History of the JU-87D-3:
Because of the slow development of new attack aircraft Germany decided to improve what
they already had, the Ju-87. The new and improved version was much more streamlined
with an increase of power, so in 1942 all this gave birth to the Dora (D version) with a 1,400
hp Jumo 211 J or P engine.
The large and less than aerodynamic cooling radiator was removed from under the engine
cowling and replaced with two radiators, one under each wing. A much smaller and less
obtrusive oil cooler took the place of the old radiator under the engine cowling.
Even a new VS11 propeller with paddle blades was installed which further enhanced the
Dora’s performance. They also improved on other features to make the new model more
aerodynamic. Previous versions had a canopy that was pretty much the same shape and
width along it’s entire length. The “D” version now had the slimmer greenhouse canopy that
tapered from the pilot portion back. This tapering wasn’t a real big hit with the rear gunners
as it meant more cramped spaces for them.
There is no question that the new “D” version was going to be the main Stuka so the
Luftwaffe had a large number of versions built or planned. With over 5,000 Stukas built by
the end of 1944 the Dora was the dominant one being produced during the latter part of
WWII, more than 1500 D-3s were produced.
Some more improvements saw the rear gun go from a single drum fed MG15 to a new twin
belt fed MG81. The D-3 version was the first version to be completely designed for a close
support role. Since the plane would be facing more ground fire the armor for the engine and
crew was increased.
The landing gear was strengthened and spats were reduced in size making them a much
better shape but quite often were removed in the field as they would fill with mud whenever
the Stuka had to use a wet dirt strip to operate from and their removal didn’t effect the
performance that much. Even with the Stuka’s improved landing gear it was prone to
collapse when operated from a rough runways.
One of the most notable features of the earlier Ju-87s was removed, the sirens. Even though
the D-3 was a ground attack version it kept its dive brakes.
The tail fin was enlarged, bomb releases were made more symmetrical and the load was
increased to 1800 kg from 1100 kg and one of the new bombs that could be carried was the
1400 kg armor piercing one that could be carried on the center line rack.
Some D-3 were converted to G-1 tank killers, some were even converted to D-4 torpedo
bombers that never did get used so they were converted back to D-3s. One of the oddest
conversions was when they experimented with personnel pods. The pods were mounted on
top of the wing, one per wing, each carrying two people. This was going to be used to drop
agents for clandestine operations, in theory the Stuka would go into a shallow dive and
deploy parachutes that would carry the cargo to a safe landing. As you can imagine the
entire proposal was rather questionable and after a few test flights with just the pods it was
determined that this was not the answer and the Ju-87 were converted back to the regular D-
3. Some D-3s were even outfitted as D-7 and D-8 for night attack missions.

Junkers Ju-87D-3 Specifications
Type: Single Engined Medium Bomber
Power Plant: 1 X 1,440hp Junkers Jumo 211J, 12 cylinder in line, water cooled
Empty weight: 8,686lbs (3,940 kg)
Loaded weight: 14,550lbs (6,600 kg)
Bomb Load: 3 x 960lb (436 kg)
Max Speed 255mph (410 km/h)
Climbing Rate: 3000 meters in 14 minutes
Max range: 410mi (660 km)
Service Ceiling: 27,885ft (8,500 m)
Armament: 2 x 20mm MGH151/20 one in each wing,
1x7.92mm MG81machine gun, rear cockpit,
Wingspan: 45ft 3.25in (13.80m)
Length: 36ft 1in (11.00m)
Height: 12ft 9.5in (3.90 m)
Wing Area: 362.7sq ft (33.60 sq m)

Ordnance: 1x 551 lb (250 kg) or 1x 1103 lb (500 kg) or 1x 2205 lb (1000 kg) bomb under
fuselage, plus 4x 551 lb (250 kg) or 2x 1103 lb (500 kg) bombs under wings. Maximum load
of 3,500 lbs.

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