Bf 109E’s of 8./JG 54 at Guines airfield, France, in 1940. The 109 was superior to all contemporary Allied fighters, although the Hawker Hurricane and the Dewoitne D520 could hold their own. However, Luftwaffe fighter pilots were in for an unpleasant surprise when they met the Supermarine Spitfire over Dunkirk.
A damaged 109 that would be returned to Germany for both repair and updating to the latest configuration.
Photo 1 of 2: Two views of the Fieseler Fi 156 Storch (Stork), a highly effective short takeoff and landing liaison aircraft. It was routinely used by division commanders to check on the progress of their units and conduct personal reconnaissance of the battlefield.
Photo 2 of 2: Two views of the Fieseler Fi 156 Storch (Stork), a highly effective short takeoff and landing liaison aircraft. It was routinely used by division commanders to check on the progress of their units and conduct personal reconnaissance of the battlefield.
A Luftwaffe crewman rests on the tail unit of his Dornier Do 17Z. The Do 17Z had a maximum bombload of 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds)and a top speed of 400 kilometers per hour (250 mph).
The reliable Junkers Ju 52 tri-motor transport was also used to carry paratroops.
The terror of the skies over France in May and June 1940 was the Junkers Ju 87B Stuka. When operating where the Luftwaffe had established air superiority, the Stuka was a highly effective ground-support aircaft with the ability to deliver its bombload with incredible accuracy. The myth of the Stuka menace was born. The reality was that the Ju 87 was obsolescent before the war started, being both slow and very vulnerable to fighters, as became painfully evident during the Battle of Britain. However, the Ju 87 remained in service until the last days of the war. The Ju 87 carried a 600-kg (1,100-lb) bombload at a maximum speed of 390 kph (238 mph).
An impressive line-up of Ju 87 Stukas on a large grass airfield. The lack of dispersement and camouflage suggests that hostilities have ended.
Deception! Dummy Ju 87 Stukas offer inviting targets to Allied pilots. Undoubtedly, there are numerous Flak units waiting for their unsuspecting prey.
The very oddly designed Bruguet 274 reconnaissance/bomber aircraft. Maximum speed was only 236 kph (147 mph) and the bombload 120 kg (264 lb).
A Bloch MB 152 fighter, with a maximum speed of 509 kph (316 mph), 2 x 20mm cannon, and 2 x 7.5mm machine gun. A rugged aircraft but inferior to the Bf 109E in all respects.
A Mureau 115/117 reconnaissance/light bomber aircraft. The service ceiling was an impressive 10,000 meters (32,800 feet). It had a maximum speed of 340 kph (210 mph), a bombload of 200 kg (440 lb), armament of 2x 20mm cannon, and 4 x 7.5mm machine guns.
A Dewoitine D520 fighter, the French Air Force’s most modern fighter. It had top speed of 486 kph (303 mph), armament of 1x 20mm cannon, and 4 x 7.5mm machine guns. Only about seventy of these aircraft were accepted for service before hostilities began. The 520 was considered quite difficult to fly and was not the equal of the 109.
Destroyed French aircraft, the fighter in the foreground is a Bloch MB 150. In the background is what appears to be an LeO 45 twin-engine medium bomber.
Photo 1 of 2: Despite the intense air battles between reconnaissance aircraft and their fighter escorts during the eight months of the “Phony War,” many Allied aircraft were still caught on the ground when the Luftwaffe attacked on May 10.
Photo 2 of 2: Despite the intense air battles between reconnaissance aircraft and their fighter escorts during the eight months of the “Phony War,” many Allied aircraft were still caught on the ground when the Luftwaffe attacked on May 10.
An obsolescent Amiot 143 bomber. Top speed was around 200 mph, and its bombload was 3,500 pounds. The Amiot was easy prey for the marauding Bf 109Es.
A French Potez 637 reconnaissance aircraft, victim of a strafing attack.
A Loire Nieuport LN 401/LN 411 dive-bomber. Sixty-eight were produced for the French Navy. It was armed with two 7.9mm machine guns and a 20mm cannon and carried 500 pounds of bombs. Its top speed was 236 mph, with a range of 745 miles. On May 19, twenty LN 401s attacked German armored columns; ten were shot down and seven damaged beyond repair. All these losses were caused by Flak.
The excellent Messerschmitt Bf 109E (Emil), superior to all other fighter aircraft during the battle, including the Hawker Hurricane. The 109 finally met its match in the Supermarine Spitfire over the Dunkirk beaches. This example is from III./JG 77.