Junker JU 52 Versions
Junkers Ju 52/3m ge
The
initial Ju 52 was a single-engine aircraft. Since it lacked
performance, and the state of technology couldn't deliver higher
performance engines yet, Junkers decided to add 2 additional engines,
both mounted on the wing. The designation then received the '/3m'.
The seventh Ju 52 airframe was used for the first
3-engine prototype, powered by three Pratt & Whitney Hornet
radials, rated at 550 hp (410 kW) each. A number of subversions were
built for various (export) customers:
• Ju 52/3m ce: Version for A.B.
Aerotransport of Sweden, Aero O/Y of Finland, and Deutsche Lufthansa.
It had cowled engines and spatted mainwheels.
• Ju 52/3m de: Version for Lloyd Aero
Boliviano with uncowled engines and unspatted wheel
• Ju 52/3m fe: unknown features and
customers
The Ju 52/3m ge was the first version that entered
production in large numbers. It was powered by 3 × BMW 132A-1
(license built Pratt & Whitney Hornets) radial, rated at 660 hp
(492 kW) each. It could carry17 passengers, reach a max level speed of 155 Mph
(250 km/h), and had a max take-off weight of 22,046 lb (10.000 kg)
In the meantime the Luftwaffe had expressed it's
interest for the Ju 52, to double as aeither a transport or a bomber.
The bomber role was to be fulfilled until the Dornier Do 11 would be
ready, but problems with the Do 11 meant that more emphasis was
placed on the bomber role. Therefor the Ju 52 was fitted with 3 cells
capable of carrying 3,307 lb (1.500 kg) of bombs in the fuselage.
Defensive armament consisted of:
• 2 × 0.312 inch (7,92 mm) MG 15 trainable
rearward-firing guns in an open dorsal position, 1.050 rounds total
• 1 × 0.312 inch (7,92 mm) MG 15 trainable
rearward-firing gun in a semi-enclosed, semi-retractable ventral
'bathtub' position, 750 rounds
Number built: unknown out of a total of 5.415
Junkers
Ju 52/3m g3e
Improved version of the Junkers Ju 52/3m ge. It had
more modern radio equipment, upgraded bomb-release mechanisms, and
was powered by 3 × BMW 132A-3 radials, rated at 725 hp (541 kW)
each. The internal fuel capacity of 544 Imp gal (654 US gal, 2.475
liters) made a tactical radius of 311 miles (500 km) possible at a
max cruising speed of 152 miles (245 km/h) at 2,950 ft (900 m). Other
technical details are as follows:
A span of 95 ft 11.5 inch (29,24 m), aspect ratio of
7,74, area of 1,189.41 sq ft (110.50 m²), length of 62 ft 0 inch
(18,9 m), height of 18 ft 2,5 inch (5,55 m), empty weight of 12,610
lb (5.720 kg), max take-off weight of 23,146 lb (10.500 kg), max
level speed of 172 Mph (277 km/h) at 2,950 ft (900 m) declining to
165 Mph (265 km/h) at sea level, economical cruising speed of 130 Mph
(210 km/h) at optimum altitude, max range of 621 miles (1.000 km),
climb to 9,845 ft (3.000 m) in 17 min 30 sec, and a service ceiling
of 19,360 ft (5.900 m)
Number built: unknown out of a total of 5.415
Junkers
Ju 52/3m g4e
This version was mostly used by the Condor Legion in
Spain. It had a number of internal improvements, and a tailwheel in
stead of a tail skid. This version was not u\only produced by
Junkers, and the number exceeded 500 aircraft. In 1937 it was slowly
withdrawn from it's bomber role, and served more as a transport,
bomber-crew trainer, or in the airborne forces role.
12 Aircraft have been converted to Convoy Escorts.
These aircraft, like the YB-40 with the B-17, defended it's brothers
during sorties. For that reason the 'Geleitschutzflugzeuge' were
fitted with the ventral 'Dustbin' again, 2 more 0.312 inch (7,92 mm)
guns in the beam positions, and a 20 mm trainable cannon in the nose.
Number built: unknown out of a total of 5.415
Junkers
Ju 52/3m g4e (MS)
This version was converted for Mine-sweeping duties.
For that reason it was fitted with a large Dural hoop braced beneath
the wing and fuselage. This hoop was than energised by an additional
motor that was installed in the fuselage. The magnetic field that
was generated that way, triggered magnetically fused mines.
Junkers
Ju 52/3m g5e
Number built: unknown out of a total of 5.415
Junkers
Ju 52/3m g5e (MS)
This version was converted for Mine-sweeping duties.
Number converted: unknown
Junkers
Ju 52/3m g5e (See)
This version was the Junkers Ju 52/3m g5e with floats
instead of a landing gear. The max take-off weight was 24,250 lb
(11.000 kg). Number converted: unknown
This version is almost identical to the Junkers Ju
52/3m g5e, and was produced in parallel with it as well. The
difference was the fact that it was a purely land based aircraft, and
had simpler radio equipment.
Number built: unknown out of a total of 5.415
Junkers Ju 52/3m g6e (MS)
This version was converted for Mine-sweeping duties. Number converted: unknown
Junkers Ju 52/3m g6e (MS)
This version was converted for Mine-sweeping duties. Number converted: unknown
Junkers
Ju 52/3m g7e
From 1941 onward, the Junkers Ju 52/3m g7e was built.
It was based on the Junkers Ju 52/3m g5e, but had a number of
improvements: an autopilot, a larger starboard-side loading hatch,
and a rearward extension of the upper part of the central engine. On
some aircraft there was an open position created in the cockpit's
overhead glazing, to accomodate 1 × 0.312 inch (7,92 mm) MG 15
trainable rearward-firing gun. Number built: unknown out of a total
of 5.415 Junkers.
This version was converted for Mine-sweeping duties.
Number converted: unknown
Junkers
Ju 52/3m g9e
This version replaced the Junkers Ju 52/3m g8e in
1942. It was powered by 3 × BMW 132Z radials, had a glider-towing
coupling, and had a strenghtened landing gear for a max take-off
weight of 25,353 lb (11.500 kg). Number built: unknown out of a total
of 5.415
Junkers
Ju 52/3m g10e
Based on the Junkers Ju 52/3m g9e, but fitted with
alternatively skis or floats. Number built: unknown out of a total of
5.415.
Junkers
Ju 52/3m g11e
No information. Number built: unknown out of a total
of 5.415
Junkers
Ju 52/3m g12e
Equal to the Junkers Ju 52/3m g9e, but fitted with 3
× BMW 132L radials, rated at 800 hp (597 kW)
Number built: unknown out of a total of 5.415
No further information. Number built: unknown out of
a total of 5.415.
Junkers
Ju 52/3m g14e
The final production version. This version featured
armor protection for the pilot, and had a standard defensive armament
of 1 × 0.51 inch (13 mm) MG 131 in the rear dorsal position, and 3 ×
0.312 inch (7,92 mm) MG 15 each in one of the beam positions, and 1
in a low-drag copula over the cockpit.
Number built: unknown out of a total of 5.415
AAC.1
Toucan
Postwar version of the Ju 52/3m, built by a French
company. Number built: 400 out of 5.415
CASA
352
Postwar version of the Ju 52/3m, built by a Spanish
company. Number built: 170 out of 5.415 (18)
Queen
of the Skies
The heart of Deutsche Lufthansa Berlin-Stiftung's
fleet is the Ju 52. It was with the Junkers J 1 back in 1915 that
Hugo Junkers conducted trials with the world's first all-metal
airplane.
As the first aircraft built in this new design, the
Junkers F13 finally took off in 1919. With the Ju 52, Junkers went on
to become the world's most successful manufacturer of passenger
aircraft over many years. From 1932, the Junkers works and various
licensees built almost 5000 airplanes that were to serve 30 airlines
in 25 countries across the globe.
Built at the Junkers works in Dessau, our Ju 52
embarked on her maiden flight in 1936. Initially in service with
Lufthansa, she then spent almost 20 years alternating between Germany
and Norway. 1955 saw her taken out of service in Norway. Too large
for a museum in Oslo, she was sold to South America where she was
flown in Ecuador from 1957 to 1963. The end of her days now looked
imminent. Mustered out to the edge of Quito Airport and exposed to
the elements, she fell into oblivion until an American flying
enthusiast rescued her in 1969. Later on, spectators were able to
admire "Aunt Ju", now known as "Iron Annie", at
air shows across the States before being purchased by Lufthansa in
1984 and painstakingly restored.
She has once again been in her element since 1986,
marking her 50th birthday, and delighting around 10,000 passengers a
year.
Key facts
|
|
• Tail
sign:
|
D-CDLH
|
• Original
tail sign:
|
D-AQUI
|
• Year
built:
|
1936
|
• Crew:
|
4
|
•
Passengers:
|
16
|
• Engines:
|
Three
nine-cylinder Pratt & Whitney radial engines, PW 1340 S1 H1G
Wasp
|
• Type:
|
Junkers Ju
52/3m
|
• Take-off
speed:
|
120 km/h (65
kts)
|
• Cruising
speed:
|
190 km/h
(102.5 kts)
|
• Maximum
speed:
|
250 km/h (135
kts)
|
• Maximum
range:
|
Approx. 825 km
(513 miles)
|
• Endurance:
|
4 hours 20
mins.
|
• Length:
|
18.90 m (62
feet)
|
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