Airfix Junkers Ju87R-2/BV-2 Stuka 1/48 Scale Plastic Kit

DETAILS

First flying in September 1935, The Stuka is a German Dive Bomber aircraft developed by Junkers from 1936-1944. The Stuka first saw combat during the Spanish Civil War in 1937 & went on to become one of the most feared aircraft of the Second World War.

The aircraft is easily recognisable by its inverted gull wings and fixed spatted undercarriage. Upon the leading edges of its faired main gear legs were mounted the Jericho trumpet wailing sirens, becoming the propaganda symbol of German air power and the so-called blitzkrieg victories of 1939-1942 & struck fear into anyone who heard the sirens. The Stukas design included several innovations, 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.

The Ju 87 operated with considerable success in close air support and anti-shipping at the outbreak of World War II. It led air assaults in the invasion of Poland in September 1939. Stukas were critical to the rapid conquest of Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium and France in 1940. Sturdy, accurate, and very effective against ground targets, the Stuka was, like many other dive bombers of the period, vulnerable to fighter aircraft. During the Battle of Britain, its lack of manoeuvrability, speed and defensive armament meant that it required a heavy fighter escort to operate effectively. After the Battle of Britain, the Stuka was used in the Balkans Campaign, the African and Mediterranean theatres and the early stages of the Eastern Front, where it was used for general ground support, as an effective specialised anti-tank aircraft and in an anti-shipping role. Once the Luftwaffe lost air superiority, the Stuka became an easy target for enemy fighter aircraft. It was produced until 1944 for lack of a better replacement. By 1945 ground-attack versions of the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 had largely replaced the Ju 87, but it remained in service until the end of the war

This kit represents the Junkers Ju87 Stuka in 1941 & 1942 Luftwaffe Colours including Luftwaffe decals.

This kit comes in moulded grey plastic. Construction & Painting is required