The Junkers JU 87 Stuka was Nazi Germany's most prized and feared bomber of the Second World War. As a bomber, it ushered in an age of direct strike dive bombing that helped wreak havoc on enemy formations. The craft flew with its wheel stems folded down and it would execute a bellowing howl through the use of sirens when in diving mode, causing panic below. Deadly accurate, the Stukas were feared by tank and grounds crew alike. The age of strategic bombing had begun. The craft was piloted by two crewmembers - a pilot and a gunner. The gunner sat with his back to the pilot and operated 2 rear-facing .31 in machine guns. As a fighter, the bomber was a sitting duck to advancing allied planes, although over 5,700 aircraft were produced.