Germany's Junkers Ju 90 and Junkers Ju 290 reconnaissance
Photos
Junkers Ju 90V-7 reconnaissance, prototype: |
Junkers Ju 90 reconnaissance: |
Junkers Ju 90 reconnaissance: |
Junkers Ju 90 transport: Aeronautics Aircraft Spotters' Handbook |
Junkers Ju 90 transport: Aeronautics Aircraft Spotters' Handbook |
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Junkers Ju 90A reconnaissance: |
Junkers Ju 90B-1 reconnaissance: |
Junkers Ju 90B-1 reconnaissance: |
Junkers Ju 90C reconnaissance: |
Junkers Ju 290 reconnaissance: |
Junkers Ju 290 reconnaissance: Aeronautics Aircraft Spotters' Handbook |
Junkers Ju 290 reconnaissance: Aeronautics Aircraft Spotters' Handbook |
Junkers Ju 290 reconnaissance, captured by the United States: |
Junkers Ju 290A-5 reconnaissance: |
Junkers Ju 290B-1 reconnaissance, under attack: |
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Junkers Ju 290 reconnaissance: |
Design
The Junkers Ju 90 was a transport plane that were to be used by Lufthansa and the South African Airways.1 It was developed in 1936 to meet an Air Ministry specification for a long range bomber.3 The Junkers Ju 90 was an all metal aircraft with low wings.3
The Junkers Ju 290 was basically an armed Ju 90 that was designed in 1940.1 The Ju 290 was also bigger than the Ju 90.1 The Ju 290 was touted as a replacement for the Fw 200 Condor.2 However it was never produced in enough quantities to replace the Condor.2
In 1943 the Fw 200 was needing to be replaced quickly.3 The Ju 290 had additional armament installed.3 Radio equipment and radar were also added.3 This became the Ju 290 A-2.3
Fuselage
There was a gondola that contained a 20 mm MG 151 and 13 mm MG 131.1
There was a Trapoklappe, a hydraulically operated ramp, that was in the rear fuselage and could be opened in flight or if used on the ground could lift the plane for loading.1
Undercarriage
The Ju 290 had very sturdy undercarriage.1
The Ju 390 had two additional undercarriage units due to its size.1
Fuel Carriers
In early 1944 some of the Ju 290s were modified to carry 6,000 gallons of fuel.3
Prototype
The Ju 290V1 prototype first flew in early 1939 / August 19423.2
The Ju 290A-0 pre production model first flew in 1941.2
Production
Approximately 40 Ju 290s were produced with half being built by Letov in Czechoslovakia.1
In late 1944 construction was terminated.2
- Junkers Ju 290 Prototype: 12
- Junkers Ju 290A-0: 22
- Junkers Ju 290A-1: 52
- Junkers Ju 290A-2: 32
- Junkers Ju 290A-3: 32
- Junkers Ju 290A-4: 52
- Junkers Ju 290A-2, Junkers Ju 290A-3, Junkers Ju 290A-4: 133
- Junkers Ju 290A-5: 292
- Junkers Ju 290A-6: 12
- Junkers Ju 290A-7: 122, 133
- Junkers Ju 290A-8: 12
- Junkers Ju 290A-9: 32,3
- Junkers Ju 290B: 12
- Junkers Ju 290: 662
- Manufacturer: Junkers Flugzeug und Motorenwerke A.G.3
Variants
- Junkers Ju 90: Transport.1
- Junkers Ju 90 V8: First prototype to be armed.1
- Junkers Ju 90 V1: Prototype lost in accident in February 1938.1
- Junkers Ju 90 V3: Prototype lost in 1938.1
- Junkers Ju 90 V5: This prototype, D-ABDG, was modified to become the Ju 290.3
- Junkers Ju 90S: Schwer (heavy).2 Carried 40 passengers.2
- Junkers Ju 290: Maritime reconnaissance.1
- Junkers Ju 290V1: Prototype.2 Based on Ju 90 with a new wing.2 Used BMW 801 engines.2
- Junkers Ju 290A-0: Transport aircraft.1,2
- Junkers Ju 290A-1: Transport aircraft.1 Deliveries started in early 1943.2,3 Used in the Mediterranean.3
- Junkers Ju 290A-2: Maritime reconnaissance.1,2 Carried more fuel.2 Additional defensive armament was added.2,3 Radar installed.3
- Junkers Ju 290A-3: Used BMW 801D engines.2
- Junkers Ju 290A-4: The gun turrets were revised.2
- Junkers Ju 290A-5: Maritime reconnaissance.1 Had FuG 200 search radar in nose.1 Could detect up to 50 miles / 80 km.1 Armor protection was increased.2 The defensive armament was improved.2
- Junkers Ju 290A-6: Was intended to be personal transport for Adolf Hitler.1,2,3 Could carry 50 passengers.1,2
- Junkers Ju 290A-7: Reconnaissance bomber.2 Armed with Henschel Hs 293, Hs 294, and "Fritz" missiles.1,2,3 Had Hohentwiel radar.1 Had a glazed nose.1,3 20 mm was installed.3
- Junkers Ju 290A-8: Modified Ju 290A-7.2 Armed with missiles to be used against ships.1
- Junkers Ju 290A-9: Long range reconnaissance.2,3 Carried more fuel.2 Armament was removed.3
- Junkers Ju 290B: Bomber version.1 High altitude.2
Not produced.1
One built in 1944.2 - Junkers Ju 290B-1: High altitude bomber.3 No rear loading ramp.3 Fully pressurized.3 Additional defensive armament added.3 Project abandoned.3
- Junkers Ju 290C: Transport/reconnaissance version.1 Not produced.1
- Junkers Ju 290D: Bomber version.1 Not produced.1
- Junkers Ju 290MS: Mine clearing.1 Not produced.1
- Junkers Ju 390: 6 engines.1 Prototype flew to within 12 miles / 20 km of United States' coast.1
- Junkers Ju 390 V2: Was largest conventional aircraft built by Germany.1
Usage
Germany was the only country that used the Ju 290.2
Ex Airliner
Eleven of the Ju 90s that were in service with Luft Hansa were converted into military service at the start of World War II.2
Stalingrad
Two Ju 290A-0s and five Ju 290A-1s were used during the encirclement of Stalingrad.1
Atlantic
The 1./FAGr 5 was the first to use the Ju 290 over the Atlantic on October 15, 1943.1
Flying to Japan
Three Ju 290A-5s were stripped and used in transport missions to Japan.1 They would fly military material to the Japanese in exchange for precious metals and rubber.3
Escape to Spain
In April 1945 it is reported that a Ju 290A-6 flew some of the escaping German leadership and flew them to Spain.1,2 These were used by the Spanish air force until the 1950s.1,2
Specifications
Sources:
- Aircraft of WWII, General Editor: Jim Winchester, 2004
- Aircraft of WWII, Stewart Wilson, 1998
- World War II Airplanes Volume 1, Enzo Angelucci, Paolo Matricardi, 1976
- Aeronautics Aircraft Spotters' Handbook, Ensign L. C. Guthman, 1943
