Description
Junkers’ Ju 87 Stuka was a formidable ground-attack aircraft but – as became evident during the Battle of Britain – it was highly vulnerable when pitted against fighters such as the Spitfire and Hurricane. With no alternative in place, though, its development was continued, with the result being the D-series, known as the ‘Dora’ to its crews (and ultimately the Ju 87G), which introduced a streamlined design coupled with a better engine. Armour protection was increased and the single defensive MG 17 replaced by a twin-barrelled MG 81Z version. The type’s bomb-load capacity was also improved, with the Ju 87D able to carry a maximum of 1,800kg, although Doras usually toted a single 500kg or 1,000kg munition on the centreline rack, plus two or four 50kg bombs under the wings. Operationally, the Ju 87D was used mainly in North Africa, Italy and on the Eastern Front.