SUBSIM Radio Room Forums - View Single Post - Shot down fighter with Ju-88 [CFS3]

Chock · 08-18-07, 08:51 PM

The Ju-88 was used in a number of roles throughout WW2 because of its versatility and many people regard it as one of the first ever multi-role aircraft.

There were indeed heavy fighter variants of the Ju-88, as well as nightfighters, antishipping variants, recon versions etc etc. And of course it would have been even faster if the Germans hadn't insisted on stressing it so that it could be used as a dive-bomber too (which they were a bit obsessed with).

Statistically, it was one of the most 'survivable' bombers used in the Battle of Britain. Because of its speed, it could invariably outrun British fighters if it had enough height to dive away and run for it. And in common with the Messerschmitt bf110, the Hurricane could barely catch it in level flight,

The only real disadvantage with it was that, like a lot of German bombers, it was designed with crew psychology in mind, in that the crew were grouped close together for morale purposes. This made it vulnerable if attacked from the front (always a good tactic with pretty much any bomber), where the armor was not great and there was a good chance that at least one of the crew would be hit, which, being in close proximity to the other crew members, then had the reverse effect on their morale from the one that the design was intended to exploit.

Incidentally, even though it was a German aircraft, the Ju-88 was mainly designed by an American-led team.

Definitely one of the best aircraft of WW2.

Chock

08-18-07, 08:51 PM	#2
Chock Sea Lord Join Date: May 2005 Location: Under a thermal layer in chilly Olde England Posts: 1,842 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	The Ju-88 was used in a number of roles throughout WW2 because of its versatility and many people regard it as one of the first ever multi-role aircraft. There were indeed heavy fighter variants of the Ju-88, as well as nightfighters, antishipping variants, recon versions etc etc. And of course it would have been even faster if the Germans hadn't insisted on stressing it so that it could be used as a dive-bomber too (which they were a bit obsessed with). Statistically, it was one of the most 'survivable' bombers used in the Battle of Britain. Because of its speed, it could invariably outrun British fighters if it had enough height to dive away and run for it. And in common with the Messerschmitt bf110, the Hurricane could barely catch it in level flight, The only real disadvantage with it was that, like a lot of German bombers, it was designed with crew psychology in mind, in that the crew were grouped close together for morale purposes. This made it vulnerable if attacked from the front (always a good tactic with pretty much any bomber), where the armor was not great and there was a good chance that at least one of the crew would be hit, which, being in close proximity to the other crew members, then had the reverse effect on their morale from the one that the design was intended to exploit. Incidentally, even though it was a German aircraft, the Ju-88 was mainly designed by an American-led team. Definitely one of the best aircraft of WW2. Chock __________________ Last edited by Chock; 08-18-07 at 09:01 PM.