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Organizational structure of the Luftwaffe and OOBs over the years.

[Note: this organization is based on the historical organization posted here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organization_of_the_Luftwaffe. There are some changes and tweaks, but the basis is the historical Luftwaffe of the period.]

At the strategic level - Oberkommando der Luftwaffe
Luftwaffe Organization Chart

The top levels of control for the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) resided with the German Air Force High Command (Oberkommando der Luftwaffe, or OKL) and the German Air Ministry (Reichsluftfahrtministerium, or RLM). These institutions were responsible for the direction of research, production, and overall maintenance of aircraft. The OKL were directly answerable to the German Armed Forces High Command (Oberkommando der Wehrmacht, or OKW). The OKL was at the same organizational level as the German Army High Command (Oberkommando des Heeres, or OKH) and the German Navy High Command (Oberkommando der Marine, or OKM).

The OKL is headed (in 1935) by General Ernst Udet, while the RLM (with which the OKL works closely on military aircraft) is headed (in 1935) by Hermann Goring.

The RLM is responsible for more than just military aircraft research and development, however, as it disburses funds and gives contracts for basic aeronautical research and development. It has in the near past reached an agreement with the US NACA agency to share data, which has helped result in both agencies learning things they did not know, along with the development of new, powerful radial diesel engines for seaplanes and transports, and with improvements in manufacturing methods for aircraft engines.


Luftfloten and Fliegerkorps

In 1935, the flying portion of the Luftwaffe is organized into 5 Luftflotten (Air Fleets), which are composed of one or more Fliegerkorps. Each Fliegerkorps is made up of one or more Geschwader, of potentially multiple types. The 5 Luftflotten have the following responsibilities:
Luftflotten 1 - NE Germany (including East Prussia)
Luftflotten 2 - NW Germany
Luftflotten 3 - SE Germany
Luftflotten 4 - SW Germany
Luftflotten 5 - Experimental, Training and Reserve


Geschwader

Each Fliegerkorps had a number of Geschwader units. These units would be roughly equal a USAAF 'Wing' or RAF Group. Each Geschwader had about 100-120 aircraft under its command, though this would change depending on whether a Geschwader was forming or being disbanded. Each Geschwader had a particular task, and would mostly have aircraft that served in that task, although some specialised aircraft were often attached. A Geschwader was commanded by a Geschwaderkommodore (usually of Major, Oberstleutnant (Lt. Colonel) or Oberst (Colonel) rank.) Other "staff" officers within the unit with administrative duties included an Geschwader Adjudant, Technical Officer, and Operations officer. These Officers were usually (though not always) experienced aircrew/pilots still flying on operations. Other specialist staff may have included Navigation, Signals and Intelligence personnel. A Stab Schwarm, or HQ flight, was attached to each Geschwader.

Types of Geschwader

* Jagdgeschwader - JG is a fighter Geschwader, and would have capabilities in fighter roles. Typical aircraft are the He-51, Bf-109, or Fw-187.
* Schlachtgeschwader - SG Schlacht is literally "battle". Any such unit are a fighter-bomber/ground attack/close air support Geschwader. Typical aircraft are the Hs-123, the Ha-137, or the Ju-87
* Kampfgeschwader - KG is a bomber Geschwader, with typical aircraft being the Do-17, He-111 or Bf-110.
* Lehrgeschwader - LG is a Geschwader initially set up to test new equipment under operational conditions and try new tactics. These could fly several types of different aircraft.
* Transportgeschwader - TG is a transport Geschwader, with typical aircraft being the Ju 52..

Gruppe

Each Geschwader is divided into several Gruppen, usually three. A Gruppe would be designated with a Roman numeral. For example, the first Gruppe of Jagdgeschwader 52 would be I/JG 52. Each Gruppe is commanded by a Gruppenkommandeur, usually a Hauptmann (Captain), who flies with a Stabsschwarm ("headquarters flight").


Staffel

Under each Gruppe are several Staffeln, containing 10-16 aircraft each, and roughly equivalent to squadrons. Each Staffel is designated with a number, so the third Staffel in JG 52 would be 3.I/JG 52. A Staffel is commanded by a Staffelkapitän (usually of Oberleutnant or Hauptmann rank). The Staffel usually has a few vehicles allocated to it, and a mobile repair shop to carry out minor repairs. The number of ground personnel varied depending on its type, with about 150 for a fighter unit, to 120 for a bomber staffel. (The latter is less because most bomber Staffeln are composed of 12 vs 16 aircraft.)

Schwarm, Rotte, and Kette

The basic unit for fighters is the Schwarm (or flight) of four aircraft. Each Schwarm was divided into two Rotten which is a pair of aircraft. The Rotte is the basic fighting unit, with a leader and a wingman. The basic unit of bombers is a Kette of three aircraft flying in a "v" formation.

Aircraft Strength, Jan 1, 1939

[Aircraft in squadron service, does not count experimental aircraft or aircraft in testing. Numbers are authorized strengths, not exact numbers of serviceable or delivered aircraft, actual numbers vary from day to day as aircraft are delivered or become unserviceable due to the need for repairs.]

Single-engined fighters
Bf-109 - 480
He-100 - 240
Fw-190 - 144

Twin-engined fighters
Fw-187 - 240

Close-support aircraft
Hs-123 - 192
Ha-137 - 96

Dive-bombers
Ju-87 - 360
Ju-88 - 180

Light bombers
Bf-110 - 300

Medium bombers
He-111 - 600
Do-17 - 240

Heavy bombers
He-177 - 0

Recon aircraft
Bf-109 - 60
Fw-187 - 60

Short range and army cooperation aircraft
Fi-167 - 120
Fw-189 - 60

Transport aircraft
Ju-52 - 360
Ju-90 - 12
Ju-152 - 60

Nominal Strength and Composition of Major Luftwaffe Flying Units
Establishment of January 1940

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