Stuka

Junkers Ju 87 Stuka on the airfield

Junkers Ju 87 Stuka (from germ. Sturzkampfflugzeug) – german dive bomber from World War II. Designed by Hermann Pohlmann and it has first flight 17 September 1935. First time it was used in battle was 1936 during Spanish Civil War.

Characteristic Ju 87 Stuka was inverted gull wings (broken wings) and sirens called Jericho Trumpet. Plane was very modern, but it was slow and poorly armored.

Stuka with success was used in initial phase of World War II. When Luftwaffe loses, they lost the most of Stukas. During 8 years (1936-1944) Junkers factory built some 6500 Stukas in many versions.