Aeronumerology Blog
The First Plane Spotter
There is no universally accepted "first plane spotter" in the way there is for some other hobbies. Aircraft spotting probably began almost as soon as aircraft themselves appeared. However, it is likely that the earliest enthusiasts were seldom documented. By...
Luftwaffe Myths – Probably just that!
Introduction Over the course of this series, we have examined a remarkable collection of Luftwaffe and German aviation legends. We have explored claims of flights from Norway to Japan via the Arctic, alleged journeys to Manchuria, stories of aircraft approaching New...
The Arctic Route – Did the Luftwaffe Fly from Norway to Japan via the North Pole?
Was there an Arctic route from Europe to Japan, did the Junkers Ju-290 or Ju-390 fly from Norway to Japan and avoid Russia.
The Japanese Liasion
Introduction Germany and Japan maintained communication and exchanged personnel during the Second World War because both regimes saw strategic value in cooperation, even though their war aims and theatres were very different. Their early alignment grew out of the...
The Uruguay Legend – Was a German Aircraft Buried on a Remote Ranch?
Introduction Among the many stories surrounding alleged long-range Luftwaffe flights to South America, few are as intriguing as the claim that a German aircraft landed at a remote ranch in Uruguay and was subsequently dismantled, buried, or otherwise hidden from...
The Argentina Flights – Could they have happened?
Introduction Among the many long-range aviation legends associated with the Luftwaffe, few have endured as strongly as the claim that German aircraft reached Argentina during the Second World War. Unlike the stories surrounding New York or the Arctic, the Argentina...
Did the Luftwaffe cross the Atlantic – Part 2
Introduction Few stories surrounding German aviation during the Second World War have generated more debate than the claim that a Junkers Ju 390 flew to the vicinity of New York and returned safely to Europe. Unlike many wartime myths, the story appears at first...
Did the Luftwaffe cross the Atlantic – Part 1
Transatlantic Luftwaffe? There are some anecdotal indicators suggesting that there were return Luftwaffe flights across the Atlantic. These purportedly took place in the very late stages of the second world war, I have found some references. But at the moment I am...
The Capetown Flight – The first Ju-390 Mystery
Introduction Before examining the famous claims that the Junkers Ju 390 reached Manchuria, Japan and the United States, it is worth considering a lesser-known story that may provide the key to understanding all of the aircraft's legends. Unlike the alleged flight to...