Dive Bombing in the JU88

Dive Bombing Method in the Ju-88

These are the actual instructions from the historical Fl Üb 8-179/4 manual.
(Traditional method with “Dive Automation”)

  1. Close radiator.
  2. Set propeller pitch to 100% (Auto).
  3. Set bombsight speed to estimated drop speed (can also adjust during dive).
  4. Set bombsight altitude (for example 1000m).
  5. Center trim (on Ju88 red marks).
  6. Press Divebrake button (this will also trim plane to dive).
  7. Set power to idle (0%).
  8. Take aim with ring in top part of the sight. Also take note of the dive bombing marker (“Krawatte”) below the ring on the vertical line.
  9. Hold target in the ring until you hear the drop altitude warning buzzer.
  10. Pull up so that the dive bombing marker becomes superimposed on the target. Hold steady for a moment.
  11. Press the bomb release button (this will also initiate the pull-out by centering the trim again).
  12. Press the divebrake button again to raise the brakes up.
  13. Apply power slowly to avoid overspeeding the engines.
  14. Open the radiator and adjust prop pitch for cruise, if necessary.