Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>Ju87>HA0158

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

On the morning of June 22, 1944 Soviets launched “Operation Bagration” to retake Belorussia and Ukraine. 1.7 million Soviet troops along with 6,000 pieces of armor attacked 34 German divisions with total surprise. By July 17, 1944 Germany had lost 300,000 dead and 120,000 captured and lost more than 2,000 tanks. This meant the loss of German Army Group Center. Still wearing its factory registration, Ju-87 G-1 GS+MH from 4. Flieger-Division 10th (Pz) / SG 1 based at Dubno, Ukraine took part in the failed defense.

Specifications :

Type:	Ju-87G-1
Function:	anti-tank
Year:	1942
Crew:	2
Engines:	1 X 1400hp Junkers Jumo 211J
Dimensions:
Wing Span:	15.00 m
Length:	11.50 m
Height:	3.90 m
Wing Area:	33.69sq m
Empty weight:	4400 kg
Loaded weight:	6600 kg
Performance:
Speed:	314 km/h
Range:	320 km
Armament:	2 x 37 mm cannons
	1 x 7.92 mm mg
Bombs:	Maximum 816 kgs