The Junkers Ju 188 was the epitome of mid-war German twin-engined
aircraft design, representing the enhancement of an earlier type and
incorporating increased performance and technological sophistication. As
part of the 1939 "Bomber B" program, it was intended as a replacement
for the Ju 88 and He 111 medium bombers, taking advantage of uprated
Jumo and BMW engines and incorporating a radically redesigned cockpit
area with all-round visibility for high-speed bombing, torpedo-bomber
carrying, FuG 200 radar, and camera-equipped reconnaissance operations.
What emerged, from the autumn of 1943, was a sophisticated bomber and
reconnaissance aircraft -- and intended night fighter. After operational
trials, the Ju 188 equipped three bomber Geschwader and several
long-range reconnaissance Staffeln in the East and Italy, conducting
operations over Britain and the Western Front as well as Russia and the
Mediterranean.
This comprehensive title charts the design, development, and deployment
of an advanced aircraft which was ultimately overshadowed by
improvements to the airplane it was designed to replace. Supported by
specially commissioned illustrations and contemporary photography, this
is the essential guide to the Junkers Ju 188.