Aircraft - GDR: Illustrated History Books & Guides

Kampflugzeuge der NVA

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Until the late 1980s, both in the West and the East assumed that a possible conflict would initially develop on the territory of the two German states.
The air force of the NVA was accordingly well equipped with material from the Soviet Union. From the very beginning, the air force's inventory included aircraft such as the MiG-15 and later the MiG-21, right up to the ultra-modern MiG-29.

These aircraft had no need to fear comparison with their western counterparts. This volume presents the combat aircraft of the "other" German Air Force in detail.

Product details

Author:	Michael Normann
Details:	176 pages, 9.7 x 8.25 x 0.47 in (24.5 x 21 x 1.2 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	180 b&w and color photos
Language:	German
Publisher:	Motorbuch Verlag (D, 2025)
ISBN:	9783613047860

Hubschrauber, Transporter und Schulflugzeuge der NVA

The National People's Army (NVA) provided the armed forces of the GDR from 1956 to 1990. In both the West and the East, it was assumed that a conflict would initially develop on the territory of the two German states, and the GDR armed forces were accordingly well equipped by the Soviet Union.
The air force was no exception and the GDR had everything from the An-2 to the Mi-24 combat helicopter in its arsenal.

Pages of the book "Hubschrauber, Transporter und Schulflugzeuge der NVA"

In the tried and tested manner, the helicopters, transporters and training aircraft of the "other" German air force are presented in detail and thus perfectly complement the volume "Kampfflugzeuge der NVA".

Product details

Author:	Michael Normann
Details:	192 pages, 10.4 x 9.1 in (26.5 x 23 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	180 b&w and color photos
Language:	German
Publisher:	Motorbuch Verlag (D, 2021)
ISBN:	9783613043534

Interflug - Die Fluglinie der DDR

The state airline of the GDR was founded in 1958 and until its dissolution after German reunification in 1991, Interflug was also responsible for all other commercial aviation activities of the state, such as agricultural aviation, air traffic control and the operation of airports.

This book is being published to mark the 30th anniversary of the cessation of operations - packed with rare images and stories to browse through from another era that many people today can no longer imagine.
Rare detail and interior photos convey the spirit of the times. A real treat for fans of Soviet aircraft.

Product details

Author:	Sebastian Schmitz
Details:	192 pages, 9 x 6.7 in (24 x 17 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	150 b&w and color photos
Language:	German
Publisher:	Motorbuch Verlag (D, 2021)
ISBN:	9783613043893

Geschichte der Luftfahrtindustrie der DDR

The society "Gesellschaft zur Bewahrung von Stätten deutscher Luftfahrtgeschichte", represented by Hans-Dieter Tack and Ullrich Unger, gave the final impetus to the completion of the book. Impressed by the detailed stories about the GDR aviation industry, an interesting variety of topics was suggested:

- The story of the first German jet-powered airliner, the 152, symbolizes the fate of the GDR aviation industry.
- The successful series production of the medium-haul airliner IL-14P was abruptly stopped to make room for the 152.
- The jet turbines developed in Pirna were among the best in the world, but with the end of aircraft construction in the GDR, the chance to be internationally competitive was lost.
- The attempt to build small aircraft failed, with only one aircraft constructed, realized by the Society for Sport and Technology.
- Despite the demise of the GDR aviation industry, restored gliders are flying again, accompanied by stories and records of the GDR glider pilots.
- The Delphin airship and the corrugated propeller drive marked a potential renaissance, but remained limited to research by enthusiasts.
- An internationally successful parachute manufacturer in Seifhennersdorf not only survived the end of the GDR aviation industry, but also the end of the GDR itself.

Product details

Author:	Frank-Dieter Lemke
Details:	254 pages, 12 x 8.7 x 0.75 in (30.5 x 22 x 1.9 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	500+ photos and drawings
Language:	German
Publisher:	Verlag Rockstuhl (D, 2019)
ISBN:	9783959664288

Mit dem Flugzeug zur Leipziger Messe - Die Geschichte der Messeflüge in einzigartigen Aufnahmen

Aviation experts Hans-Dieter Tack, Bernd-Rüdiger Ahlbrecht and Ulrich Unger present around 270 mostly unpublished historical photographs that invite you on an exciting journey into the eventful history of Leipzig trade fair flights.
The fascinating images and knowledgeable explanations make the hearts of all aviation enthusiasts and technology enthusiasts beat faster.

Product details

Author:	Hans-Dieter Tack, Bernd-Rüdiger Ahlbrecht, Ulrich Unger
Details:	2018168 pages, 10.8 x 8.9 in (27.5 x 22.5 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	270 b&w and color photos
Language:	German
Publisher:	Sutton Verlag (D, 2018)
ISBN:	9783954009046

Segelflugzeugbau in der DDR: Ideen und Projekte – Nachbauten und Neukonstruktionen

In the GDR, aircraft construction was always shrouded in mystery after it ended in March 1961. Those interested in history could only learn about the short history of the GDR aviation industry from older editions of "Flügel der Heimat" or other aviation publications. These publications were characterized by the enthusiasm of the aircraft manufacturers and the enthusiasm of the press for the ambitious project that was intended to demonstrate the superiority of socialism.

The sudden and unexplained end of the aviation industry was surprising and painful. Officially, the defeat was kept secret because it was a setback for socialist development.

Only a few people were lucky enough to personally experience aircraft construction in the GDR, especially glider construction. Johannes Höntsch and the author were among them. They decided to research the past and to honor the achievements of the people who worked for their ideas. Thanks to the willingness of others to share their experiences and make their documents available, this book was able to come into being.

Product details

Author:	Frank-Dieter Lemke
Details:	218 pages, 12 x 8.7 x 0.75 in (30.5 x 22 x 1.9 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	500 photos and drawings
Language:	German
Publisher:	Verlag Rockstuhl (D, 2018)
ISBN:	9783959663038

Transporter und Hubschrauber der NVA - 1956-1990 (Typenkompass)

After the book "Kampfflugzeugen der NVA", this volume is devoted to the transporters and helicopters of the National People's Army, thus completing the aircraft used by the GDR's armed forces from 1956 to 1990.
Just as in the West, during the Cold War the opposing side assumed that a possible conflict would initially develop on the territory of the two German states. The NVA was accordingly well equipped with material, and the air force was no exception.

Pages of the book "Transporter und Hubschrauber der NVA - 1956-1990"

Each type is presented with a photo, a historical description and a technical sheet.

Product details

Author:	Michael Normann
Details:	128 pages, 8.1 x 5.5 in (20.5 x 14 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	many b&w and color photos
Language:	German
Publisher:	Motorbuch Verlag (D, 2011)
Series:	Typenkompass
ISBN:	9783613033368

Tragödie 152: Aufbau und Absturz der Luftfahrtindustrie in der DDR

The publication examines the short aviation history of the GDR, which - as the title *"Tragedy 152"- suggests - ends in failure. Written by engineers Lothar Brehmer and Jochen Werner, who personally experienced the final phase of aircraft development in Dresden, the book offers an objective assessment as part of recent industrial history.

Even fifty years later, the topic remains relevant, as myths and legends are critically reviewed. The narrative spans from controlled development at Junkers in Dessau, through post-1945 work in the Soviet Union, to the end of aircraft production in Dresden.

Using newly accessible sources, the authors analyze technical, economic, and political causes and present a well-documented account of this chapter in GDR aviation history.

Product details

Author:	Lothar Bremer, Jochen Werner
Details:	112 pages, 8.7 x 8.25 x 0.35 in (22 x 21 x 0.9 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	extensively illustrated
Language:	German
Publisher:	Sax-Verlag (D, 2010)
ISBN:	9783867290746