''Zirkus Rosarius'' (also known as the ''Wanderzirkus Rosarius'') was an ''
Erprobungskommando
An ''Erprobungskommando'' (EKdo) ("Testing-command") was a variety of Luftwaffe special-purpose unit tasked with the testing of new aircraft and weaponry under operational conditions. Similarly-named ''Erprobungs-''prefixed squadron ''(staffel)'' ...
''-style special test unit of the
Luftwaffe
The Luftwaffe () was the aerial warfare, aerial-warfare branch of the before and during World War II. German Empire, Germany's military air arms during World War I, the of the Imperial German Army, Imperial Army and the of the Imperial Ge ...
, specifically of the
Luftwaffe High Command, tasked with testing captured British and American aircraft, all of which were repainted in German markings.
The purpose of testing allied aircraft was to discover any strengths or vulnerabilities in their design or performance. This information was highly useful in enabling German service personnel to develop tactics designed to counter strengths and exploit any vulnerabilities.
The unit was formed by
Theodor Rosarius in 1943 and was part of the ''2.Staffel/Versuchsverband Oberbefehlshaber der Luftwaffe'' (second squadron of the Experimental Unit of Luftwaffe High Command). The Zirkus also toured operational airfields showing Luftwaffe pilots the captured aircraft and training them in techniques to counter these aircraft. The ''Zirkus Rosarius'' seemed to have merited the use of its own
''Geschwaderkennung'' ("
wing
A wing is a type of fin that produces both Lift (force), lift and drag while moving through air. Wings are defined by two shape characteristics, an airfoil section and a planform (aeronautics), planform. Wing efficiency is expressed as lift-to-d ...
code") of "T9", with a few of the unit's aircraft coming from
KG 200, which already used the "A3" identification code of that wing.
See also
*
Air Fighting Development Unit, the RAF unit that tested captured German aircraft.
*
No. 1426 (Enemy Aircraft) Flight, the RAF unit that flew captured German aircraft.
*
Allied Technical Air Intelligence Unit, the combined Allied unit that evaluated Japanese aircraft.
*
Kampfgeschwader 200 German special operations unit that operationally flew captured Allied aircraft.
References
* Stapfer, Hans-Heiri. ''Strangers in a Strange Land''. Squadron/Signal Publ. 1988.
* Lerche, Hans Werner. ''Luftwaffe Test Pilot: Flying captured Allied aircraft of World War 2''. London: Jane's 1980.
* Smith, J. Richard, Creek, Eddie J. and Petrick, Peter. ''On Special Missions, The Luftwaffe's Research and Experimental Squadrons 1923-1945''. 2003.
Luftwaffe Special Commands
Military units and formations established in 1943
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