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 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 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 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==