Messerschmitt Me 264 Amerikabomber

The Luftwaffe's Lost Transatlantic Bomber
By Robert Forsyth & Eddie Creek
Classic Publications, ©2006
ISBN 1-903223-65-2
Hardbound, 128 Pages
Available from Specialty Press for $36.95

Reviewed by Chris Banyai-Riepl

While Germany had many excellent aircraft designs during World War Two in fighters and medium bombers, one area that the Lufwaffe was sorely lacking was long-range strategic bombers. With the United States entering into the war in 1941, Germany had no way of striking at the industry of North America, or deep into Russia for that matter. Both of those nations were able to increase war materiel production without risk of destruction, which greatly aided the downfall of the Third Reich.

This was not to say that German aviation engineers were not working on designs for long-range bombers. The Messerschmitt Me 264 was one of many designs that was under consideration, and this aircraft managed to get into prototype production. This latest book from Classic Publications details the fascinating history of long-range aviation in the Luftwaffe and the design progress of the Me 264. Although the book is not long, it is packed with lots of information, including photos, drawings, and charts. Tying it all together is a well written text that tells the story in an interesting way, keeping the reader fascinated with this big 4-engined project.

For those who want to know why Germany never developed an equivalent to the B-29, this is the book to read. All of the ups and downs of the Me 264 project are highlighted here, making it an excellent addition to any Luftwaffe reference library. My thanks to Specialty Press for the review copy.