Junkers
Ju87


The Junkers JU87 'Stuka' had a reputation that struck fear and terror into those on the ground that it attached. The name 'Stuka' was a general name given to this type of aircraft which means 'Dive Bomber' in German. However the name stuck and became synonymous with this one aircraft. Another ironic fact is, that it first flew with the British Rolls Royce Kestrel engine in 1935!

The Ju87 had considerable success in Spain although some pilots blacked out when trying to pull out of steep dives, thus resulting in some not making it home. It also proved effective in Russia, Greece, Crete and Poland. However it did not have the same effect in Britain. It's casualty rate was so high that it was withdrawn from front line service to concentrate on shipping and other countries less positioned to strike back
JU87 in the Battle of Britain Hall at RAF Hendon Museum, UK
JU87 at RAF Hendon Museum, UK

Description
Item
Role :
Single engined two seater dive bomber and attack aircraft
Wingspan :
 45 ft 3 3/4 in (13.8 m)
Length :
 361 ft 5 in (11.1 m)
Height :
 12 ft 9 in (3.9 m)
Wing Area :
 337 sq ft (31.9 sq m)
Engine :
 Junkers Jumo 211
B.H.P. :
JU87B-1 = 1,100 hp. JU87D-1 = 1,300 hp
Max Armament :
2 x 7.92mm MG 17 Machine Guns in wings
1 x 7.92mm MG 17 Machine Gun manually aimed from rear cockpit
1 x 1,102 lb (500 kg) bomb centrally mounted
4 x 110 lb (50 kg) bombs on wing racks
Highest Max Weight Loaded :
 9,382 lbs (4,250 kg)
Max Speed :
242 mph (390 km/h)
Max Service Ceiling :
 26,250 ft (8,000 m)
Range :
 373 miles (600 km).
Service - First Flight :
Ju87V1 - 1935. Ju87B-1 - 1938. Ju87D-1 - 1940

 

JU87 in the Battle of Britain Hall at RAF Hendon Museum, UK
JU87 at RAF Hendon Museum, UK

 
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