Junkers Ju 52

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The Junkers Ju 52 nicknamed "Tante Ju" (Auntie Ju) and "Iron Annie" was a civilian airliner and military transport aircraft and bomber manufactured between 1932 and 1945 by Junkers.

Related Topics:
1932 - 1945 - Junkers

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Originally prototyped in 1930 with one engine by Ernst Zindel in the Junkers works at Dessau, its corrugated metal fuselage gave a characteristic boxy appearance. Three BMW Hornet engines improved performance and load carrying abilities, the aircraft now redesignated as Ju 52/3m (3 motoren = 3 engines). As a Lufthansa airliner, the Ju 52 could seat seventeen, reaching Rome from Berlin in 8 hours. Export models were also built with Pratt & Whitney Wasp and Bristol Pegasus engines.

Related Topics:
1930 - Junkers - Dessau - BMW - Lufthansa - Rome - Berlin - Pratt & Whitney Wasp - Bristol Pegasus

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The Ju 52 first saw military service in the Spanish Civil War (Guernica) with roles as a bomber and as a transport, including paratroop drops. The Luftwaffe relied on the Ju 52 for transport roles during World War II. Compared to fighters, it was slow (top speed 165 mph) and lightly armed, so an escort was always necessary; many were shot down.

Related Topics:
Spanish Civil War - Guernica - Paratroop - Luftwaffe - World War II

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While most were destroyed following war's end, a small number were manufactured after 1945 in France and Spain. Some continued in productive service by the Swiss air force until the 1980s. Quite a few are still airworthy and in regular use today.

Related Topics:
1945 - France - Spain - 1980s

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See also: List of airworthy Ju 52

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