Zirkus Rosarius

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This special unit of the Luftwaffe, also known as the "Wanderzirkus Rosarius", was in charge of testing captured British and American aircraft which were all repainted in German markings. This unit was formed by Theodor Rosarius in 1943 and was part of the 2./Versuchsverband OKL. The Zirkus also toured operational airfields showing Luftwaffe pilots the captured aircraft and training them in techniques to counter these aircraft.

[edit] Known captured aircraft

Type Model Serial Number Luftwaffe Call-sign
Lockheed P-38 L (F-5E) 44-23725 T9+MK
Lockheed P-38 G T9+XB (duplicated)
Supermarine Spitfire IX-B MK698 T9+EK
Supermarine Spitfire PR XI possibly MB945 T9+BB
North American AT-6 Harvard DR+XD
North American P-51 Mustang B or C T9+CK
North American P-51 Mustang B 43-24825 T9+HK
Hawker Typhoon Ia EJ956: Ex SA-I 486(NZ) Sqn. T9+GK
Republic P-47 D 42-22490 T9+FK
Republic P-47 D-16-RE 42-75971 8+6 then T9+LK
de Havilland Mosquito IV-B T9+XB (duplicated)

[edit] Note

[edit] References

  • Lerche, Hans Werner. Luftwaffe Test Pilot: Flying captured Allied aircraft of World War 2. London: Jane's 1980. ISBN 0-531037-11-8
  • Smith, J. Richard, Creek, Eddie J. and Petrick, Peter. On Special Missions, The Luftwaffe's Research and Experimental Squadrons 1923-1945. 2003. ISBN 1-903223-33-4