The Eye of the Flak (Das Auge der Flak) Vol.1
The Eye of the Flak (Das Auge der Flak) Volume 1 is the result of over ten years extensive research and the first in a trilogy on German World War 2 Flak optics with emphasis on the 10 x 80 45° Flakfernrohr. In Volume l the authors have approached the world’s most produced high-aperture military binocular from both the historical and functional perspective in an attempt to give the 10 x 80 its rightful place in optical and military history.
- The evolution of Flak observation binoculars from1914 to 1945 with the emphasis on the D.F. 10 x 80 Flakfernrohr
- Interactions between the German military administrations and the optical industry
- German military optics logistics and optical repairs in the field during WW II
- Use and functions of the D.F. 10 x 80 by Wehrmacht. Luftwaffe and Kriegsmarine, from searchlight director to the first missile guidance systems
- New and as yet undisclosed information on codes, lubricants, paints, coating techniques and much more
Book Data
Authors: Dr Peter De Laet & Francis Vermeire
ISBN: 9789082620108
Language: English + English/German captions
Pages: 384
Photos: 430+
Documents: 50+
Physical: Hardcover, leather-bound, dust-jacket, 305x220mm, portrait
Chapters
1. History of the German Flak arm up to 1945
2. Organisation of the Flak arm
3. Flakglas administrations and logistics
4. Development of the 10 x 80 45°
5. The 10 x 80‘s functions within Flak fire control
6. Colours and engravings
Acknowledgements
German to English translations
Bibliography
Addendum
Epilogue
Website Reviews
About the authors
Francis Vermeire, born 1964, studied automotive sciences at the University of Le Mans, France. Since 2000, he leads one of Belgium’s oldest and most reputable automobile conglomerates. In 2004 – and somewhat by accident – Francis bought his first 10 x 80 45° and immediately was fascinated by the subject. Fascination soon turned into a passion. Having collected 10 x 80 serial numbers and related illustrations since 2004 and with over 400 glasses in his collection, Francis not only became one of Europe’s finest optics collectors, but also an authority on this particular glass.
Born in1969, Peter De Laet studied general medicine at the University of Antwerp and pursued a career in elderly rehabilitation and psycho-geriatric disorders. His interest in fortification science and pre-1946 fire control systems resulted in him visiting military archives at the age of 15. In 2000 he found his first binocular – an S.F. 14 – while on holiday in France. This spurred him to specialise in collecting fire control related binoculars and combine research with collecting.