Stukas were crucial in the rapid conquest of Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium and France in 1940. It spearheaded the air assaults in the invasion of Poland in September 1939. The Stuka operated with considerable success in close air support and anti-shipping at the outbreak of World War II. The Stuka's design included several innovative features, including automatic pull-up dive brakes under both wings to ensure that the aircraft recovered from its attack dive even if the pilot blacked out from the high g-forces. Upon the leading edges of its faired main gear legs were mounted the Jericho-Trompete (Jericho trumpet) wailing sirens, becoming the propaganda symbol of German air power and the blitzkrieg victories of 1939-1942. The aircraft was easily recognisable by its inverted gull wings and fixed spatted undercarriage. The Ju 87 made its combat debut in 1937 with the Luftwaffe's Condor Legion during the Spanish Civil War and served the Axis forces in World War II. Designed by Hermann Pohlmann, it first flew in 1935. The Junkers Ju 87 or Stuka (from Sturzkampfflugzeug, 'dive bomber') is a German dive bomber and ground-attack aircraft. Primary users:- Luftwaffe, Bulgarian Air Force, Hungarian Air Force, Regia Aeronautica, Royal Romanian Air Force.Introduction:- 1936 Retired:- 1945 (Luftwaffe).
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