Ian V Hogg. German Secret Weapons of the Second World War: The Missiles, Rockets, Weapons and New Technology of the Third Reich.Greenhill Books, London and Stackpole Books, Pennsylvania, 2002. ISBN ISBN abbr. International Standard Book Number ISBN International Standard Book Number ISBN n abbr (= International Standard Book Number) → ISBN m 1-85367-510-5. paperback, 223 pp., over 80 b&w drawings and illustrations, 16 x 23 cm. UK price 10.95 [pounds sterling]. This title, by the late Ian Hogg, is another welcome edition to the Greenhill Military Paperback series, being a readily affordable treasure trove of fascinating military research, development and employment. Herein one can establish the pedigrees of many of today's `smart' weapons and munitions mu·ni·tion n. War materiel, especially weapons and ammunition. Often used in the plural. tr.v. mu·ni·tioned, mu·ni·tion·ing, mu·ni·tions To supply with munitions. . The author's extensive knowledge is also able to provide us with many instances of comparable allied secret projects. As may be expected, there is a highly readable and informative account of V1's and V2's and the V3 or High Pressure Pump bombardment gun. Other chapters include aircraft, air-launched weapons, artillery, air defence weaponry, warfare at sea and a topical subject for today, nuclear chemical and biological warfare. The NCB (Network Control Block) A packet structure used by the NetBIOS communications protocol. chapter provides us with a readily understood exposition of the nerve gases known as Tabun tabun (tä`bən), liquid chemical compound used as a nerve gas. It boils at 240°C; with some decomposition. The liquid is colorless to brownish; its vapors have a fruity odor similar to that of bitter almonds. , Sarin sarin (zärēn`), volatile liquid used as a nerve gas. It boils at 147°C; but evaporates quickly at room temperature; its vapor is colorless and odorless. and Soman soman, colorless liquid used as a nerve gas. It boils at 167°C;, evolving an odorless vapor. It is rapidly absorbed through the skin; death may result within 15 min of exposure. In nonfatal concentrations it is hazardous to the eyes. . The first appendix provides the reader with a list of two dozen ammunition manufacturers and their numerous secret products. The second appendix lists every known special equipment code name (of which there were hundreds) and a brief description thereof. This book is the result of lengthy research, particularly the study of WW2 Allied technical investigative reports, and is sheer bliss for the technically minded. Ian Hogg is sorely missed. |
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