General Background

The Ju 87 was considered as one of the most important German military aircrafts during WWII. It was better known as the “Stuka” which means “Dive Bomber”.
While the Ju 87 achieved great success during the beginning of WWII due to its accuracy in bombing, it suffered from lack of speed and defense armament. Without the escort of German fighters the Stuka easily became preys for enemy high speed fighters. After the Battle of Britain the Ju 87 was seldom seen in actions in the continent.

In 1940, the Ju 87 D (the “Dora” series), with a more powerful engine Jumo 122F, was developed for the attack of heavily defended targets. In 1943, with the approaching invasion of Russia, the Ju87 G “Gustav” was developed for anti-tank purpose. It was fitted with two 37mm cannons under the main wing and the number 1 ace of it was the legendary Oberst (Colonel) Hans Ulrich Rudel who had achieved over 500 kills of Russian armor include one battle ship destruction.

The Aircraft

Hans Ulrich Rudel began his career as an air observer during the German invasion of Poland and became an Adjutant for the 43rd Aviators Training Regiment in 1940. He began training on a Stuka that he would soon become a master of. Since tank busting became his forte he developed the idea of placing two 37mm Flak canons under the wings. This design would enable the Stuka to destroy the Soviet tanks by attacking their weakest points, the rear where they were lightly armored. During his career Rudel destroyed almost 500 tanks.

Specifications

• Length: 11.1 m
• Wingspan: 13.8 m
• Height: 3.9 m
• Wing area: 31.90 m²
• Empty weight: 3600 kg
• Maximum weight: 5100 kg
• Engine: Junkers Jumo 211J
• Maximum Power: 1410 hp
• Maximum Power: 1037 kW
• Maximum speed: 344 km/h
• Dive speed: 600km/h
• Range with bombs: 1000 km
• Ceiling: 7500 m
• Climb: 3000 m in 13.6 min
• Forward guns : 2×7.92 mm MG 17(D)
• 2×37 mm BK 37 (G)
• Rear guns : 1×7.92 mm MG 81Z
• (twin MG 81)
• Bombs : 1x500/1000kg
• 4x250kg