“…Does this mean the new fighter competition has been reset back to square one…?”
Professor Schmitt spoke in a voice utterly devoid of hope, a stark contrast to his confidence just two hours earlier.
(How should I know?!
This is the first I’ve heard of it too!)
That was my honest reaction.
But losing my temper wouldn’t do.
It wasn’t like me—and certainly not how a nobleman should behave.
I couldn’t let those Junker aristocrats think I lacked composure.
“It’s the Führer’s decision.
Besides…”
“The frontline pilots have been raising many of these concerns for some time.”
I shot Udet a glare the moment he said that.
He simply shrugged in response.
Still, appearances could be deceiving.
Udet wasn’t nearly as calm as he pretended to be.
I could see his leg bouncing beneath the table.
“Ahem…
Well.
As for the specifications His Excellency laid out for the new fighters and bombers, I must admit they’re outside my field.
I’m in no position to judge them.”
After clearing his throat, Todt—the Führer’s trusted civil engineer—began speaking.
“However, His Excellency’s arguments are perfectly rational.
Speaking as a member of the Ministry of Economics, I have serious concerns about Daimler’s DB 600 engine family.”
One of Daimler’s engineers immediately took offense.
“Our engines are compact, powerful, and highly refined.
Furthermore, the improved DB 601, producing around 1,000 horsepower, is already ready for mass production.
I would very much like to hear exactly what problem you believe it has.”
Todt answered without hesitation.
“Then allow me to ask a simple question.
How many DB 601 engines can you manufacture in a year?
And what is the standard maintenance time for one?”
“Well…
If the Reich requires it, we can produce as many as necessary…”
“Oh?
Is that so?
Despite an engine that uses ten roller bearings, a fuel-injection pump, and a highly sophisticated, complicated internal design, you claim you can mass-produce as many as we ask?
Daimler must possess truly magnificent factories.
As someone responsible for the Reich’s economy and industry, I would very much like the privilege of seeing these miraculous facilities.”
The engineer had no reply.
(What an obnoxious way to put it…)
Still, I couldn’t entirely dismiss Todt’s criticism.
Even within the Luftwaffe, there had been concerns that the DB 601 was overly sophisticated and unnecessarily complicated.
But the Führer had gone too far in the opposite direction.
Yes, the DB 601 was difficult to manufacture, but Germany’s current industrial base was more than capable of producing it.
Its rival, the Jumo 211, was certainly easier to build, but it was larger and heavier for its power output.
In a single-engine fighter, where engine dimensions directly affected the aircraft’s layout, the DB 601 was clearly the superior choice.
(So why is he placing such overwhelming emphasis on manufacturability…?)
Throughout today’s trials, the Führer had repeatedly stressed production efficiency and ease of maintenance.
Only a short while ago, he had been satisfied with the Bf 109’s performance.
Yet now he had completely changed course.
It was almost as if he preferred Heinkel’s prototype—the one produced by that company notorious for its dislike of the Nazi Party.
“…And furthermore, to improve production efficiency throughout the Reich, standardized components should be adopted across manufacturers…”
Todt was still talking.
He had moved on to the Ministry of Economics’ latest crusade: standardizing aircraft components between manufacturers, another initiative personally backed by the Führer.
With every major aviation company in the Reich gathered here today, Todt clearly intended to make the most of the opportunity.
“My lord,” Udet said, turning to me, “whether we ultimately choose the Bf 109 or the He 112, I believe the Führer is correct that both require further refinement.
He’s also right that the DB 601 is overly complicated.
I don’t appreciate the Ministry of Economics sticking its nose into Luftwaffe affairs, but if their involvement means we can put even one more aircraft into service, that’s something worth considering.”
He paused before continuing.
“However…”
“Yes,” I replied with a nod.
“The requirements His Excellency laid out for these new aircraft go beyond a single fighter design.
They affect the future direction of the Luftwaffe itself.
We’ll need to discuss this with him separately.”
“I agree.”
(Udet is right.
Several of the aircraft the Führer ordered today will fundamentally reshape what kind of air force the Luftwaffe is meant to become.)
As I nodded, I glanced at the list my adjutant had been taking down during the meeting.
Among the new development programs were two entries that immediately caught my eye:
A new ground-attack aircraft.
A new heavy bomber.