Junkers Ju-88 A1

The Junkers Ju 88 A-1 was an early, pivotal version of the Luftwaffe's premier World War II multirole combat aircraft, entering service in 1939 as a fast medium-bomber/dive-bomber. Featuring a crew of four in a glazed nose, it was used extensively during the 1940 blitzkrieg and Battle of Britain. 
 
Key Details of the Ju 88 A-1:
Role: Primarily a medium bomber and dive-bomber, though it was designed as a Schnellbomber (fast bomber).
Performance: Top speed of approximately 450 km/h (280 mph).
Armament: Initially carried up to 3,000 kg (6,614 lb) of bombs, with 1,400 kg internally and the rest on four underwing racks. Defensive armament consisted of three 7.92 mm MG 15 machine guns.
Combat Usage: Spearheaded campaigns in Poland (1939) and France (1940).
Limitations: During the Battle of Britain, the A-1 suffered heavy losses due to inadequate defensive armament and slower-than-anticipated speeds, which led to the development of the improved A-4 variant.
Evolution: The A-1 was quickly succeeded by the A-5 (longer wings) and the A-4 (definitively armored, stronger engines), which carried the Ju 88 through all major fronts. 
 
The Ju 88 A-1 established the platform as arguably the most versatile German aircraft of the war, capable of rapid adaptation into night fighters, torpedo bombers, and reconnaissance roles.