Reverse Engineering in World War II: German Copycats in Action

Introduction

During World War II, the Axis powers, particularly Germany, engaged in a practice known as reverse engineering—a process where technology, equipment, and information are dissected and analyzed to develop equivalent or superior versions. While the Allies were also known for this practice, this article delves into the instances where German forces replicated Allied equipment, often for strategic and tactical improvements.

Submarine Technology and the Snorkel

The U-boat force of the German Navy faced a significant threat from Allied patrol aircraft, leading them to adopt the “snorkel,” a Dutch invention that acted as an air intake for diesel engines. The snorkel allowed submarines to operate at periscope depth, trading speed and crew comfort for survivability. This innovation was a testament to the Germans’ ability to adapt and improve upon foreign technologies.

Radio and Radar Technology

While the Germans were adept at building their own equipment, they were occasionally caught off guard by Allied technology. For instance, the H2S radar set, which employed centimetric radar, was a game-changer in night operations. When an Allied bomber carrying such a set was shot down, the Germans were alerted to the vulnerabilities of their ASV (Allied Sonar and Visual) radar systems, which were outmatched by the more advanced H2S system.

Aircraft and Anti-Aircraft Innovations

German forces often found themselves under attack by Allied airpower, leading them to adopt and adapt Allied technologies. In North Africa, German aircraft, particularly the Ju-87 Stukas, faced attacks from Hawker Hurricanes armed with 40mm anti-tank guns. This led to the integration of 37mm cannons on a few Stukas, transforming them into effective "tankbusters" for the Eastern Front. This was a clear example of copying a non-aircraft weapon for a different purpose.

Missiles and Submachine Guns

One of the most notable examples of reverse engineering was the adaptation of the U.S. M1 Bazooka. The Germans recognized the effectiveness of its 88mm rocket and developed their own shoulder-fired rocket launcher, the Raketenwerfer 43 (Rw 43) or “Puppchen.” By adopting a similar launcher but mounting an 88mm rocket, they created the Panzerschreck, or "stovepipe," which proved highly effective in direct combat scenarios.

A more dramatic example occurred in the final months of the war, when the Germans, facing shortages of everything, produced copies of the British Sten Mk 2 submachine gun. Known as the MP.3008, these weapons were nearly exact duplicates, even replicating the Dagenham makers' marks from the original British factories. It is particularly intriguing that the Germans intended to use these weapons by “infiltrators,” highlighting the complexity of their intended use.

Other Failed Attempts

Not all reverse engineering efforts were successful. One of the more bizarre examples was the German attempt to build their own wooden night fighter. The Ta-154 Moskito was a failed experiment, attributed to the Germans' inability to produce a suitable adhesive. As a result, significant portions of the aircraft fell apart during flight, rendering it non-functional.

Conclusion

While the Germans were masters of adaptation and innovation, their attempts at reverse engineering were not always successful. Instances such as the snorkel, Panzerschreck, and the failed Ta-154 Moskito highlight both their successes and failures in integrating Allied technologies. These historical examples are not only fascinating but also provide important lessons on the complexities of military innovation and adaptation.