The Allied nations outproduced the Axis nations in every weapons group except for missiles. German V-1 and V-2 rockets were a harbinger of the Cold War and beyond. However, in World War 2 the V-1 and V-2 missiles were imprecise and too few to be effective in halting the Allied onslaught in western Europe. Prewar Expectations Germany foresaw a series of short wars or … [Read more...] about Allies Axis Major Weapons Groups – Production Summaries
Production
Allies Axis Vital Commerce and Raw Materials
Modern warfare demanded great raw material quantities and the combatants scrambled to ensure they had enough for their needs. Axis nations were at a disadvantage especially with regards to oil which drove the armored fighting vehicles, naval vessels, trucks, aircraft, and a myriad of other machinery. Additionally, the Axis nations did not have the commerce infrastructure that … [Read more...] about Allies Axis Vital Commerce and Raw Materials
Allies Axis Weapon Production – Air Forces
World War II witnessed a monumental clash of air forces production between the Allied nations and the Axis powers. Each nation's production totals of various aircraft types provide valuable insights into the scale and intensity of the air war during this global conflict. Only in reconnaissance and fighters did the Axis maintain parity or near parity. In all other categories, … [Read more...] about Allies Axis Weapon Production – Air Forces
Allies Axis Weapon Production – Land Forces
Three production items jump out in the Allies favor; 1) Allies outproduced the Axis nation in tanks and self-propelled guns by a 3.5 to 1 margin, 2) the Allies held almost a ten to one ratio in other vehicles allowing the Allies greater mobility in the field and not as reliant on railroad systems, and 3) the Allies, especially the USSR, were great believers in artillery and … [Read more...] about Allies Axis Weapon Production – Land Forces
Production Runs of Soviet Aircraft, 1941-1945
Thirty-four Soviet aircraft factories produced 142,756 aircraft between 1941 and1945. Eight factories were responsible for 60% or 86,354 units of production. A total of 23 different models were produced with 6 models accounting for the 60% or 86,354 of the units produced. The Ilyushin Il-2, a ground-attack aircraft or Shturmovik, was the most produced … [Read more...] about Production Runs of Soviet Aircraft, 1941-1945
Numbers of Weapon Types Produced in Germany USSR, 1944
Germany consolidated the number of weapon types and platforms in 1944. Logistics was a major issue for Germany throughout the war making field repairs very difficult. Lack of commonality due to the myriad of different weapon types and platforms increased the practice of cannibalization while waiting for the right spare part. Logistics was not the only reason for consolidation … [Read more...] about Numbers of Weapon Types Produced in Germany USSR, 1944
German Soviet War Production, 1940-45
With the exception of warships, Soviet war production rate ratios were in their favor for the 1940-45 timeline. Each weapon or platform type had their unique up and down ratio trends but overall the production trends were upwards for the USSR. Manufacturing Production Philosophy “Quantity has a quality all its own.” It is debated if Stalin ever said this, but it was … [Read more...] about German Soviet War Production, 1940-45
German Production of Armored Fighting Vehicles
Panzers I and II production dominated the prewar years. The Panther and Tiger tanks production took hold in 1943 with increasing rates in 1944. However, it was the Panzers III and IV that made up the bulk of German armored fighting vehicle production. Tanks Panzer I The Panzer I was a light tank that was first introduced in 1934. Its name is short for … [Read more...] about German Production of Armored Fighting Vehicles
Soviet Tanks / SPGs Production by Year
The famous T-34 tank in all its variants made up 55% of Soviet tank and Self-Propelled Gun (SPG) production from 1940-45. The T-34 production of 58,701 tanks was greater than the total German tank production of 48,876 of all tank models combined. Since not all German tanks or other armored vehicles were on the Eastern Front the Soviet ratio advantage after 1941 was … [Read more...] about Soviet Tanks / SPGs Production by Year
US WW2 Tank / AFV Production by Year by Type
The United States prewar tank and Armored Fighting Vehicle (AFV) production numbers were small and were focused on light tanks such as the M2 and M3 Light Tanks. In 1941 US production started its transition to medium tanks and AFVs which surpassed light tank and AFVs production in 1942. Light tank andAFV production continued through to the war’s end but with lower production … [Read more...] about US WW2 Tank / AFV Production by Year by Type