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The Henschel Hs 123, an old biplane, should have retired
long before World War II, but it actually served well as a divebomber
in the Eastern Front due to its rugged airframe, long endurance and
ability to withstand hits. |
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Nicknamed "Stuka," the Junkers Ju 87 was the symbol
of Blitzkrieg triumph. From the first operations in Poland to the last
days of the Battle of the Bulge, the many versions of Ju 87 served
well as close support aircraft. |
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As a multi-role aircraft, the Ju 88 was also
designed to dive-bomb, increasing its weight from six to thirteen
tons. Though this version of the Ju 88 served with some success but it
was never as well suited to the task as the Ju 87. |
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The Messerschmitt Me 262A2 was the bomber version
of the fighter Me 262A1. After Hitler saw the prototype he said it
was the "Blitz Bomber" he needed. This change in the production plan
contributed to a delay in the operational readiness of the jet. |
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The Arado Ar 234 was more suited to the task of a
"Blitz Bomber." It could outrun any Allied fighter and was thus used
in reconnaissance missions. Later models carried bombs and even four
jet engines for more thrust. |