JU-87 Stuka

stuka

Pre-dive checklist
1
Landing flaps at cruise position.
6
Contact altimeter set to release height.
2
Elevator trim at cruise position.
7
Supercharger set to automatic.
3
Rudder trim at cruise position.
8
Throttle pulled right back.
4
Aircrew pitch set at cruise.
9
Cooler flaps closed.
5
Contact altimeter on.
10
Dive brakes opened.

stuka
Dive Bombing Techniques
1 : Dive brakes open
This automatically noses the aircraft over into a dive.Red tabs protrude from the upper surfaces of the wing as a visual indicator to the pilot : at the same time the automatic dive recovery system is actuated.The pilot aims the entire aircraft at his target using a simple gun-type sight.Maximum dive speed is around 600 km/h (373 mph)
2 : Bomb release
A light on the contact altimeter comes on to indicate the bomb-release point-usually at a minimum hight of 450 m.A knob is depressed on the control column to release weapons and to initiate the automatic pull-out mechanism.
3 : Pullout mechanism
Automatically initiates a 6g pullout , returning elevator trim tabs to normal position.Can be overridden by the pilot in emergency.Once nose is above horizon , dive brakes retract , throttle opens and air screw is set to climb.