fly due to the lack of basic replacement parts.

Thomas Hitchcock covers the full history of the Ta-152 series including the short wing Ta-152C and Ta-152E. We are treated to the usual political intrigue of the time that resulted in the Ta-152 being chosen over the rival Me-209. This then evolves into the various series such as the 152C ground attack version, the 152E photo recon version and the 152H fighter/interceptor. A variety of prototypes were developed from other 190 series planes to check out 152 systems such as the engines, longer wings, different tail and armament. Then there were the actual 152 prototypes, the pre production planes and the initial production run.

All of this is covered along with the largest collection of 152 drawings and photos I've ever seen in one place. Add to this the superlative artwork of Jerry Crandall, and you have a book that is likely to never be eclipsed. It is a book that I savored as I read it. A book that is a must have for any enthusiast of the type and one that will be used over and over as a reference. I give it my highest recommendation.

August 2014

Review book courtesy of  Casemate Publishing, where you can order many superb books and DVDs.

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