The Ju-87 is, in some ways, an iconic symbol of Nazi Germany and of the early year of the war. When used in a situation of complete air superiority, it was a very potent weapon. However, when going up against a technologically similar foe, it was easy game.

This did not mean that the aircraft was useless. When used in areas where the Luftwaffe enjoyed even temporary air superiority, the Stuka was still a very potent weapon. As such, when it came time to really need more ground attack aircraft, the Ju-87 was chosen for the task. Two main reasons. One is that it was a proven airframe that could deliver a considerable weapons load and was rugged enough to operate in some rather primitive conditions. Secondly, the production line was still up and running and the upgrades to the aircraft were such that they would be easily incorporated into extant production lines.

Thus was born the second generation Ju-87. The Ju-87D and variants benefitted from a larger and more powerful Jumo 211 engine. There were also a few aerodynamic improvements made, such as a more streamlined canopy and moving the coolant radiators under the wing instead of under the engine. This made for a more sleek airframe and with other improvements, made the plane faster and more useful.

There were several Ju-87D variants that differed in the length of the wings or the addition of flame damper exhaust for night operations, something the aircraft was used for as the war turned against Germany. It was also used, like its predecessor, as a glider tug. A specialized torpedo version was developed, but was never put into full production. Like-wise, a carrier borne version, the Ju-87E, was developed and also never put into full production.

One version that was used rather well by those with the skill was the Ju-87G. This was a cannon armed version used to destroy tanks. The addition of the large gun pods made the plane slower and more unwieldy, but quite an effective aircraft. Of course, one needs trainers as well so there was the Ju-87H with dual controls. This is just a quick rundown and there is much more on this aircraft in the book.

The author does a great job of covering the initial design and development of the aircraft as well as telling the story of all the prototypes and of its use in battle. We also get the story of how the plane was used by allied nations such as Romania, Italy, Bulgaria and Hungary.  This is part of Kagero's 3D series so a good third of the book has their excellent 3D illustrations, concentrating on the two major variations of the aircraft. In addition to overall images, we get a number of profile drawings showing the difference between variants. detail sections as well. In all, it is a superb volume and one that anyone with an interest in this plane should have on their shelves.