by Peter C Smith

• A detailed and comprehensive account of the most famous dive-bomber of World War II
• From first design to final modifications
• Prototypes and loss tables, diagrams and first-hand accounts
• Includes Stukas used by the Luftwaffe, Italy, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Croatia, Yugoslavia and Japan

A full history of the Ju.87 Stuka from its origins and development to accounts of active operations in Europe, the Mediterranean and North Africa. Used throughout World War II, the story of all the Ju.87’s roles as dive-bomber, close support aircraft, ship-buster, tank-smasher to night attack bomber are covered including all variants, details of Stuka units, battle orders and losses.

Utilizing this slow and relatively lightly armed World War II warplane, the German Luftwaffe spearheaded the Blitzkrieg assaults from Poland in 1939, through to North Africa and beyond. From the very first day of the second world war to the very last, the Ju 87 operated on the front line.
Famed for its precision bombing, the Stuka’s accuracy paid handsome dividends against such pinpoint targets as rail and road bridges, artillery, communications, fortresses, and enemy armor.
Its added ability to linger over the combat zone providing continuous close air support to troops and proven capability in the field, was a major asset to the Luftwaffe throughout World War II.   
For a land-based aircraft, the Stuka earned a formidable reputation as an anti-shipping weapon. Off the coast of Norway, Dunkirk, in the Mediterranean and Arctic, the English Channel, and Black Sea, the Ju 87 chalked up an alarming list of destroyed ships. Later in the war she achieved legendary fame as a specialist anti-tank and night-attack aircraft. 256 pages , 250 photos