''Zirkus Rosarius'' (also known as the ''Wanderzirkus Rosarius'') was an ''
Erprobungskommando
An ''Erprobungskommando'' (EKdo) ("Testing-command") was a variety of Luftwaffe special-purpose unit tasked with the testing of new aircraft and weaponry under operational conditions. Similarly-named ''Erprobungs-''prefixed squadron ''(staffel)'' ...
''-style special test unit of the
Luftwaffe
The ''Luftwaffe'' () was the aerial-warfare branch of the German ''Wehrmacht'' before and during World War II. Germany's military air arms during World War I, the ''Luftstreitkräfte'' of the Imperial Army and the '' Marine-Fliegerabtei ...
, specifically of the
Luftwaffe High Command
The (; abbreviated OKL) was the high command of the air force () of Nazi Germany.
History
The was organized in a large and diverse structure led by Reich minister and supreme commander of the Air force (german: Oberbefehlshaber der Luftwaf ...
, tasked with testing captured British and American aircraft, all of which were repainted in German markings.
The purpose of testing allied aircraft was to discover any strengths or vulnerabilities in their design or performance. This information was highly useful in enabling German service personnel to develop tactics designed to counter strengths and exploit any vulnerabilities.
The unit was formed by Theodor Rosarius in 1943 and was part of the ''2.Staffel/Versuchsverband Oberbefehlshaber der Luftwaffe'' (second squadron of the Experimental Unit of Luftwaffe High Command). The Zirkus also toured operational airfields showing Luftwaffe pilots the captured aircraft and training them in techniques to counter these aircraft. The ''Zirkus Rosarius'' seemed to have merited the use of its own
''Geschwaderkennung'' ("
wing
A wing is a type of fin that produces lift while moving through air or some other fluid. Accordingly, wings have streamlined cross-sections that are subject to aerodynamic forces and act as airfoils. A wing's aerodynamic efficiency is expres ...
code") of "T9", with a few of the unit's aircraft coming from
KG 200
''Kampfgeschwader'' 200 (KG 200) (" irCombat Squadron 200") was a German ''Luftwaffe'' special operations unit during World War II. The unit carried out especially difficult bombing and transport operations and long-distance reconnaissance flight ...
, which already used the "A3" identification code of that wing.
See also
*
Air Fighting Development Unit
The Air Fighting Development Unit (AFDU) was an air technical intelligence part of the Royal Air Force which developed tactics and tested captured enemy aircraft. It was based at Royal Air Force Stations Northolt, Duxford and Wittering.
The AF ...
, the RAF unit that tested captured German aircraft.
*
No. 1426 (Enemy Aircraft) Flight, the RAF unit that flew captured German aircraft.
*
Allied Technical Air Intelligence Unit
Technical Air Intelligence Units (TAIU) were joint Allied military intelligence units formed during World War II to recover Japanese aircraft to obtain data regarding their technical and tactical capabilities.
The first such unit, known later ...
, the combined Allied unit that evaluated Japanese aircraft.
*
Kampfgeschwader 200
''Kampfgeschwader'' 200 (KG 200) (" irCombat Squadron 200") was a German ''Luftwaffe'' special operations unit during World War II. The unit carried out especially difficult bombing and transport operations and long-distance reconnaissance flight ...
German special operations unit that operationally flew captured Allied aircraft.
References
* Stapfer, Hans-Heiri. ''Strangers in a Strange Land''. Squadron/Signal Publ. 1988.
* Lerche, Hans Werner. ''Luftwaffe Test Pilot: Flying captured Allied aircraft of World War 2''. London: Jane's 1980.
* Smith, J. Richard, Creek, Eddie J. and Petrick, Peter. ''On Special Missions, The Luftwaffe's Research and Experimental Squadrons 1923-1945''. 2003.
Luftwaffe Special Commands
Military units and formations established in 1943
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