Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series
HA0120
Ju 87G-2 "Tank Buster" WNr. 494193, Stab./SG 2, Slovakia 1944 
 
General Background
The Ju 87 was considered as one of the most important German military aircrafts during WWII. It was better known as the “Stuka” which means “Dive Bomber”.
While the Ju 87 achieved great success during the beginning of WWII due to its accuracy in bombing, it suffered from lack of speed and defense armament. Without the escort of German fighters the Stuka easily became preys for enemy high speed fighters. After the Battle of Britain the Ju 87 was seldom seen in actions in the continent.
 
In 1940, the Ju 87 D (the “Dora” series), with a more powerful engine Jumo 122F, was developed for the attack of heavily defended targets. In 1943, with the approaching invasion of Russia, the Ju87 G “Gustav” was developed for anti-tank purpose. It was fitted with two 37mm cannons under the main wing and the number 1 ace of it was the legendary Oberst (Colonel) Hans Ulrich Rudel who had achieved over 500 kills of Russian armor include one battle ship destruction.