Junkers Ju 52

The original Junkers Ju 52 had a single engine in its nose. When performance of the prototype proved marginal, engines were added to each wing, while keeping the engine in the nose.

The aircraft quickly became known for their reliability, simplicity, ruggedness, and ease of maintenance. They could operate out of unimproved, short air strips, inaccessible to other cargo aircraft.

Junkers Ju 52 aircraft first flew as transports and postal carriers for a dozen countries around the world including Germany, Finland, and Canada. In addition to its wheeled landing gear, it also could be equipped with pontoon floats for water operations, or with skis for landing on snow and ice.

As with most German war machines that were used during early World War II, the Junkers Ju 52 was flown as a military version during the Spanish Civil War. There it served as a troop transport and a bomber.

During World War II the Junkers Ju 52 became the main German transport aircraft. It served primarily as a troop transport and cargo carrier.  Other missions included bombing, parachuting troops, and medical transportation.  Pontoon equipped Junkers Ju 52 aircraft were used to sweep mines.

The Junkers Ju 52 was the preferred air transport of Adolf Hitler, his staff, and high ranking German officials.

The slow flying Junkers Ju 52 was vulnerable to attack from the ground and air. It had especially heavy losses on the Russian front while trying to fly supplies to German troops.

After the War the Ju 52 continued flying in both military aviation and for airlines until about 1989.

In addition to Germany, the aircraft were produced in France, Hungary, and Spain. It is estimated that a total of over 5,000 Junkers Ju 52 aircraft of all types were produced.

Today Deutsche Lufthansa Berlin-Stiftung, located in Frankfurt, Germany, offers charter, round-trip and ferry flights on a restored Junkers Ju 52 aircraft.