Such was the rapidity of military aircraft development that few types were produced through the entire conflict. The Ju-88 family was one of those. First flying in the late 1930s, the type was entering service when war broke out. It was one of the mainstay bombers during the early campaigns and during the Battle of Britain. Constantly updated, the aircraft was able to be adapted to a number of different roles and was pretty much the major type used by bomber squadrons, especially on the eastern front. It was used as a heavy fighter, torpedo bomber, reconnaissance platform, maritime patrol and as an airframe for testing different systems.

This particular volume covers the Ju-88 from the prototypes through the A-17 variants as well as the short lived Ju-88B version. This edition follows a familiar format with a background history, a look at the different variants, the camouflage schemes worn by the aircraft (which includes a lot of full color profiles), and a set of detail drawings of each different variation on the scheme. There is also a large colors and markings section thanks to the variety of schemes these planes carried. Foreign operators are also covered.

 In addition to this, you have a fairly complete modelers section. There are several pages of kit reviews that is limited to what has been released in the last 10 years so you may well not find your favorites in this section. As usual, we have build articles including the Revell 1/72 Ju-88A-1 and ICM 1/48 Ju-88A-4. In addition the usual set of drawings showing the changes in the aircraft as time went on. Then there is a detail section which uses both images from extant airframes as well as a plethora of period photos and drawings from the technical manuals as well as some from extant airframes. Next are listings for all the different kits along with decals, accessory sets, and books. The last pages of the book are 1/48 plans for several versions in a huge multi-page fold-out. 

Overall, this makes this what is probably the best book for both the enthusiast and modeler to have on the subject. It is a book I'm very glad was released and one that will get a lot of use as the Ju-88 is one of my favorite aircraft.  It is a book for which I can easily provide my highest recommendation.

February 2024

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