Junkers Ju 87 Stuka

Description

In the opening days of the Blitzkrieg campaign, few aircraft could invoke as much terror as the Junkers Ju 87. Nicknamed the "Stuka" (an abbreviation of Sturzkampfflugzeug - the German term for "dive-bomber"), the Ju 87 was perhaps the most feared tactical bomber of the ETO. With its fixed landing gear and inverted gull wings, the Stuka was the most recognizable aircraft of the Blitzkrieg era. With profile plates, close-up photographs and battlescene artwork, this book reveals the design and development history of the aircraft and how the inclusion of its dive-activated siren changed it from a reliable and sturdy dive bomber into a psychological weapon, spreading panic in ground units. Mike Guardia goes on to explain how the Stuka became easy prey for Allied aircraft and how its influence waned in the final years of the war.

Mike Guardia is an Armor Officer in the United States Army. He holds a BA and MA in American History from the University of Houston, and obtained his commission there via ROTC in December 2008. His research interests include World War II in the Pacific, and the history of armored and guerrilla warfare. As an author, his previous works include Shadow Commander and American Guerrilla. He is currently stationed at Fort Bliss, TX. Henry Morshead is a design consultant in the European automotive and aerospace sectors, with clients including Jaguar, Bentley, Citroen and Airbus. He is also a technical sponsor of the Bloodhound supersonic car, contributing digital surfacing and design services. A former officer in the Royal Engineers and illustrator for Jane's, he maintains a keen interest in the design and use of military land and air vehicles.

"In this book, the author looks into the background and the development of the Ju-87 as well as the aircraft that came before it. All of the different variants are covered as well as an in-depth look at the aircraft and its systems. Several pages of full color art work, and profiles are included as well as the usual bevy of period photographs and the large cutaway on the back two pages. A great read and highly recommended." --Scott van Aken, www.modelingmadness.com (August 2014) "A general overview of the Stuka with a reasonable amount of period photos, artwork and a few color profiles that add to the story of how the aircraft came about and its roll as the Luftwaffe's primary operational dive bomber. It should be of interest to those who don't know a great deal about the aircraft or would like to have a quick study of the subject in a single publication. This book is recommended to those interested in a general overview of the development and operational service of the Junkers Ju 87 Stuka." --Roger A Rasor, IPMS/USA Reviews "...an in-depth analysis of the JU 87 'Stuka' of World War II, which operated to Germany's advantage during the war, and documents innovations, strategies, and history of plane development and use in battle. Chapters pair vintage photos with color illustrations and delve into the history and methods of the Junkers, making for a title recommended for aviation and military history collections alike." --James A. Cox, Midwest Book Review (October 2014)