$   In September 1939 there were 1180 bombers in Luftwaffe's active service . Heinkel He111 and Dornier Do17$
$were represented in largest numbers.  He111 planes were propelled by two Junkers Jumo 211A1 engines (744HP)$
$or Daimler Benz DB 601A1 (810HP) enabling it to travel as fast as 370km/h. It was not enough to protect$
$them from Polish fighters. He111's suffered significant losses, reaching almost 20%.  Defensive$
$armament of He111's was increased to 6 machine guns.$
$   Dornier Do217 was a light bomber, exploited as a reconnaissance plane. Maximum load was twice smaller$
$than in He111, but its speed was greater.  The aircraft was propelled by two BMW132N (637HP) or Bramo 323P$
$(737HP) engines. Maximum speed on altitude 4000m could reach 410 km/h. These planes were practically$
$elusive for Polish interceptors. Operating on high altitudes Dorniers could easily perform long range$
$reconnaissance. Even before the war began, these planes crossed the border many times, making photographs$
$needed for intelligence purposes.$
$   The most famous German aircraft of World War II is probably Junkers Ju87 Stuka. Ju87B1, at the time$
$the core of StukaGeschwadern (diving bomber squadrons). Its accuracy in attacks against small targets,$
$like bridges, railway stations or enemy concentrations was incredible. The plane was armed with a single$
$500 kg bomb and two 7,92 mm MG17 machine guns. Additionally, the rear hemisphere was defended by another$
$MG 17 operated by a second crew member. Ju87 efficiency was increased by the short service time. Although$
$there were only approx. 250 of them, a few flights every day greatly increased their  presence over the$
$battlefield. Strict coordination between armoured forces and diving bombers could break any resistance.$
$  Luftwaffe actions were crucial during the campaign. Attacks against railway lines have disorganised Polish$
$mobilisation, constant threat of air strikes against frontline units reduced their mobility, air raids against$
$cities and civilian refugees influenced the morale. Warsaw, the capital of Poland, was viciously$
$attacked. But even blitz coming after blitz didn't break the morale of the besieged city.$
