Junkers Ju 87 Stuka

The Junkers Ju 87 or Stuka was a German dive bomber and ground-attack aircraft. It first flew in 1935 and in 1937 it was part of the Luftwaffe’s Condor Legion during the Spanish Civil War.

The Ju 87 operated with considerable success in close air support and anti-shipping roles at the outbreak of World War II. It led air assaults in the invasion of Poland in September 1939. Stukas proved critical to the rapid conquest of Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium and France in 1940. Though sturdy, accurate, and very effective against ground targets, the Stuka was, like many other dive bombers of the period, vulnerable to fighter aircraft. During the Battle of Britain of 1940-1941, its lack of manoeuvrability, speed and defensive armament meant that it required a heavy fighter escort to operate effectively.

The Junkers Ju 87 served throughout World War II and was also used post-war with some countries.

Ju 87 G-2, Werk Nr. 494083 is on display at RAF London. It was captured by British forces at Eggebek, Schleswig-Holstein in May 1945.

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