Junkers Ju 87 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ju 87 |
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| Ju 87Ds in October 1943 | |
| Role | Dive bomber |
| Manufacturer | Junkers |
| Designer | Hermann Pohlmann |
| First flight | 17 September 1935 |
| Introduction | 1936 |
| Retired | 1945 (Luftwaffe) |
| Primary users | Luftwaffe Regia Aeronautica Royal Romanian Air Force Bulgarian Air Force |
| Number built | Estimated 6,500 |
The Junkers Ju 87, often called the Ju 87 or simply Stuka, was a famous German dive bomber aircraft. It was used during World War II. The name Stuka comes from a German word, Sturzkampfflugzeug, which means "dive bomber." This plane was known for its special design and a scary siren sound it made when diving.
The Ju 87 was designed to drop bombs very accurately. It could carry up to 500 kg of bombs. Some versions were even changed to attack tanks. About 6,500 of these planes were built in total.
The Stuka's Story
The Ju 87 was designed by Hermann Pohlmann. Its first flight was on 17 September 1935. The plane was first used in real battles in 1936. This happened during the Spanish Civil War. Stukas attacked the town of Guernica in Spain.
Stukas in World War II
When World War II began, Ju 87s were used a lot. They bombed targets in Poland, then in Belgium, the Netherlands, France, and Greece. During the Battle of Britain, Stukas attacked British ports like Dover and Folkestone. These ports were important for ships in the English Channel.
The Ju 87 was famous for its loud siren. This siren would make a terrifying whistling sound as the plane dove. This sound was meant to scare people on the ground.
Many Ju 87s were also used in the Soviet Union. They fought against Soviet troops on the Eastern Front. In the Battle of Stalingrad, Stukas bombed the city heavily.
Other Similar Aircraft
Images for kids
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Ernst Udet; a big supporter of the dive-bomber and the Ju 87 (1928 photo)
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The Stuka had inverted gull wings, as shown here. You can also see the two separate sliding parts of the cockpit canopy.
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The RAF Museum's Ju 87, partly taken apart in 2016. This shows where the outer wing sections attach.
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How a Ju 87 would dive to drop bombs.
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A group of Ju 87A dive-bombers flying together. Notice the A model's large wheel covers.
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A Junkers Ju 87 B during the Battle of Stalingrad.
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A Ju-87 pulling a DFS 230 glider over Italy.
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The engine, a Jumo 211D, installed in a Ju 87 B. The "Jericho Trumpet" siren is covered on the landing gear leg.
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Ju 87Ds flying in the Soviet Union, January/February 1943.
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A Ju 87 G-1 "Kanonenvogel" (cannon bird) with two large 3.7 cm guns under its wings.
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A Ju 87D getting its wings installed during production.
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Two Junkers Ju 87 Ds almost finished being built.
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A Condor Legion Junkers Ju 87A with Spanish Nationalist markings.
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Ju 87 Bs flying over Poland, September/October 1939.
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Erhard Milch speaking to a group of Ju 87 pilots at a Norwegian airfield.
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A Ju 87 B is looked at by British soldiers after it landed in the North African desert, December 1941.
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The Eastern Front brought new challenges. A Ju 87 B-2 is fitted with ski landing gear for winter, 22 December 1941.
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A Ju 87B flying over Stalingrad.
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Ju 87 Ds flying over the Eastern Front, 22 December 1943.
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A Ju 87 wreck at the Sinsheim Auto & Technik Museum (2008).
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At the Deutsches Technikmuseum, with a veteran gunner talking about his combat in North Africa.
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The Ju 87 at the Hellenic Air Force Museum, Greece.
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See also
In Spanish: Junkers Ju 87 para niños
