Junkers Ju 88: books - history, models and technology

Junkers Ju 88

The Junkers Ju 88 was one of the most important tactical bombers of the World War Two era. Its beginnings went back to the mid-1930s, and it flew in Luftwaffe operational service from late 1939 until the latter stages of the war.
Built in a number of specific versions and sub-types, the Ju 88 proved to be a versatile multi-purpose design that fulfilled the bombing role with distinction and was also successfully adapted for other unrelated tasks. These included use as a long-range fighter, night fighting and reconnaissance. Some examples were even used in the late-war period as explosives-equipped flying bombs.

With radar installed, the type became one of the most significant nocturnal fighters of the conflict. Underlining its importance, the Ju 88 served on all fronts where the Luftwaffe was operational during World War Two and was built in significant numbers. The type also flew with a number of export customers.
Containing over 150 photographs, this book tells the fascinating story of the Ju 88, from its creation through to the end of its operational service.

Junkers Ju 88 (Volume 1) - From Schnellbomber to Multi-mission Warplane

The Ju 88 was probably the finest bomber to serve in the Luftwaffe bomber force, but its design, construction and speed meant that it was adaptable as a night-fighter, heavy fighter, torpedo-bomber and reconnaissance aircraft.
This high-performance aircraft entered service in limited numbers during the campaign over Poland in 1939, but subsequently flew with distinction on every battle front on which the Luftwaffe operated throughout World War 2, from the early Blitzkrieg campaigns of 1939/40 through to the Mediterranean and the vast Russian theatre.
It was known widely as a feared night fighter, representing the pinnacle of German aeronautical design technology. The Ju 88 served in numbers with the air forces of Finland, Italy, Hungary, Romania, Spain and France and its appeal as a combat aircraft; especially to modellers, is due to its widely dispersed service.

This book is the first in a comprehensive two-part study of the development and operational history of the Junkers Ju 88, exploring the many variants of this famous and long-serving Luftwaffe multi-role aircraft, including the Ju 188 and Ju 288. The text is fabulously supported by several hundred rare photographs, manufacturer's handbook data, scale line drawings and specially commissioned colour artwork.

Junkers Ju 88 and Its Variants in World War II

This well-illustrated book describes the history, development and use of the fast Junkers Ju 88 twin-engined bomber, that was also used in other roles.

Junkers Ju 88 the Luftwaffe's Most Versatile Aircraft : Rare Luftwaffe Photographs from Wartime Collections (Air War Archive)

Designed as a fast bomber that could out-run 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 Luftwaffe's defence 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 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.

Junkers Ju 88 : The Twilight Years - Biscay to the Fall of Germany

Designed as a fast bomber that could out-run 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.

This latest volume in Frontline's Air War Archive examines the Ju 88s use in the latter years of the Second World War. The type's use as a torpedo bomber or reconnaissance aircraft, as well as its deployment in Russia, over the Bay of Biscay and in the Mediterranean theatre are all explored. Even its use in the Mistel flying-bomb is covered.

In this selection of unrivalled images collected over many years, the operations of this famous aircraft in its twilight years are portrayed and brought to life.

Ju 88 Kampfgeschwader on the Western Front (Osprey)

The most versatile German aircraft of World War 2, the Junkers Ju 88 served as a fighter, bomber and patrol aircraft on every front on which the Luftwaffe fought. Blooded in action during the Blitzkrieg, the Ju 88 soon proved to be a formidable opponent for the beleaguered Allied air forces.

This book is the first of three volumes which cover the Ju 88's extensive wartime service in the bomber role, and it details the aircraft's early campaigns, through to its extensive use in the night Blitz of 1940-41.

Junkers Ju 88 Kampfgeschwader on the Russian Front (Osprey)

The Ju 88, "Wunderbomber" was the main punch of the Luftwaffe's bomber arm during the initial invasion of the Soviet Union and went on to provide critical ground support to the advancing Wehrmacht.

This book tells the complete story of the Ju 88's activities on the Eastern Front including their participation in the campaign against the arctic convoys and the several variants employed. Written and illustrated by renowned Luftwaffe expert John Weal, this book completes Osprey's trilogy on one of the most important German aircraft of World War II.

Contents: Early Successes - Tactical Bomber - Tank and Train Busters - Convoys and Flying Bombs - Axis Operators - Appendices.

Junkers Ju 88 Kampfgeschwader in North Africa and the Mediterranean (Osprey)

This volume follows the Luftwaffe's twin-engined 'Wunderbomber' southwards to describe its deployment in North Africa and the Mediterranean theatre of war. Early 1941 saw the first sporadic air raids on Malta, followed by the campaign in the Balkans which resulted in the conquests of Yugoslavia, Greece and Crete. After supporting land operations in North Africa during the latter half of 1941, the Ju 88s resumed their assault on Malta.
Bringing the story to life are personal accounts of the more famous actions - the bombing of shipping off the coast of Greece and the sinking of three Royal Navy destroyers south of Crete, all illustrated with rare photographs and full-colour profiles.

Contents: Jan-Feb 41: Malta - Apr-May 41: Balkans, Greece and Crete. Luftwaffe to E.Med - Summer-Autumn 41: North Africa; Suez Canal - Jan-Apr 42: Renewed assault on Malta; the Malta convoys - Jan-Nov 42: Offensive and counter-offensive in North Africa - Nov 42-May 43: Torch and Tunisia; the end in North Africa - Summer-Autumn 43: Defence of Sicily and southern Italy; Salerno; the Aegean - Winter 43-Spring 45: The long withdrawal through Italy; Bari; Anzio; evacuation of the eastern Med; final surrender - Appendices.