The Junkers Ju 87 was a German military dive bomber widely known as the Stuka. Its inverted gull wing, fixed landing gear and steep attack profile made it one of the most recognisable Luftwaffe aircraft. It became associated with Germany's early campaigns of conquest and later served in specialised ground-attack roles.[1]Junkers Ju87G-2Royal Air Force Museum · rafmuseum.org.uk · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[2]Dauerausstellung Luft- und Raumfahrt: Junkers Ju 87Deutsches Technikmuseum Berlin · technikmuseum.berlin · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
A dedicated dive bomber
Development began in 1934 under a German Army Weapons Agency requirement for precision dive bombing. The name Stuka derived from the German term for a dive bomber. The Ju 87's configuration was designed around that particular mission, rather than around the speed or manoeuvrability expected of a fighter.[2]Dauerausstellung Luft- und Raumfahrt: Junkers Ju 87Deutsches Technikmuseum Berlin · technikmuseum.berlin · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Sirens fitted to the aircraft amplified the psychological effect of its dives. Their wail became an audible emblem of aerial attack for both soldiers and civilians. The airframe's distinctive cranked wing and exposed undercarriage made it readily identifiable even without that sound.[1]Junkers Ju87G-2Royal Air Force Museum · rafmuseum.org.uk · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[2]Dauerausstellung Luft- und Raumfahrt: Junkers Ju 87Deutsches Technikmuseum Berlin · technikmuseum.berlin · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Early campaigns and vulnerability
Ju 87s first saw combat during the Spanish Civil War. They subsequently supported German operations in Poland and France, where limited opposition often allowed accurate attacks on selected targets. After France fell, they attacked shipping in the English Channel and then coastal airfields and radar installations.[1]Junkers Ju87G-2Royal Air Force Museum · rafmuseum.org.uk · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
The Battle of Britain exposed the aircraft's vulnerability when modern fighters contested the airspace. Heavy losses during August 1940 brought withdrawal from major operations against Britain. Low speed and limited defensive armament made fighter protection and favourable air conditions essential.[1]Junkers Ju87G-2Royal Air Force Museum · rafmuseum.org.uk · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Later ground-attack work
The Ju 87 remained useful in other theatres after its withdrawal from the British campaign. Specialised anti-armour versions appeared for the Eastern Front, extending the design's life in a direct attack role. The RAF Museum's G-2 represents this later development rather than the early Stukas most associated with 1940.[1]Junkers Ju87G-2Royal Air Force Museum · rafmuseum.org.uk · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details