The screaming, precision-bombing Stukas epitomized blitzkrieg warfare as they blasted a path for oncoming German tanks and infantry. Their effect upon unarmed civilians was terrifying, for Stukas emitted a loud, high-pitched howl as they nosed over, giving the impression of giant birds of prey. The Ju 87s functioned brilliantly until the Battle of Britain in 1940, where effective fighter opposition caused heavy losses. Thereafter, Stukas were assigned to secondary theaters like the Aegean and Mediterranean with good results.
The Ju 87B-2 which followed had a number of detailed improvements and was built in several variants including ski-quipped versions and, at the other extreme, with tropical operation kit as the Ju 87B2/ frop. Italy received a number of Ju 87B-2s and named the type PicchiateIlo, while others went to Axis countries, including Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania. A long-range anti-shipping version of the J u 87B series appeared as the Ju 87R type, variants from Ju 87R-1 to Ju 87R-4 all having detail differences but a common armament (one 551-lb/250-kg bomb) and provision for underwing drop tanks.
Although the Stukas had suffered mightily at the hands of the RAF, the Luftwaffe had no immediate replacement available and development continued, the next production model being the Ju 87D-1 with the new 1,41O-hp (1051-kW) Jumo 211J-1 engine. Considerable changes were made in the aircraft's appearance and armour was increased, probably the most popular improvement! Production of this version began in 1941 and deliveries during that year totalled 476, with 917 in 1942. The type was deployed extensively in the Middle East and on the Eastern Front, and in the former area was even used as a glider tug under the designation J u 87D-2. The Ju 87D-3 had extra armour protection for the ground-attack role.
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