German Air Force: A History of Names

The German Air Force, or Luftwaffe, has a long and complex history dating back to the early 20th century. While the term "Luftwaffe" is the most well-known, the German air arm has been known by various names throughout its existence. This article will explore the different names used for the German Air Force and the significance behind each.
1. **Luftwaffe**: This is the most common name for the German Air Force, meaning "air weapon" or "air force" in German. It was officially adopted in 1935 under the Nazi regime and was used throughout World War II.
2. **Fliegertruppe**: Meaning "flying troops" in German, this was the name used for the German air arm before World War I. It was originally established in 1910 as part of the Imperial German Army.
3. **Luftstreitkräfte**: Meaning "air fighting forces" in German, this was the name used for the German air arm during World War I. It was a separate branch of the military, unlike the Fliegertruppe, and was responsible for both offensive and defensive air operations.
4. **Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM)**: This was the official name of the German Air Ministry, established in 1933. The RLM was responsible for all aspects of aviation in Nazi Germany, including the development, production, and operation of aircraft.
5. **Luftwaffe (1956-present)**: After World War II, West Germany re-established its air force in 1956 under the name "Bundeswehr Luftwaffe". The name "Luftwaffe" was retained, but it now denoted a new organization with a focus on defense and NATO membership.
6. **National People's Army (NVA) Air Force (1956-1990)**: The German Democratic Republic (East Germany) established its own air force in 1956, initially called the "Volksarmee Luftstreitkräfte." In 1960, it was renamed as part of the NVA (National People's Army) and became known as the "NVA Luftstreitkräfte."
7. **Luftstreitkräfte des Deutschen Reiches**: A more formal and complete name for the German Air Force during World War I, directly translated as "Air Fighting Forces of the German Empire".
8. **Fliegerabteilung**: Meaning "flying detachment", this was used for smaller units within the Fliegertruppe and Luftstreitkräfte.
9. **Jagdgeschwader**: Meaning "fighter squadron", this was a common name for fighter units in the Luftwaffe during World War II.
10. **Kampfgeschwader**: Meaning "bomber squadron", this was a common name for bomber units in the Luftwaffe during World War II.
11. **Aufklärungsgeschwader**: Meaning "reconnaissance squadron", this was a common name for reconnaissance units in the Luftwaffe during World War II.
12. **Transportgeschwader**: Meaning "transport squadron", this was a common name for transport units in the Luftwaffe during World War II.
13. **See- und Küstenflieger**: Meaning "sea and coastal fliers", this was the name used for the German naval air arm, responsible for operations over water.
14. **Luftwaffen-Jäger- und Zerstörergeschwader**: A more precise name for a fighter-bomber squadron in the Luftwaffe, combining the elements of "fighter" and "destroyer" in its purpose.
15. **Luftwaffen-Aufklärungsgeschwader**: This name denotes a reconnaissance squadron within the Luftwaffe, specializing in aerial observation and intelligence gathering.
16. **Luftwaffen-Transportgeschwader**: This designates a transport squadron within the Luftwaffe, responsible for transporting personnel, equipment, and supplies.
17. **Luftwaffen-Fernmelde-Regiment**: This refers to a telecommunication regiment within the Luftwaffe, tasked with maintaining communication networks.
18. **Luftwaffen-Flugzeugführer-Schule**: This is the name for a Luftwaffe flight training school, where pilots and aircrew receive their initial and advanced training.
19. **Luftwaffen-Versuchs- und Erprobungsstelle**: This denotes a Luftwaffe test and evaluation facility, responsible for evaluating new aircraft and weaponry.
20. **Luftwaffen-Fliegerhorst**: This refers to a Luftwaffe air base, a dedicated location for aircraft operations, maintenance, and support services.
21. **Luftwaffen-Fliegerhorstkommando**: This is the name for the command unit responsible for the day-to-day operations of a Luftwaffe air base.
22. **Luftwaffen-Fliegerhorstgruppe**: This designates a group of Luftwaffe air bases under a single command structure.
23. **Luftwaffen-Fliegerhorststaffel**: This denotes a smaller unit within a Luftwaffe air base, responsible for specific operations or tasks.
24. **Luftwaffen-Flugzeugwerke**: This refers to a Luftwaffe aircraft manufacturing facility, responsible for producing aircraft for the air force.
25. **Luftwaffen-Flugzeugwartungswerk**: This designates a Luftwaffe aircraft maintenance facility, responsible for the upkeep and repair of aircraft.
26. **Luftwaffen-Flugzeug- und Waffenprüfstelle**: This denotes a Luftwaffe aircraft and weapons testing facility, responsible for evaluating new aircraft and weapons systems.
27. **Luftwaffen-Flugzeug- und Waffen-Versuchsanstalt**: This is a Luftwaffe facility for conducting research and development on new aircraft and weapons systems.
28. **Luftwaffen-Flugzeug- und Waffen-Entwicklungstelle**: This refers to a Luftwaffe facility responsible for developing new aircraft and weapons systems.
29. **Luftwaffen-Flugzeug- und Waffen-Produktionsstelle**: This denotes a Luftwaffe facility responsible for the production of aircraft and weapons systems.
30. **Luftwaffen-Flugzeug- und Waffen-Logistikstelle**: This refers to a Luftwaffe facility responsible for the logistics of aircraft and weapons systems, including procurement, storage, and distribution.
31. **Luftwaffen-Flugzeug- und Waffen-Ausbildungsstelle**: This denotes a Luftwaffe facility for training personnel in the operation and maintenance of aircraft and weapons systems.
32. **Luftwaffen-Flugzeug- und Waffen-Einsatzstelle**: This refers to a Luftwaffe facility responsible for the deployment and use of aircraft and weapons systems.
33. **Luftwaffen-Flugzeug- und Waffen-Einsatzleitstelle**: This denotes a Luftwaffe facility responsible for coordinating the use of aircraft and weapons systems in combat operations.
34. **Luftwaffen-Flugzeug- und Waffen-Einsatzführungsstelle**: This refers to a Luftwaffe facility responsible for controlling and directing the use of aircraft and weapons systems in combat operations.
35. **Luftwaffen-Flugzeug- und Waffen-Einsatzgruppen**: This denotes a group of Luftwaffe units assigned to specific combat operations.
36. **Luftwaffen-Flugzeug- und Waffen-Einsatzabteilung**: This refers to a unit within a Luftwaffe air base responsible for specific combat operations.
37. **Luftwaffen-Flugzeug- und Waffen-Einsatzkommando**: This denotes a command unit responsible for the planning and execution of combat operations using aircraft and weapons systems.
38. **Luftwaffen-Flugzeug- und Waffen-Einsatzgruppe**: This designates a group of Luftwaffe units assigned to specific combat operations, often with a specialized focus.
39. **Luftwaffen-Fliegerhorst-Kommando**: This is the command unit responsible for the overall operations of a Luftwaffe air base, including security, maintenance, and administrative tasks.
40. **Luftwaffen-Fliegerhorst-Abteilung**: This denotes a unit within a Luftwaffe air base responsible for specific tasks, such as air traffic control, security, or maintenance.