Lw.E.a receiver, German WWII, WW2

Two features stand out in the
construction of Germany Army communications
equipment: the unit constitution methods employed
and the material from which the units are made.

Practically every piece of radio equipment is constructed in
units, which are secured to panels and to each
other, electrical connections being made by plug
and socket strips or by screwing tags or soldering
wires to a terminal strip. . In most cases this
permits quick dismantling for servicing and repair.

(1) General.
The metal from which radio sets are made is almost
universally an alloy of about 90 per cent magnesium;
8 per cent aluminum; and 2 per cent zinc, copper,
and other metals. Each unit consists of a die casting
of this alloy. Not only is the main sub Chassis cast,
but also the screening plates, bosses, and recesses for
mounting components. The castings are accurately made,
requiring little machining, thus establishing excellent
mechanical rigidity and improved electrical performance.

(2) Tuning condensers.
Main tuning condensers are made from the standard alloy.
Both rotors and stators are machined from a block casting.
Thus, there can be no deterioration in performance due to
corrosion between individual plates and their mountings.

(3) Insulation.
Extensive use is made of ceramic materials for insulating;
they are used for tag strips, tube holders, tube bases,
coil formers, and almost universally as the main bearing
for ganged condensers. Where coil formers are not made
from ceramics, porcelain or pressed bakelised paper is used.

(4) Condensers.
Trimmer condensers are usually either small, air-spaced ones,
or of the silvered ceramic-disc type (Philips), which are used
to some extent in British and American equipment. Small, fixed
condensers are the tubular ceramic type, or flat mica type in a
bakelite shroud. Except in older versions of the 100 W.S., mica
is used sparingly. Larger condensers' are paper-dielectric
Mansbridge type. No color-coding is used, the values being
printed on the condenser in mF, pF, or centimeters.

(5) Resistors.
Resistors are usually of the noninductive carbon type,
although a few wire wound ones are employed purely
for direct current purposes, such as voltage dividers.
No color-coding is used, the values being printed on
the resistor in ohms.

(6) Coils.
Low frequency' coils and chokes are wound with
single-strand. enamel-insulated wire, or with
silk-covered liztendraht wire. High frequency coils
usually are wound with bare copper or copper strip.
Alternatively, the coil former has a helical groove in
which a thin layer of copper is deposited, apparently
by electrolysis. .The inductance of most high frequency
coils can be varied within small limits by adjustment of
a co-axial iron dust core, or copper ring. Intermediate
frequency transformers not only have iron dust cores,
but are in many cases completely enclosed in an iron
dust shrouding.

(7) Tubes.
German radio receivers of modern design
have only one type of tube throughout, usually a pentode.
These tubes are not always used in an orthodox fashion-for
instance a pentode may be used as a diode-but the method
considerably facilitates the supply of spares.

Power supplies vary according to the purpose
for which the piece of equipment is used.
Vehicle sets employ separate rotary converters driven
from the 12-volt vehicle storage batteries. These
converters are of heavy rugged construction,
and therefore remait.1 serviceable for long periods
without attention. Ground stations employ storage
batteries and dry batteries, pedal operated generators,
or small gasoline electric sets. Pack sets employ storage
batteries with dry batteries or synchronous vibrators.

a. CONDENSERS.
Great pains are taken to make
the working of the sets as simple and reliable
as possible. Tuning condensers are driven through
a chain of precision gearing, using fiber and
spring-loaded metallic wheels to remove backlash.
b. DIALS.
The dials are of a large size, with
calibration spaced over 300 degrees or more.
They are accurately marked out, permitting the
frequency to be set to very close limits without
the use of a wavemeter. Most dials are marked
with one or more check points, allowing initial
calibration to be accurately set or checked by
means of an external or internal crystal oscillator
or by means of an internal "glow crystal" (leuchtquar:).
c. NUMBERING.
As an aid to both construction and.
servicing, each component in a set has a number,
and in many cases the wiring is numbered also.
Any two points bearing the same number are directly
connected.

a. GENERAL.
Complete sets in armored vehicles include transmitter,
receiver, power units, and accessories, referred to by
the designation Fu., followed by a number. An exception
is the voice transmitting set Fu. Spr.f. used in self-propelled
field and medium artillery vehicles and certain armored cars.
This set has no Fu. Number. Transmitters and receivers
individually are referred to by a description and a letter, such
as 10 watt transmitter "c".

b. RADIO SETS USED.
The following tabulation shows what complete radio sets are
likely to be installed in various types of armored and
self-propelled artillery vehicles. Details on these sets will be
found in the accompanying tables.

Vehicle ---------------------------	Radio --------------------------
Commander's tank	Fu.8 and Fu.5; or Fu.7 and Fu.5
Fighting tanks, all types	Fu.2 and Fu.5; or Fu.5 only
Assault guns (in armored formations)	Fu.2 and Fu.5; or Fu.5 only
Armored OP vehicles (artillery)	Fu.8 and Fu.4; or Fu.8, Fu.4 and Fu.Spr.f

OKW

( 3 ) Armed Forces Signal Communications
Group (Amtsgruppe Wehrmahtnachrichtenverbindungen-
Ag WNV ) (34). This group maintains
the trunk communications between the high
commands and is the nerve center of the top command
echelons. It has at least two signal regiments
of the Army at its disposal to maintain a
special network of land cables and radio channels
linking the OKW, OKH, OKL, and OKM and
the principal subordinate headquarters. It contains
a radio communications branch (Ag WNV/
Fzt) (35) and a wire communications branch (Ag
WNV/KF) (36).

Section VI. COMBAT TROOPS
(FECHTENDE TRUPPEN)

1. General
This section consists of a list of the more important
types of combat units in the German
armed forces, of the status of regiments and below
with particulars on their organization. They
are arranged according to the arms and services
(Wafengattungen), divided into organic units
(integral parts of divisions) and General Headquarters
units (Heerestruppen) (units held in the
General Headquarters pool from which they are
allotted to army groups, armies, and corps and
sub-allotted temporarily to divisions for specific
operations).
.
.
.
15. Organic Signal Troops (Nachrichtentruppen)
It should be noted that the personnel of signal
platoons and organic divisional units other than the
organic signal battalion belong to the arm of the
units in which they serve, although they are
trained to perform minor signal tasks. The propaganda
troops, which formerly belonged to the
signal troops, are now a separate arm. (See
paragraph 17 below.)
A Signal Battalion (Nachrichtenbataillon) is
organic in every German division, varying in
strength and composition according to the type of
division. (See Figures 136 to 138.)
The signal battalions in all German divisions
are composed of a telephone company, a radio
company, and a light signal column or a battalion
supply platoon. Their equipment and strength,
however, vary considerably in accordance with
their type of employment.

16. General Headquarters Signal Units

These are allotted to all echelons of the German
Armed Forces, from the Armed Forces High
Command itself down to corps and divisions.
The Armed Forces Signal Regiment (Fuhrungsnachrichtenregiment)
is under direct control
of the Armed Forces High Command. Its primary
mission is to maintain signal communications
between Hitler's headquarters (Fuhrerhauptquartier),
army groups, and army headquarters, as
well as among the three branches of the armed
forces.
The Army Group or Army Signal Regiment
(Heeres- or Armeenachriclztenreginlent) is found
with either an army group or an army.
The Field Signal Command (Feldnachrichtenkontmandantur)
is found in each army. It is a
static signal headquarters responsible for the permanent
signal installations in the army area.
The Corps Signal Battalion (Korps~tachriclztenabteilung)
is f0ur.d with each corps.
The Railway Signal Regiment (Eisenbahnnachrichtenregimcnt)
controls a varying number of
rilway signal battalions.
The Women's Auxiliary Signal Battalion
(Nachrichtenhelferinnenubteilung) is engaged in
signal work, such as radio, telephone, and telegraph
operation.
Independent specialist companies are engaged
in various types of signal work. Their function
usually is shown by their title. For a complete
list of identified signal units see "Order of Battle
of the German Army", March, 1945 edition.

German Air Force Signal Service (Luftnacbrichtenwesen)

a. GENERAL.
The importance of a comprehensive
and efficient air signal service in aerial warfare
is obvious. Neither offensive nor defensive
air operations could be conducted without a complete
network of signal communications, or without
radio and radar equipment for the direction
and control of aircraft, particularly in fighter
defense. So vital is the role of the German Air
Force Signal Service that it has had a greater
proportionate wartime expansion than any other
arm of the German Air Force, and now has an
estimated personnel strength of between 175,000
and 200,000.

b. FLEXIBILITY.
The efficiency of the German
Air Force has been enhanced by the flexibility of
its signal organization. This was particularly
true when the Germans were advancing into new
territory, usually well prepared, on a temporary
basis, for the reception of flying units. As soon
as the captured territory was firmly occupied, signal
units then established a more permanent landline
communications system. Under present circumstances,
with the Germans on the defensive,
the flexibility and mobility of the German Air
Force are no longer dependent to the same extent
on its signal organization. However, a workable
German Air Force Signal Service is still of
paramount importance in the defense of Germany
against air attacks.

c. FUNCTIONS.
These include the transmission
of all orders and communications necessary
for the operation and functioning of the German
Air Force, if possible both by landline and by
wireless; the establishment and supervision of
all navigational aids to aivraft; the manning of
Observer Corps and radar in conn'ection with
air defense; control of air traffic, air safety and
rescue services; and the interception of enemy
signals.

d. ORGANIZATION.

( 1 ) General.
One of the departments of the German Air Ministry is the
Director General of Signal Communications (Generalnachrichtenfiihrer
der Luftwafle). To handle
its multiple duties, a flexible organization has
been developed, consisting of many self-contained
specialist companies. .The bulk of these companies
are allocated to the major operational and
administrative commands, and the others are
grouped into battalions or remain as individual
companies attached to minor commands

(2) Section platoon and company.
The basic operational unit is the section (Truppe) of 10-20
men. Each section specializes in one particular
signal activity such as telephone, teletype, cable
laying, construction, etc. Five to ten sections of
the same type are organized into a platoon (Zug)
of 80 to 100 men. Three to six platoons are
grouped into a company (Kompanie) of 200 to
300 men. All platoons in a company specialize
in the same branch of signal activity, so that each
company is a self-contained specialist unit.

(3) Battalion and regiment.
Three to four companies usually make up a battalion (Abteilung),
although some have many more. The
strength of a battalion, aside from its staff, depends
on the number of companies. Three to five
battalions normally form a regiment (Regi-
%enter), with a strength between 1,500 and 9,000
and varying functions.

(4) Allotment and numbering of units.
Signal regiments and smaller units are allotted to the
several different types of operational and administrative
commands requiring a permanent allocation
of signal personnel. Allocation is on the basis
of the size and requirements of the command.
The relationship of the signal units to their assigned
commands often is indicated by the terminal
number of the unit designation ; e.g. Luftflotte
2 had Signal Regiments 2, 12, and 22. However,
with the creation of many new commands
and the renumbering of others, the numbering
system for signal units is not as readily workable
as formerly.

(5) Special units.
In addition to the standard units,
there is a special Research Regiment
charged with the development of new types of
signal equipment and its employment. Aircraft
specially equipped for signal activities have also
in many instances been allotted to various commands
and have proved extremely useful in conducting
air operations in mobile situations.

(6) Command.
The supreme signal command
of the above units is exercised by the Director
General of Signals of the Air Ministry. Signal
command of a Luftflotte is under a Chief Signal
Officer (Hohere Nachrichtenf iihrer 01
Hohere Nafii) who controls the senior Signal
Officer (Nafii) of the Fliegerkorps, Luftgaue,
Flak-Korps and Flak Division, and Airfield Regional
Cowhand. Subordinate to these are the
Signal Officers (Nachrichten Ofizier or N. 0.)
who exercise command in the lower subdivisions
such as Operational Airfield Command signal platoons,
and Geschwader signal companies.

e. SIGNAL EQUIPMENT.

( 1 ) General.
German' signal equipment, generally speaking, has
been characterized by standardization of design, ---.
relatively few major types, and a high quality of
components and workmanship. During the first
years of the war, the Germans did not fully appreciate
the tactical possibilities of radar1 and
for a time Allied radar development was well
ahead of the German. However, the Germans
have made tremendous efforts to match Allied
technical $ogress and to overcome the various
tactical problems resulting from Allied superiority.

( 2 ) Ground radar.
German ground radar
falls into three general categories : Early warning
set (Freya, Mamulzut or Wassermznn) for long
range detection; Giant Wiirzburg primarily for
aircraft interception control; and Small Wiirzburg
designed for flak control, but also used for
height finding in the Aircraft Reporting Service.
These various types of ground radar equipment
play a large part in the German system of air
raid warning and control of fighter interception.
Many devices have been developed by the Allies
to nullify the effectiveness of the German equipment,
but at the same time the Germans have
developed numerous countermeasures. These
measures and count-ermeasures have led to extremely
rapid development of new techniques and
equipment both by the Germans and by the Allies.

(3) Airborne radio and radar.
German airborne radio and radar equipment may be classified
in four general categories : Funkgerat (FuG),
or radio and radar equipment involving transmitters
and receivers ; Peilgerat (PeG), or navigational
equipment ; Notsender (NS) , or emergency
transmitter; and other types of miscellaneous
equipment. Airborne equipment is an absolute
necessity for the successful conduct of air operations.
Throughout the war, the Germans have
developed navigational, bombing, and fighter control
equipment. The latter is particularly important
at the present time for the Germans who
must depend on adequate warning of Allied air
attacks and efficient control of fighters and flak
for effective opposition.

f. FIGHTER DEFENSE.

(1) General.
During 1941 and early 1942, the German Air Force
fighter organization was concerned mainly with
defense of targets in Northern France and the
Lowlands. The bulk of aerial combats then were'
taking place in the relatively small area over those
countries and over the English Channel; and a
warning system, consisting of a coastal radarbelt
and visual observers, was adequate. But the
greater depth of penetration by Allied bombers
in 1943 required that the German Air Force protect
targets in Germany as well as in occupied
territory, and the defensive problem thus became
infinitely more complex. Additional radar belts
and observer posts were required. German fighters
had to be placed in tactically favorable positions,
and they were forced to enlarge the scope
of their activity to cover all areas subject to
attack. Such developments naturally led to considerable
changes in the German Air Force fighter
organization and the methods of fighter control.
The liberation of France and part of the Lowlands
in 1944 further complicated the German defensive
problem by depriving the German Air
Force of a large and efficient part of its early
warning system, as well as many excellent airfields
at a time when the weight of the Allied
air assault was increasing.

(2) Reporting and warning system.
The Aircraft Reporting Service is a part of the German
Air Force. Long-range radar sets determine
the range and bearing of the approaching aircraft,
and short-range sets measure height. Other types
of equipment distinguish between friendly and
hostile aircraft. An Observer Corps network
with strategically located posts also supplies aircraft
warning information, while in some instances
patrolling aircraft shadow the attacking
aircraft. On the basis of the information from
these various sources, hostile aircraft are plotted
in a central headquarters, and the Germans in the
past have been able to construct a fairly accurate
and current picture of Allied air operations.
Proper warning then is given to all interested
agencies, and defensive fighters are put in the
air to intercept the attackers. Information on the
course and expected target of the bombers is
passed by radio to the airborne fighters until contact
is made. The specific aerial tactics used by
the German fighters have varied considerably
throughout the war, but in general the precise
method becomes the responsibility of the fighter
pilots after contact is made. In spite of the excellent
equipment and control methods the Germans
have developed, their defensive warnings
and operations are considerably handicapped by
the loss of territory in Western Europe.

1 The basic principle of radar is the transmission of a wireless
pulse of very short duration the reflection of the pulse by the
object to be detected, and thk reception of both the original and
reflected pulses by a receiver adjacent to the transmitter. Electrical
measurement of the time interval. between the two pulses
qives a direct indication of the distance of the reflecting ob'ect
Means are also provided whereby direction of the oblect flrom
the transmitter, and in some cases its height, can be obtained.