Stuka by Alistair Smith

Author:Alistair Smith
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781783408962
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Published: 2013-05-30T04:00:00+00:00

Two Ju87As can be seen here, flying alongside Erich Heine’s Stuka. It is possible to read the identification marks of the nearest aircraft, BKAQ. When pilots such as Hozzel became operational they operated Ju87Bs. They would have to learn to operate as a team. It was common for the pilot and the gunner to not actually get along with one another. There would often be some switching around until a perfect partner was found. Sometimes the original allocation was perfect and the pair would stick together throughout the war and remain the closest of friends. Just like Erich and his pilot, they would have trained on bombing grounds with target crosses and spotting towers. The training procedure was to approach at around 500m. They would then extend the hydraulic speed brakes, which would make the target move into the bottom window in the cockpit. As soon as the target disappeared the pilot would turn the aircraft into a 70 degree dive. The aircraft would gain speed, but the driving brakes would keep the dive at a relatively steady pace. The target would be kept in the centre of the reflector sight. The pilot would have to make adjustments according to the wind direction and the aircraft’s velocity. On the altimeter there was a red marking arrow. This was set to the local altitude above the mean sea level. The pilot would then know the correct release altitude. When the bomb release button was to be pressed (which was on the control stick) a horn signal would sound. Once the release button was pressed the hydraulic recovery would kick in.

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