Any good websites on post WWII German remilitarization?

[upnorth]

Hello All:

I'm trying to put together something of a backstory for a Bundesmarine Grumman Guardian project I'm planning but I'd like some solid info on the ins and outs of German remilitarization, particularly through the 50s.

The more political the information the better. I'm trying to think of plausible ways that the Fairey Gannet could have been made unavailable to Germany. As, in reality, the Gannet was a fairly solid performer straight from prototype stage, I don't think attributing it to technical delays is so plausible.

However, if there was some official opposition to remilitarizing Germany in British political circles to the point that Britain would simply not provide arms to Germany, that could open the doors to my backstory in that way.

Basically, Germany wanted the Gannet, Britain wouldn't provide it so Germany looked To the US, were successful in placing an order for Grumman Trackers and got surplus USN Guardians to cover the gap until the Tracker was ready to be delivered.

I'm thinking of taking it further and having Germany initially in the SECBAT Atlantic program, but then pull out and opt for the Lockheed Orion as a Tracker replacement in the 70s sometime.

Anyway, I'd be very gratefull if any of you know anything about the German remilitarization or can guide me to a website with solid info on it.

Thanks in advance

[Geoff]

Another option would be to assume the British aero industry was unable to supply what the customer wanted; as in the Saro mixed power fighter the Luftwaffe wanted, but was cancelled by HMG. Perhaps we can sell them the Gannet but not when it's wanted, or at a price thats affordable?

[jcf]

Wiki entry on the Bundeswehr:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bundeswehr#The_Cold_War_period_1955.E2.80.931990

Cold-War Luftwaffe:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luftwaffe#Cold_War

Bundes Marine:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Navy

[sideshowbob9]

What if the Bundesmarine wanted to lend-lease a surplus Essex off of the Americans in the not too distant future? That way, you would want to go with American hardware rather than say the British strop/catapult system of the Gannet.

The carrier deal could later fail on cost grounds but that could be after the Guardians are delivered.

[B777LR]

What if the Bundesmarine wanted to lend-lease a surplus Essex off of the Americans in the not too distant future? That way, you would want to go with American hardware rather than say the British strop/catapult system of the Gannet.

Is it any different? The British system is/was able to launch the same Phantoms as the US system.

[upnorth]

Thanks for the input.

The American carrier launching system was still cable and bridle itself during the 50s and most of the 60s, was it not?

[sideshowbob9]

Is it any different? The British system is/was able to launch the same Phantoms as the US system.

The American carrier launching system was still cable and bridle itself during the 50s and most of the 60s, was it not?

Was it? Bugger! Well, how about "buy a shiny, nearly new Essex, get some AF Guardians and some FJ-4s free"?