The Junkers Ju 52

摘要

The venerable Junkers Ju 52 was the most significant German transport aircraft of World War Two. An aircraft as famous for its unusual appearance as for its remarkably long service life, the 'Tante Ju' (Auntie Junkers) as it was sometimes known, proved itself a rugged, dependable and versatile machine. With angular sides that resembled corrugated fencing, and a distinctive tri-motor configuration, the Ju 52 (also nicknamed 'Iron Annie') was and still is an unmistakeable aircraft. Designed by Ernst Zindel and his team at Junkers' headquarters in Dessau, Germany, it was loosely based on the W 33 that was produced between 1927 and 1934, when just under 200 were built. Like the W 33, the Ju 52 was originally envisaged as being powered by just one engine. Seven prototypes were completed, but all were far too ponderous and slow. The first of these flew on October 13, 1930. All subsequent models were built with three engines, and while the resulting aircraft was still not among the fastest in the skies, it was clearly fit for its intended purpose - as a transport for national airline Luft Hansa.