Kampfgeschwader 40 | |
---|---|
Active | 1939–45 |
Country | Nazi Germany |
Branch | Luftwaffe |
Type | Bomber wing |
Role | Anti Shipping. |
Size | Air Force Wing |
Engagements | World War II Battle of the Atlantic Operation Steinbock |
Insignia | |
Identification symbol | Geschwaderkennung of F8 |
Kampfgeschwader 40 (KG 40) was a Luftwaffe medium and heavy bomber wing of World War II, and the primary maritime patrol unit of any size within the Luftwaffe. It is best remembered as the unit operating a majority of the four-engine Focke-Wulf Fw 200 Condor maritime patrol bombers. The unit suffered from the poor serviceability and low production rates of the Fw 200 bombers, and from repeated diversion of its long-haul capability aircraft to undertake transport duties in various theatres, especially for the airlift operations to supply encircled forces in the Battle of Stalingrad.[1] Later in the war, KG 40 became one of several Luftwaffe bomber wings to use the Heinkel He 177A heavy bomber.