Arms race (Morgen die ganze Welt)
From Alternative History
Timeline: Morgen die ganse Welt
September,1 1946 Kiel
German aircraft carrier Graf Zeppelin is launched. Three more sister ships are under construction and four improved Bismarck class battleships. Hitler finally starts believing Milch who predicted that the war would last thirty years. Long term planning for new weapons now becomes compulsory. Even exotic weapons like acoustic projectors and particle accelerators come under study. In the US long term plans are made for more conventional weapons like improved submarines and jet fighters. Research into nerve gas has already started. Edward Teller is in charge of a thermonuclear bomb project.
September,7 1946 Sicily
The occupation of Sicily, part of the Axis, by the Allies is an embarrassment to Hitler. Luftwaffe and Kriesmarine have already isolated the island and an invasion is prepared. In the USA an F-84 prototype sets the USA speed record at 977 km/h.
September,20 1946 Suez canal
Both sides are fortifying along the Suez canal. Allies are reinforced with Japanese troops for the first time.
September,22 1946 Sicily
The expected invasion of Sicily starts. Axis forces cross the Messina strait.
September,24 1946 Ireland
Allied airports in Ireland are bombed from high altitude by Ju-387 jet bombers. P-80s try to intercept but the bombers are too fast. Improved faster P-80s are sent to Ireland.
September,24 1946 BMW
BMW has developed the stongest jet engine yet: the BMW015. Thrust is 52 kN with afterburner and fuel efficiency is improved.
September,25 1946 Sicily
Heavy tanks are landed on Sicily and the Allies have to retreat. Evacuation to Tunisia starts.
September,29 1946 Sicily
The Allies abandon Sicily without putting up a fight. The odds favor Axis forces too much so close to Italy.
October,15 1946 Suez
Japanese forces equipped with US weapons rout Turkish forces at the Suez canal.
October,16 1946 Suez
Japanese forces are thrown back over the Suez canal by a determined German counterattack. This is the first time that the former Axis partners are fighting each other.
November,3 1946 Kiel
The German harbor of Kiel is hit by two atom bombs. B-29s took off from Ireland at night and flew around England to evade radar. The harbor is destroyed. The bombers were shot down after the attack. Radar patrol ships are now stationed in the North Sea to prevent a recurrence.
November,5 1946 Boston
A German attempt to atom-bomb Boston in revenge is foiled. The US coast defence is now too good and several Ju-392s are shot down.
November,6 1946 Ireland
A squadron of F84s arrives in Ireland for field tests. The jets have straight wings limiting their speed but they are the best available.
November,11 1946 Ireland
F84s intercept a Ju-387 raid shooting down at least six bombers. The bombers were unescorted as they are faster than P80s.
November,20 1946 Regensburg
A new type of Messerschmitt, the Me-462, makes its first flight. The jet fighter has the new BMW015 engine and is expected to be capable of mach 1.5. On the same day a FW-283 is tested. This fighter has two ramjet engines giving it a top speed of mach 2 at the expense of enormous fuel consumption. The fighter is limited because the ramjets will cut out at speeds below 400 km/h.
December,5 1946 Peenemunde
The V2 rocket has been improved with the Sänger rocket motor. The first prototype reaches 200 km altitude and a range of 900 km. Dr. Sänger is satisfied with the test. The rocket motor will be used in his Silverbird.
January,2 1947 Berlin
One million German troops are demobilized to alleviate the chronic labor shortage. Other Axis countries will provide more manpower. The German OKH plans to invade Ireland and Iceland and drive the Allies out of Africa so the fatherland can't be threatened by nuclear bombers anymore. The attacks will be executed simultaneously. The Allies will not be able to concentrate on one theatre of war. The Sänger Silverbird will get the highest possible priority as it makes nuclear bombing of the USA possible.
