The Ju-87 Stuka helped pioneer the German Blitzkrieg in Poland and through the Low Countries and France, causing widespread terror with its air sirens and accuracy. It ran into trouble over Britain due to vunerability due to slow speed which enabled Hurris and Spits to kill them (the Bf 109 unable to protect the bombers, the Bf 110, AND the Ju-87s at the same time!!!) But the Stuka was far from finished. On the East Front it regained its momentum and with the improved D and G models enjoyed more success. Hans Rudel, the most destructive pilot in history, flew the Ds and preferred the G-2 which had twin BK 3.7s mounted under the wings. These were 37mm cannon pods fed by 12 and 24 rd box mags that decimated Soviet armor and ground targets. Rudel racked up a tremendous score and won the Reich's highest award- the Knights Cross to the Iron Cross First Class with golden oak leaves, swords, and diamonds. He stuck with the Stuka even after losing part of a leg and against Hitler's orders- such was his devotion to the Nazi cause but also for love of his Stukas. The Stuka remained the highest accuracy dive bomber of WW2. Although the Hs-129 was a dedicated anti-armor strike aircraft with a slung BK 7.5 75mm cannon, the Stuka Gs still were superior. Stukas were notoriously known as Blackbirds throughout the war.