Junkers Ju 87 the opening day of the offensive, Hans-Ulrich Rudel flew the only "official" Ju 87 G, although a significant number of Ju 87D variants were fitted with the 37 mm (1.46 in) cannon, and operated as unofficial Ju 87 Gs before the battle. In June 1943, the RLM ordered 20 Ju 87Gs as production variants. The G-1 later influenced the design of the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II, with Hans Rudel's book, "Stuka Pilot" being required reading for all members of the A-X project. The Soviet Air Force practice of harassing German ground forces using antiquated Polikarpov Po-2 and R-5 biplanes
Grinnell Aeroplane Grinnell Aeroplane The Grinnell Aeroplane Company was an American aircraft manufacturer based in Grinnell, Iowa, that built aircraft prior to World War I. The company was formed to develop the "Scout" aircraft designed by Billy Robinson. Robinson trained at the Max Lille school in Cicero, Chicago as a mechanic, learning to fly Wright aircraft and Nieuports. He worked for a brief time as a partner in the National Aeroplane Company before leaving to Iowa in 1913. His custom built parasol was the first to fly airmail from Iowa, setting a non-stop distance record of 390 miles. In 1914, the Grinnell