JUNKERS Ju 88: The Early Years - Blitzkrieg to the Blitz [Paperback]

Designed as a fast bomber that could outrun the fighters of the era, the twin-engine Junkers Ju 88 became one of the most versatile aircraft of the Second World War. Such was the success of the design that its production lines operated constantly from 1936 to 1945, with more than 16,000 examples being built in dozens of variants  more than any other twin-engine German aircraft of the period.From an early stage it was intended that it would be used as a conventional light bomber and as a dive-bomber. As such, it served in the invasion of Poland, the Norway campaign, the Blitzkrieg and the invasion of France and the Battle of Britain. It went on to operate in North Africa, formed a key part of the air assault in Operation Barbarossa, and was vital to the Luftwaffes defense of Germany in the face of the Allied bomber offensive. It was also adapted for use as a fighter, night fighter, torpedo bomber, reconnaissance aircraft and even as a Mistel flying-bomb. It was used effectively against both land targets and shipping.In this selection of unrivaled images collected over many years, and now part of Frontline's new War in the Air series, the operations of this famous aircraft are portrayed and brought to life.& the best collection of photos of the Junkers Ju 88 I can recall seeing...In all, this results in an excellent reference book without the usual mass of statistics and charts you get in standard histories. You get to see the plane as it was during operations and it is fortunate for us that so many good images are presented. This is a boon for not only the enthusiast but also for the modeler. It is part of a very good series and what is even better is that these books are at a good price.In this selection of unrivalled images collected over many years, and now part of Frontline's new War in the Air series, the operations of this famous aircraft are portrayed and brought to life.