                   The Junkers Ju87D-1/Trop

The old but faithful Stuka divebomber was continued on in
service despite serious misgivings about its survivability in
theaters where air superiority did not exist.  The D series
was an improvement on the B series (the C model designation
was for the folding wing version, designed for the German
aircraft carrier Graf Zeppelin that was never finished.)
The tropicalized (hence the /Trop designation) versions of
the Ju87B-2 and Ju87D-1 Stukas had sand filters for the
engine and desert survival equipment for the crew.
The Ju87D-1/Trop appeared over North Africa early in 1942.
Taking advantage of a new Jumo 211J-1 engine, the design was
a serious attempt to clean up the aerodynamic drag of the
Stuka.  In addtion, crew armor was increased, and the single
rear machinegun was replaced by a pair of MG81s in the MG 81Z
for  "zwilling" (twin) installation.  The two forward firing
7.9mm machineguns were retained.  Additionally, a single 2205
pound bomb was normally carried beneath the centerline.  The
outer wing racks could each carry a 551 pound bomb or two 110
pound bombs, but these were normally used for Waffenbehalter
(weapons containers), of which there were two: the WB 81 with
6 x 7.9mm machineguns (three per side) or the alternate
version with 2 x MGFF 20mm cannon (one per side).

Maximum speed at 13,500 feet was 255 mph, cruising speed 198
mph.  Normal range 510 miles.  Service ceiling at 23,905
feet.

HOW TO USE THE REAR GUNNER: Press "G" and then you will be in
the top turret position, which has been modified to represent
the rear gunner position.  You may press "A" to put the gun
on autofire, or you may fire them manually.  Just remember,
you don't have an autopilot.

TO USE THE DIVE BRAKES:  Press "B" to toggle them on and off.

Created by Gregory M. "Sturmer" Smith,  GFBS14A on Prodigy.
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