WARNING This article discusses and display images of World War II that may be objectionable to some readers.
JU-87 B-2
Junkers 87 B-2
The Junkers Ju 87 B-2, the first major variant produced of the iconic German "Stuka" dive bomber, was a key aircraft of the German airforce (Luftwaffe) in early WWII.
Providing precision, close-air support to the Wehrmacht, the Stuka was known for its fixed, spatted landing gear, inverted gull wings, and "Jericho Trumpet" sirens. Two of the sirens were normally mounted on each wheel spat, with a clutch that engaged the siren when the Stuka was in a dive.
However, The Ju-87 had no real defense against modern fighters and was vulnerable without escorting air support.
It served on both the Western and Eastern Fronts, and in a tropicalized version, in North Africa
These sirens emitted a terrible shrieking sound, as a psychological "terror" edge against opponents.
Key Aspects of the Ju 87 B-2
Performance
Maximum level speed was approximately 390 km/h (242 mph), with a rated dive speed of 560 km/h (350 mph). It had a 600 km (372 miles) range on internal fuel, while carrying a bomb load.
Armament
Two 7.92 mm MG 17 forward firing machine guns in the wings, one rear-facing 7.92 mm MG 15 for defense, and ability to carry up to 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) of bombs
Design Improvements
The B-2 replaced the B-1, featuring refined, broader propeller blades, and a special swing-arm for releasing bombs outside the propeller arc during dives.
Subvariants
These included the Ju 87 B-2/U2 (improved radio), Ju 87 B-2/U3 (extra armor for ground support missions), and Ju 87 B-2/U (ski landing gear for winter).
Why the Stuka?
Operational Role: Precise, pin-point dive bombing of tactical and strategic targets in support of ground forces under the coordinated direction of forward spotters.
Before World War II, the doctrine of the dive bomber emerged as a specialized precision-strike strategy aimed at destroying high-value, small-area targets like warships, bridges, and factories. Most of the major war powers of the world experimented with dive-bombing and its tactics, with the Japanese and U.S. Navy in the 1920's, and later the German Luftwaffe, taking it seriously.
It involved diving near-vertically to release bombs at low altitude and essentially right on top of the target. This maximized accuracy and minimized vulnerability to anti-aircraft fire. The Junkers Ju-87 Stuka dive bomber was, in fact, a highly accurate, specialized aircraft, able to place bombs within a 40 meter radius of the target..., far superior to horizontal bombers of the early World War II era.
Pre-WWII Dive Bomber Doctrine
Precision Over Payload
Unlike heavy level bombers designed to carpet a large area with bombs, dive bombers acted as bombing "snipers," delivering a single, accurately placed bomb. Todays laser guided and smart missiles are a development of that same concept. Of course, in the interwar years and throughout WW2 this method required a human pilot to do the job....
Naval Origins
The US Marine Corps and Navy originally pioneered this tactic in the 1920s to tackle the lightly armored and vulnerable decks of ships.
Technique
The dive bomber approaches at high altitude, often led to the target by other aircraft. Then it dives steeply straight down on top of the target, releases bombs at low altitude, and performs a high-G pullout. This is very effective and efficient, and is the difference between surgical precision and mass destruction.
Advantages
The steep dive angle made it difficult for shipboard gunners to track the aircraft, as it's nose-on profile is quite small. It was considered the most effective method for attacking ships.
Development and Adoption
Despite early skepticism of the concept and the frail aircraft in WWI, the technology steadily improved and specialized, rugged aircraft were built to withstand the high-G forces of pulling out of a vertical dive. In the U.S., the Douglas SBD Dauntless became the choice by the start of WWII, while Japan selected the Aichi D3A, both naval aircraft intended for use from carriers.
In Germany, it was General Ernst Udet, however, who came to champion the concept of dive bombing after observing U.S. Navy dive bombers in the early 1930s. Udet was the head of the Reichluftministerium (RLM, Air Ministry) and was himself a successful WWI pilot; he was instrumental in forming the German Luftwaffe. However, Udet saw the dive bomber in a much wider view, and envisioned it in support of the German army (Wehrmacht) as a key part of its developing blitzkrieg doctrine.
At the opening of the proving competition for the Luftwaffe's new dive bomber, 4 entries were selected. Two were eliminated early on, leaving only the Heinkel 118 and the Ju-87 in the running. Udet, being very keen on the concept, took the Heinkel into the air, himself, to test it.
However, during the trials, the propeller drive and propeller both came apart and actually separated from the aircraft he was piloting! Udet parachuted safely to the ground while the Heinkel aircraft crashed and disintegrated. Udet thereafter declared the Junkers entry, the Ju-87, winner by default.
Accuracy and Performance Details
Precision
Stukas functioned as pinpoint, “long range, aerial artillery,” allowing pilots to drop bombs at low altitude, usually 2,300 feet, after a steep dive (up to 80 degrees), maximizing hit probability on tanks, rail yards, road intersections, buildings, marshaling areas, bunkers, artillery and troop positions, airfields, ships and other strategic and tactical targets.
This offered unmatched precision over other dive bombers and typical level bombers. It was, in reality, a very good idea, but with a serious flaw: it only works if the dive bomber can operate freely in the absence of defending enemy fighters and anti-aircraft.
Targeting
It was capable of attacking most any specific point target, and the Stuka often operated directly from behind the infantry and fast moving Panzer battalions to provide immediate support as needed.
However, during the trials, the propeller drive and propeller both came apart and actually separated from the aircraft he was piloting! Udet parachuted safely to the ground while the Heinkel aircraft crashed and disintegrated. Udet thereafter declared the Junkers entry, the Ju-87, winner by default.
Accuracy and Performance Details
Precision
Stukas functioned as pinpoint, “long range, aerial artillery,” allowing pilots to drop bombs at low altitude, usually 2,300 feet, after a steep dive (up to 80 degrees), maximizing hit probability on tanks, rail yards, road intersections, buildings, marshaling areas, bunkers, artillery and troop positions, airfields, ships and other strategic and tactical targets.
This offered unmatched precision over other dive bombers and typical level bombers. It was, in reality, a very good idea, but with a serious flaw: it only works if the dive bomber can operate freely in the absence of defending enemy fighters and anti-aircraft.
Targeting
It was capable of attacking most any specific point target, and the Stuka often operated directly from behind the infantry and fast moving Panzer battalions to provide immediate support as needed.
Effectiveness
Essentially a "sniper" in the realm of aerial bombing, the Stuka often achieved success rates of 25% or better in directly hitting targets. The Stuka's ability to dive at over 350 mph and release bombs at very low altitudes made it a devastating, terror-inducing weapon in the early years of the war.
A total of 6,000 to 6,500 Junkers Ju 87 "Stuka" dive-bombers of all types were produced, between 1936 and August 1944. Manufacturing numbers for the B-2 type are approximate, ranging between 225 and 697 dive bombers produced. It is likely that the 697 figure represents the entire B series, while other sources indicate 225 B-2 version Stukas were built.
Production Context
The Ju 87B series was the first mass-produced variant, succeeding the A-series, and was used extensively from 1937–1942. The Ju 87B-2 was largely used in the post-1940 period of World War II, before being replaced by newer variants like the D-series.
Limitations
While extremely useful and highly accurate in the early war, the Stuka's effectiveness dropped significantly when faced with enemy fighters and modern anti-aircraft defenses.
The Stukas rear facing machine gun was a weak defense, and the pilot was naturally distracted by the need for self-survival and evasion while under attack, himself.
The straight line dive may have made the dive bomber hard to hit by shipboard A/A, but it was relatively slow and easy to track by A/A on the ground.
And of course, opposing fighters could approach and attack the Stuka from any direction. This one-two punch of A/A and fighter defense were instrumental in bringing them down. That's a big reason why there are very few intact Stuka's today...
Stuka Successes
However, the Junkers Ju 87 "Stuka" was not without its successes and remained a pivotal asset to the Luftwaffe and Wehrmacht in early World War II (1939–1941).
As an integral part of the fast moving, mobile "blitzkrieg" tactics of the Wehrmacht, it drove German forces to great success in the opening stages of WW2. It's precision ground support, tactical bombing effects, and terror element made it a valuable element of the German assault forces. It proved devastating against many different targets in theaters with weak air opposition.
Blitzkrieg Campaigns (1939-1940)
Stukas played a critical role in the rapid conquests of Poland, Norway, and France, acting as "flying artillery" to destroy communications, supply lines, troop formations and armored units. The ability to follow directly behind the mechanized infantry assault and Panzer units ment it could be called to immediately leapfrog ahead and dismantle enemy assets as they were encountered. This made it a crucial element of the blitzkrieg. In the absence of effective air defenses, The Stukas shattered all opposition. This not only delighted it proponents, but earned it the "wonder weapon" reputation it sometimes still carries to this day.
Naval Warfare
As already explained, the dive bombing concept was originated to attack ships, and the JU-87 was highly successful in anti-shipping roles. Numerous ships were attacked and put out of action in the Norwegian campaign and the English Channel. Notably, Stukas crippled the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious in the Mediterranean in January 1941.
The Battle of Britain - The Ju-87's Achilles Heel
During the evacuation of British Expeditionary Forces from Dunkirk in May, 1940, the Stuka met British Spitfires and Hurricanes for the first time...and endured heavy losses. It was tasked with crushing the evacuation, but instead, it's supremacy was finally challenged. German propoganda hid this fact behind a smokescreen, of course.
But over England in the summer of 1940, during the Battle of Britain, the cat was let out of the bag.
The Junkers Ju-87B-2 "Stuka" was primarily used during the BoB as a precision dive bomber targeting Royal Air Force (RAF) coastal radar stations, shipping, and airfields. But their vulnerability to the RAF's determined fighter defenses was finally revealed, and they were withdrawn from duty after suffering heavy losses.
Ju-87B-2 in the Battle of Britain
Targeting Strategy
Stukas focused on attacking "Chain Home" radar stations, which were crucial to the British defense system. They also targeted coastal shipping and RAF airfields, such as Tangmere.
Operational Method
Pilots engaged in the typical Stuka attack method: near-vertical dives, utilizing "Jericho Trumpet" sirens on their landing gear to create psychological terror.
Armament and Payload
The Ju-87B-2 typically carried one 250 kg (or 500 kg) bomb under the fuselage and four 50 kg bombs under the wings for precision bombing.
A total of 6,000 to 6,500 Junkers Ju 87 "Stuka" dive-bombers of all types were produced, between 1936 and August 1944. Manufacturing numbers for the B-2 type are approximate, ranging between 225 and 697 dive bombers produced. It is likely that the 697 figure represents the entire B series, while other sources indicate 225 B-2 version Stukas were built.
Production Context
The Ju 87B series was the first mass-produced variant, succeeding the A-series, and was used extensively from 1937–1942. The Ju 87B-2 was largely used in the post-1940 period of World War II, before being replaced by newer variants like the D-series.
Limitations
While extremely useful and highly accurate in the early war, the Stuka's effectiveness dropped significantly when faced with enemy fighters and modern anti-aircraft defenses.
The Stukas rear facing machine gun was a weak defense, and the pilot was naturally distracted by the need for self-survival and evasion while under attack, himself.
The straight line dive may have made the dive bomber hard to hit by shipboard A/A, but it was relatively slow and easy to track by A/A on the ground.
And of course, opposing fighters could approach and attack the Stuka from any direction. This one-two punch of A/A and fighter defense were instrumental in bringing them down. That's a big reason why there are very few intact Stuka's today...
Stuka Successes
However, the Junkers Ju 87 "Stuka" was not without its successes and remained a pivotal asset to the Luftwaffe and Wehrmacht in early World War II (1939–1941).
As an integral part of the fast moving, mobile "blitzkrieg" tactics of the Wehrmacht, it drove German forces to great success in the opening stages of WW2. It's precision ground support, tactical bombing effects, and terror element made it a valuable element of the German assault forces. It proved devastating against many different targets in theaters with weak air opposition.
Blitzkrieg Campaigns (1939-1940)
Stukas played a critical role in the rapid conquests of Poland, Norway, and France, acting as "flying artillery" to destroy communications, supply lines, troop formations and armored units. The ability to follow directly behind the mechanized infantry assault and Panzer units ment it could be called to immediately leapfrog ahead and dismantle enemy assets as they were encountered. This made it a crucial element of the blitzkrieg. In the absence of effective air defenses, The Stukas shattered all opposition. This not only delighted it proponents, but earned it the "wonder weapon" reputation it sometimes still carries to this day.
Naval Warfare
As already explained, the dive bombing concept was originated to attack ships, and the JU-87 was highly successful in anti-shipping roles. Numerous ships were attacked and put out of action in the Norwegian campaign and the English Channel. Notably, Stukas crippled the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious in the Mediterranean in January 1941.
The Battle of Britain - The Ju-87's Achilles Heel
During the evacuation of British Expeditionary Forces from Dunkirk in May, 1940, the Stuka met British Spitfires and Hurricanes for the first time...and endured heavy losses. It was tasked with crushing the evacuation, but instead, it's supremacy was finally challenged. German propoganda hid this fact behind a smokescreen, of course.
But over England in the summer of 1940, during the Battle of Britain, the cat was let out of the bag.
The Junkers Ju-87B-2 "Stuka" was primarily used during the BoB as a precision dive bomber targeting Royal Air Force (RAF) coastal radar stations, shipping, and airfields. But their vulnerability to the RAF's determined fighter defenses was finally revealed, and they were withdrawn from duty after suffering heavy losses.
Ju-87B-2 in the Battle of Britain
Targeting Strategy
Stukas focused on attacking "Chain Home" radar stations, which were crucial to the British defense system. They also targeted coastal shipping and RAF airfields, such as Tangmere.
Operational Method
Pilots engaged in the typical Stuka attack method: near-vertical dives, utilizing "Jericho Trumpet" sirens on their landing gear to create psychological terror.
Armament and Payload
The Ju-87B-2 typically carried one 250 kg (or 500 kg) bomb under the fuselage and four 50 kg bombs under the wings for precision bombing.
Vulnerability Exposed
As useful as the Stuka was as precision, “aerial artillery,” the Stuka's slow speed, inability to evade modern fighters, and weak defensive armament made it easy prey for Spitfires and Hurricanes. The achilles heel of the Stuka was exposed: without strong and heavy protection, it was a sitting duck.
Tactical Shift
Following their daylight failures, they were sometimes used for night-time attacks over London and for sporadic attacks on convoys. There were some attempts to repurpose the Stuka for "hit-and-run" tactics near dusk, as well. But the Stuka was not equipped for night operations, and night raids were not really successful.
As long as the Stuka could be protected from opposing fighter attack, it was devastating. Their initial successes in Poland, France and the Low Countries make that clear. But those victories were wholly due to the lack of organized fighter resistance by their opponents.
But the Germans simply could not supply enough fighters to adequately protect both protect the Stukas over Britain AND beat back the numerous RAF Spitfires and Hurricanes from their own bombers.
As useful as the Stuka was as precision, “aerial artillery,” the Stuka's slow speed, inability to evade modern fighters, and weak defensive armament made it easy prey for Spitfires and Hurricanes. The achilles heel of the Stuka was exposed: without strong and heavy protection, it was a sitting duck.
Tactical Shift
Following their daylight failures, they were sometimes used for night-time attacks over London and for sporadic attacks on convoys. There were some attempts to repurpose the Stuka for "hit-and-run" tactics near dusk, as well. But the Stuka was not equipped for night operations, and night raids were not really successful.
As long as the Stuka could be protected from opposing fighter attack, it was devastating. Their initial successes in Poland, France and the Low Countries make that clear. But those victories were wholly due to the lack of organized fighter resistance by their opponents.
But the Germans simply could not supply enough fighters to adequately protect both protect the Stukas over Britain AND beat back the numerous RAF Spitfires and Hurricanes from their own bombers.
The last significant, large-scale Stuka raid over Britain occurred on August 18,1940. Known as "The Hardest Day," over 20% of the force was lost to RAF fighters, and the Luftwaffe promptly withdrew them from operations over the British Isles. A few sporadic attempts were made thereafter, but they were all pulled back to the Pas de Calais by the end of August to await the proposed (and non-existent) invasion of Britian.
Eastern Front (1941-1944): Operation Barbarossa and Beyond
Its safe to say that the Stuka made its name in history on the Eastern Front. Used as close, high-precision air support for armored and troop columns through 90-degree dive-bombing, its activities were normally directed by forward spotters/liaisons. And in the early phase of the Russian invasion, “Operation Barbarossa,” which began on June 22, 1941, the Soviets did not have a really robust air defense system. They had a great many aircraft, yes, but they couldn't put them to good use in sufficient numbers. This meant the Stukas could operate with some impunity, and minimal air cover.
Close Air Support & Ground Liaison
Stukas acted as "flying artillery" for the Wehrmacht, with Luftwaffe liaison officers on the ground directing attacks on specific targets like, troop concentrations, artillery positions, logistical targets like railroad lines, roads, bridges, etc. They leap-frgooed forward over the army from airfields close in the rear, conducting rapid, coordinated strikes on key targets in advance of the Wehrmacht.
Vertical Dive-Bombing
Pilots, such as Hans-Ulrich Rudel, engaged in 80 to 90-degree dives from high altitudes to achieve, on average, less than 30 yards of deviation, allowing for extremely high accuracy in targeting supply lines, bunker systems, and armor.
Anti-Shipping Operations in Russia
The Junkers Ju 87 Stuka played a significant and highly effective role in anti-shipping operations on the Eastern Front, particularly during the early stages of the German invasion of Russia (Operation Barbarossa) and in the Black Sea/Baltic regions. Despite being increasingly vulnerable to fighter opposition, the Stuka’s precision dive-bombing capabilities were devastating against Soviet naval vessels and coastal shipping.
Targeting the Soviet Fleet
Stukas were crucial in attacking Soviet warships, including battleships, cruisers, and destroyers that supported the defense of cities like Leningrad.
The Marat Sinking
One of the most famous actions occurred in September 1941, when Stukas from Stukageschwader 2 ("Immelmann" Wing), flown by pilots including Hans-Ulrich Rudel, attacked and dispatched the Soviet battleship Marat at Kronstadt.
Black Sea/Baltic Activity
Stukas were also active in sinking Soviet ships attempting to evacuate troops or transport supplies, such as during the evacuation of Tallinn.
Precision Attacks Unlike high-altitude bombers, the Stuka's vertical dive allowed for high-accuracy hits on smaller, maneuverable ships.
Operational Period
Although superseded by ground-attack versions of the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 (F-series), the Stuka continued in its anti-shipping role on the Eastern Front until 1944.
While the Stuka’s reputation is normally tied to its "dive-bomber" terror tactics, its success against Soviet naval power was a critical, usually often overlooked, component of its service on the Eastern Front.
Attacks On Airfields
Since fighter opposition to the Stuka is its greatest weakness, a word about Soviet aerial response is appropriate... or perhaps we should say, the lack of such response.
Contrary to what some today might imagine, the Russians were not oblivious to airpower in warfare. They were flying in combat during the First World War, so they were well aware of its use and effectiveness. They also had great resources for manufacturing and a lot of aircraft at the beginning of the German invasion, “Operation Barbarossa.”
And if numbers alone could make a difference, the Russian airforce, the VVS, would have stopped the Germans before they got started.
Unfortunately, the aerial assets of the VVS were largely obsolete in 1941. They had been asleep on the job for some years, and the largest number of fighters they had included many thousands of older, badly outclassed Polikarpov I-16 and I-153 biplane fighters. To their credit, the VVS had begun modernizing the Soviet airfleet, with emerging types like the Yak-1, MiG-3, and LaGG-3. But they were the fewest in number, and they all struggled against the many German Bf 109E and F fighters, the Luftwaffe's well-honed tactics, and its experienced pilots.
Russian Fighter Aircraft (June 1941)
- Polikarpov I-16 "Ishak" (Donkey): The aging mainstay, monoplane fighter of the VVS (approx. 4,200+ in service).The I-16 was actually the first low-wing, monoplane fighter with retractable landing gear in the world. Entered service in the mid-1930's and while not terrible in performance, the I-16 was significantly inferior to the Messerschmitt Bf 109.
Stukas acted as "flying artillery" for the Wehrmacht, with Luftwaffe liaison officers on the ground directing attacks on specific targets like, troop concentrations, artillery positions, logistical targets like railroad lines, roads, bridges, etc. They leap-frgooed forward over the army from airfields close in the rear, conducting rapid, coordinated strikes on key targets in advance of the Wehrmacht.
Vertical Dive-Bombing
Pilots, such as Hans-Ulrich Rudel, engaged in 80 to 90-degree dives from high altitudes to achieve, on average, less than 30 yards of deviation, allowing for extremely high accuracy in targeting supply lines, bunker systems, and armor.
Anti-Shipping Operations in Russia
The Junkers Ju 87 Stuka played a significant and highly effective role in anti-shipping operations on the Eastern Front, particularly during the early stages of the German invasion of Russia (Operation Barbarossa) and in the Black Sea/Baltic regions. Despite being increasingly vulnerable to fighter opposition, the Stuka’s precision dive-bombing capabilities were devastating against Soviet naval vessels and coastal shipping.
Targeting the Soviet Fleet
Stukas were crucial in attacking Soviet warships, including battleships, cruisers, and destroyers that supported the defense of cities like Leningrad.
The Marat Sinking
One of the most famous actions occurred in September 1941, when Stukas from Stukageschwader 2 ("Immelmann" Wing), flown by pilots including Hans-Ulrich Rudel, attacked and dispatched the Soviet battleship Marat at Kronstadt.
Black Sea/Baltic Activity
Stukas were also active in sinking Soviet ships attempting to evacuate troops or transport supplies, such as during the evacuation of Tallinn.
Precision Attacks Unlike high-altitude bombers, the Stuka's vertical dive allowed for high-accuracy hits on smaller, maneuverable ships.
Operational Period
Although superseded by ground-attack versions of the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 (F-series), the Stuka continued in its anti-shipping role on the Eastern Front until 1944.
While the Stuka’s reputation is normally tied to its "dive-bomber" terror tactics, its success against Soviet naval power was a critical, usually often overlooked, component of its service on the Eastern Front.
Attacks On Airfields
Since fighter opposition to the Stuka is its greatest weakness, a word about Soviet aerial response is appropriate... or perhaps we should say, the lack of such response.
Contrary to what some today might imagine, the Russians were not oblivious to airpower in warfare. They were flying in combat during the First World War, so they were well aware of its use and effectiveness. They also had great resources for manufacturing and a lot of aircraft at the beginning of the German invasion, “Operation Barbarossa.”
And if numbers alone could make a difference, the Russian airforce, the VVS, would have stopped the Germans before they got started.
Unfortunately, the aerial assets of the VVS were largely obsolete in 1941. They had been asleep on the job for some years, and the largest number of fighters they had included many thousands of older, badly outclassed Polikarpov I-16 and I-153 biplane fighters. To their credit, the VVS had begun modernizing the Soviet airfleet, with emerging types like the Yak-1, MiG-3, and LaGG-3. But they were the fewest in number, and they all struggled against the many German Bf 109E and F fighters, the Luftwaffe's well-honed tactics, and its experienced pilots.
Russian Fighter Aircraft (June 1941)
- Polikarpov I-153 "Chaika" & I-15: Highly maneuverable, but slow and obsolete biplane fighters (approx. 4,400+ combined). Many were destroyed in the opening hours of the invasion, sitting in neat rows on their runways. By 1943, these were no longer in front line service
- Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-3: High-altitude interceptor; 981 in service at the beginning of Barbarossa. The MiG-3 was difficult to fly in peacetime and much more so in combat. Combat over the Eastern Front was mostly at lower altitudes, and the Mig-3 was inferior to the German Messerschmitt Bf 109. The losses suffered in combat were very high - the highest among all the VVS fighters.
- Yakovlev Yak-1: A modern fighter similar to the Bf 109E. The Yak-1 was maneuverable, fast and competitive. The composite-wooden structure made it easy to maintain and the engine was reliable.
Unfortunately for the VVS, it was only available only in limited numbers at the start of hostilites.
Unfortunately for the VVS, it was only available only in limited numbers at the start of hostilites.
- Lavochkin-Gorbunov-Gudkov LaGG-3: A new, wooden-constructed fighter. Designed to be competitive, it was one of the most modern aircraft available to the VVS at the start of Operation Barbarossa. However, compared to its opponents, the LaGG-3 was underpowered and overweight. It was also unpopular with pilots because it had handling issues and was difficult to fly.
As we can see from the descriptions above, the Soviets had a large number of aircraft – but they were either outdated, inferior in performance, or not used to great effect against the Luftwaffe. Plus, both their airfields and the aircraft themselves were caught on the ground in significant numbers and destroyed in the opening days of the campagin. This was due to poor training, poor communications across the front, lack of coordinated effort among air and ground forces, and the overall superior tactics of the Luftwaffe.
The Germans basically overwhelmed the existing air assets in the early stages of the invasion, and the Stuka was instrumental in dismantling the Soviet air force on the ground.
High-Intensity Sorties
During major offensives, Stukas were capable of operating from forward, and often primitive, airstrips. This was part of its design philosophy, in order to maximize efficiency and provide rapid, tactical air support to the ground forces of the Wehrmacht.
The Germans had developed and honed precise tactics for the fast-moving, mechanized units in their armies – the infamous “blitzkrieg”assault. And a key element of these tactics was constant and well co-ordinated communicaton between the air force and ground units.
Because of this rapid and ever advancing pace, Stuka crews were always in the air above the army, some flying up to 10 sorties per day in the first part of Operation Barbarossa.
Psychological Warfare & Evolution
While the "Jericho Trumpet" sirens of the Stuka initially caused terror in the enemy ranks, the opposition soon became accustomed to them. So the psychological “noise effect” was diminished over time. By the middle of the war they were usually removed to reduce drag, as the Stuka faced ever more modern and numerous enemy fighters.
Evolution to Tank-Busting (Ju 87G)
All parties must end, and so it was for the Stuka. The same two changes that occurred over Britian eventually arose in Russia, putting an end to the Stuka's stunning early successes...
- Soviet aircraft design, manufacturing and tactics improved quickly
- Lend Lease deliveries of Western fighters increased.
In this way, Russian air superiority shifted into a viable force to be reckoned with. This made the slower Ju-87 vulnerable to aerial attack once more.
By 1943, the Ju 87 was forced to shift into a more deliberate ground-attack role against Russian material and vehicle assets and its dive bombing abilities were abandoned more and more. This shift was most notable with the Ju-87 G-2 variant, which was fitted with twin 37mm cannons to specifically destroy Soviet T-34 tanks.
JU-87 G-2 "Tank Buster"
Highest Scoring Stuka Pilot
The Germans basically overwhelmed the existing air assets in the early stages of the invasion, and the Stuka was instrumental in dismantling the Soviet air force on the ground.
High-Intensity Sorties
During major offensives, Stukas were capable of operating from forward, and often primitive, airstrips. This was part of its design philosophy, in order to maximize efficiency and provide rapid, tactical air support to the ground forces of the Wehrmacht.
The Germans had developed and honed precise tactics for the fast-moving, mechanized units in their armies – the infamous “blitzkrieg”assault. And a key element of these tactics was constant and well co-ordinated communicaton between the air force and ground units.
Because of this rapid and ever advancing pace, Stuka crews were always in the air above the army, some flying up to 10 sorties per day in the first part of Operation Barbarossa.
Psychological Warfare & Evolution
While the "Jericho Trumpet" sirens of the Stuka initially caused terror in the enemy ranks, the opposition soon became accustomed to them. So the psychological “noise effect” was diminished over time. By the middle of the war they were usually removed to reduce drag, as the Stuka faced ever more modern and numerous enemy fighters.
Evolution to Tank-Busting (Ju 87G)
All parties must end, and so it was for the Stuka. The same two changes that occurred over Britian eventually arose in Russia, putting an end to the Stuka's stunning early successes...
- Soviet aircraft design, manufacturing and tactics improved quickly
- Lend Lease deliveries of Western fighters increased.
In this way, Russian air superiority shifted into a viable force to be reckoned with. This made the slower Ju-87 vulnerable to aerial attack once more.
By 1943, the Ju 87 was forced to shift into a more deliberate ground-attack role against Russian material and vehicle assets and its dive bombing abilities were abandoned more and more. This shift was most notable with the Ju-87 G-2 variant, which was fitted with twin 37mm cannons to specifically destroy Soviet T-34 tanks.
By 1943–1944, Soviet air superiority had grown substantially, and the B-2 variant was largely replaced by the faster and more more heavily armored "Dora" (D-series) and "Gustav" (G-series) models.
But the Stuka always needed air cover, and was an easy target, especially for more advanced Soviet fighters like the later Yak and Lavochkin series. Regardless, Stukas remained critical to German, tactical, close-support roles, although their effectiveness decreased as Soviet air superiority expanded.
But the Stuka always needed air cover, and was an easy target, especially for more advanced Soviet fighters like the later Yak and Lavochkin series. Regardless, Stukas remained critical to German, tactical, close-support roles, although their effectiveness decreased as Soviet air superiority expanded.
Highest Scoring Stuka Pilot
Despite the vulnerabilities of the Stuka, we mustn't leap to the idea that it was a failure. It was, in fact, highly successful in its primary role as a dive bomber, as well as it's later attack capacities. And there was one Stuka pillot who stood heads above the rest... Oberst (Colonel) Hans-Ulrich Rudel.
Rudel became the most highly decorated German serviceman of the war, and was the only recipient of the highest honor the Reich could bestow, The Knight's Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds.
Obst. Rudel is credited with knocking out 519 tanks, one battleship, one cruiser, 70 landing craft and 150 artillery emplacements, and at least 800 vehicles...that we know of. Records indicate that he flew 2,530 ground-attack missions exclusively on the Eastern Front, almost all of them in the Junkers Ju 87 "Stuka."
Rudel became the most highly decorated German serviceman of the war, and was the only recipient of the highest honor the Reich could bestow, The Knight's Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds.
Obst. Rudel is credited with knocking out 519 tanks, one battleship, one cruiser, 70 landing craft and 150 artillery emplacements, and at least 800 vehicles...that we know of. Records indicate that he flew 2,530 ground-attack missions exclusively on the Eastern Front, almost all of them in the Junkers Ju 87 "Stuka."
However, he was an excellent pilot and is also credited with eleven aerial victories flying several variants of the Focke-Wulf 190 later in the war.
An unrepentant Nazi, he was shot down over 30 times, and officially wounded five times..., but he persisted in his efforts throughout the Russian campaigns. On 8 February 1945, Rudel was badly wounded in the right foot, and his leg was amputated below the knee. Undeterred, he returned to flying on the 25th of March of that year, this time with a prosthetic leg. He flew more missions, now being lifted into his Stuka by ground crews - and he claimed 26 more tanks destroyed by the end of the war.
An unrepentant Nazi, he was shot down over 30 times, and officially wounded five times..., but he persisted in his efforts throughout the Russian campaigns. On 8 February 1945, Rudel was badly wounded in the right foot, and his leg was amputated below the knee. Undeterred, he returned to flying on the 25th of March of that year, this time with a prosthetic leg. He flew more missions, now being lifted into his Stuka by ground crews - and he claimed 26 more tanks destroyed by the end of the war.
On 8 May, 1945, Rudel led a flight of several Stukas and Fw-190's westward from an airfield near Prague, landing in US controlled territory. There he turned himself in, and the Americans refused to hand him over to the Russians. He survived the war, and later emigrated to Argentina where he continued to promote the Nazi cause.
While I admit to a grudging respect - even admiration - of Rudel's tenacious bravery and determination, I cannot overlook the dark-hearted cause for which he fought... and so denounce the man, himself.
That's history, I suppose.
While I admit to a grudging respect - even admiration - of Rudel's tenacious bravery and determination, I cannot overlook the dark-hearted cause for which he fought... and so denounce the man, himself.
That's history, I suppose.
Despite its early successes in WW2, the Mediterranean and Russia, the Stuka could never overcome the fact that it was slow, unmaneuverable, and highly vulnerable to modern fighter and anti-aircraft attack. It required, but often lacked, superior air cover, and yet - it remained in production until 1944 due to its unmatched precision bombing and attack capabilities.
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