Description
The Ju 87 G-2 “Kanonenvogel” was a strike modification of the famous German dive bomber Ju 87 D-5 “Stuka.” Its main feature was the installation of underwing containers with 37 mm BK 3,7 cannons. This variant of the “Stuka” was not designed to carry bombs due to the significant weight of its forward-firing armament, although the aircraft was built in such a way that the BK 3,7 gondolas could be replaced with bomb racks. Production of the cannon-armed Ju 87 began in 1943 but was discontinued in 1944. In total, around 208 G-2 aircraft were built. Compared to the Ju 87 G-1, the G-2 differed by having a longer wingspan, as it was based on the Ju 87 D-3.
Specifications
Crew: 2
Engine: Junkers Jumo 211J
Length: 10.8 m
Wingspan: 15 m
Wing loading: 209 kg/m²
Weight: 5.39 t
Maximum speed: 730 km/h
Maximum Mach number: 0.65 M
Maximum load factor: ≈ -4/10 G
Flap destruction speed (landing/takeoff): 320 / 454 km/h
Armament
Forward-firing armament:
2 × 37 mm BK 3,7 cannons
Ammunition: 24 rounds
Rate of fire: 160 rounds/min
Weight of one-second burst: 1.27 kg
Defensive armament:
Turret — 2 × 7.92 mm MG 81 machine guns
Ammunition: 1,700 rounds
Rate of fire: 1,596 rounds/min
Weight of one-second burst: 0.27 kg
Interesting Facts
General Information
The Ju 87 G-2 was an anti-tank modification of the “Stuka” (Sturzkampfflugzeug), developed in 1942–43 on the basis of the Ju 87 D-5.
It featured two powerful 37 mm BK 37 cannons mounted in underwing pods. These guns were adapted from the 37 mm Flak 18 anti-aircraft cannon.
Weapons and Effectiveness
Each cannon carried 6–12 rounds, usually armor-piercing.
Crews joked that the Ju 87 G-2 “didn’t fire bursts, but economical single shots.”
A single hit to an engine or thin armor was often enough to disable a Soviet T-34 tank.
Accuracy was crucial — pilots fired at minimal distances, requiring great skill.
“Tank Hunter”
The most famous Ju 87 G-2 pilot was Hans-Ulrich Rudel, known as the “nightmare of tank crews.” He is credited with destroying over 500 Soviet tanks, mostly flying the G-2.
Because of this, the Ju 87 G-2 earned the nickname Kanonenvogel (“cannon bird”).
Design Features
Bomb racks were removed from the G-2 to reduce weight and make room for the cannons.
The heavy armament reduced speed and maneuverability, so these Stukas operated with fighter escort.
Despite being outdated, the Ju 87 G-2 was highly effective as an anti-tank aircraft.
Historical Significance
Ju 87 G-2 saw extensive service on the Eastern Front, particularly during the Battle of Kursk and in the Baltic region.
By the end of the war, the Allies considered the Ju 87 hopelessly obsolete, yet against tanks it remained a formidable weapon.
I suggest placing it on branch 2 or 3.
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