Secret Projects of the Kriegsmarine

A thorough introduction to the German Navy’s advanced designs during World War II, exploring lesser-known weapons, submarines, and high-speed vessels.

Secret Projects of the German Kriegsmarine gives a comprehensive overview of advanced German naval building in World War II, and excitingly includes previously unseen, secret projects. This book is relatively short, yet densely packed with historical naval insight. It will thus appeal to the busy reader interested in boat modelling, or indeed anyone who is fascinated with naval warfare. The designs covered by the title are wide-ranging, from U-boats and hydrofoils, to submarines, explosive motorboats and even aircraft carriers.

Not simply presenting information on functioning prototypes, this book highlights numerous theoretical projects for hydrofoils, landing craft and heavy surface units, among many others. Also included are technical examinations of the ‘Z-Plan’ Kreigsmarine build up and the ill-fated Graf Zeppelin, which was abandoned halfway through the war, amid wrangling between the Kriegsmarine and Luftwaffe.

Secret Projects of the German Kriegsmarine features little-studied designs, like tracked amphibious vehicles equipped with breathing gear, as well as the Luftwaffe-designed Siebel ferries that saw considerable service on the Eastern front. All the information is extremely well-illustrated and accompanied by detailed drawings, action-packed photographs and artist’s impressions of the different crafts. The historical snapshots, combined with modern, labelled drawings, help to put the past in perspective and bring to life the naval building projects.

Praise for Secret Projects of the German Kriegsmarine

“This is a very interesting book, it is well presented, and the authors have done some marvellous research. If advanced naval technology appeals to you then this book is a “must have” for your library.” —Dr. Stuart C Blank, Military Archive Research

“Extraordinary designs for secret German naval marine craft—gloriously well-illustrated and absolutely fascinating, the kind of thing you used to see in boys’ comic book annuals.” —Books Monthly

“This book offers plans for everything from battleships and aircraft carriers to submarines, hydrofoils and landing craft. To back this up you get schematics and a number of intriguing photos, especially of piloted torpedoes.” —The Armourer