B. MATERIEL 1. Combat planes.. It is estimated that Germany had approxi- mately 24,000 combat planes available at the outbreak of the Russian war, as follows: First Line Reverse Total Bombers, heavy (including 220 220 440 long-range reconaissance) Bombers, medium (including 4,250 4,250 8,500 reconnaissance) Bombers, light (Stukas) 1,190 1,190 2,380 Pursuit, single engine 2,400 2,400 4,800 Pursuit, twin engine 2,250 2,250 4,500 Observation and cooperative 900 900 1,800 Flying boats, navy fighters and (?) (?) (?) amphibians Total 11,660 11,660 23,320 Approximately 50 percent of the German first line plane strength has been employed on the Russian front; i.e., about 6,000 planes. 2. Tanks.-It is estimated that Germany had 30,000 tanks on hand at the opening of hostilities. It is to be noted that Germany is favoring tlm use of medium and heavy types of tanks. 3. Artillery.--An average estimate of 13,500 guns is submitted as between a British estimate of 15,000 and an American of 12,000. Heavy antiaircraft guns amounted to an additional 9,000. The nunlber of antiaircraft (47 mm.) on hand is not known, but it is to be noted that these are employed for antitank purposes as well. 4. The percentage of total equipment used on the eastern front is approximately in proportion to the number of divisions oper- ating there. |