Description
The name Stuka is an abbreviation of the German word Sturzkampfflugzeug, meaning dive bomber. The fearsome sight and sound of the Luftwaffe’s Ju-87 Stuka diving on its target, its siren wailing, spearheaded German victories in Poland, Norway, the Low Countries, the Mediterranean, and Russia between 1939 and 1943.
This book covers the pre-war development of the Stuka concept in Germany and early dive-bomber prototypes. The Stuka’s initial deployment, in the Nazi Legion Condor sent to assist Franco’s forces in the Spanish Civil War is examined, followed by the aircraft’s central role in the blitzkrieg war. The operational history of the aircraft continues through the Channel Battles and the Battle of Britain. The volume concludes with the opening phases of the war against Russia.
Written by Peter C. Smith, an internationally renowned authority on dive- bombers and the Ju 87 in particular, the book contains an impressive selection of historic photos, artworks, and first-hand accounts from those who flew the aircraft.
9 x 12″, 96 pgs., 200 black and white illustrations plus color artwork, softcover.
