The first Ju-87s received by the Italian Air Force were operational aircraft with the Luftwaffe. They came
with German paint schemes and markings that were painted over with those of the Regia Aeronautica. The
Italian crews changed the aircraft name to picchiata, meaning a good thrashing or can mean dive-bomber.
The next derivative of the word is picchiatello, “slightly crazy”, a good description of plane and pilot in the
midst of an almost vertical dive. Picchiatello became the new name for the Italian Ju-87.
The Regia Aeronautica took delivery of some Ju-87D-3 earlier in 1943. These were assigned to 2 new
Gruppi, 103 and 121 which meant inexperienced pilots. When Allied forces invaded Sicily, July 10 1943
the dive-bomber response was left to these Italians. They went to Southern Italy and Sicily to counter the
invasion. The overwhelming aerial supremacy of the Allies literally devastated the Stukas with the loss of
one US destroyer. Remnants of Gruppo 121 went back to Sardinia early into the 38-day campaign but 103
Gruppo literally ceased to exist.
with German paint schemes and markings that were painted over with those of the Regia Aeronautica. The
Italian crews changed the aircraft name to picchiata, meaning a good thrashing or can mean dive-bomber.
The next derivative of the word is picchiatello, “slightly crazy”, a good description of plane and pilot in the
midst of an almost vertical dive. Picchiatello became the new name for the Italian Ju-87.
The Regia Aeronautica took delivery of some Ju-87D-3 earlier in 1943. These were assigned to 2 new
Gruppi, 103 and 121 which meant inexperienced pilots. When Allied forces invaded Sicily, July 10 1943
the dive-bomber response was left to these Italians. They went to Southern Italy and Sicily to counter the
invasion. The overwhelming aerial supremacy of the Allies literally devastated the Stukas with the loss of
one US destroyer. Remnants of Gruppo 121 went back to Sardinia early into the 38-day campaign but 103
Gruppo literally ceased to exist.
| 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 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) Empty weight: 8,686lbs (3,940 kg) Loaded weight: 14,550lbs (6,600 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, Ordnance: 1x 551 lb (250 kg) or 1x 1,103 lb (500 kg) or 1x 2205 lb (1,000 kg) bomb under fuselage, plus 4x 551 lb (250 kg) or 2x 1103 lb (500 kg) bombs under wings. Maximum load - 3,500 lbs. |
True 1/72 scale
Assembled except for optional
weapons that are provided
Professionally painted
All markings are pad applied to
give you the best quality.
Stand provided or display on wheels
Spinning propeller
Extensive use of metal with
minimum plastic
Highly collectable
Assembled except for optional
weapons that are provided
Professionally painted
All markings are pad applied to
give you the best quality.
Stand provided or display on wheels
Spinning propeller
Extensive use of metal with
minimum plastic
Highly collectable
| Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series (Propeller Powered) HA0150 - Italian JU 87D-3, 207a Squadriglia 103 Gruppo, Regia Aeronautica, Sardinia, Italy LIMITED EDITION 800 PIECES WORLDWIDE |
