Germany's Junkers Ju 252 transport, Junkers Ju 352 "Herkules" transport
Photos
Junkers Ju 252V4 transport: |
Junkers Ju 252 transport: |
Junkers Ju 252A-1 transport: |
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Junkers Ju 352 Herkules transport: |
Junkers Ju 352A-1 transport: |
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Junkers Ju 252 transport: |
Design
Junkers Ju 252
The Junkers Ju 252 was designed in 1939 intending it would be a replacement for the Junkers Ju 52.1
It was similar with the three motors, but the rest was a new design.1 The Ju 252 was larger, faster, and could carry a larger load.1 It was constructed from metal but did not have the corrugated skin like the Ju 52.1
The Ju 252 had a ventral loading hatch.1
Junkers Ju 352
The Junkers Ju 352 Herkules was made from wood and steel tube construction to save on strategic materials.1,2 The Ju 352 was covered in fabric.1
The BMW Bramo 323 engines were selected as they had a lower production priority.1 The BMWs would have 1,200 HP at takeoff with water-methanol boost.1
Prototype
In September 1939 there were four Ju 252 prototypes under construction.1
The Ju 352V1 prototype first flew in October 1943 / October 1, 19432.1
Production
There was an initial order for 25 Ju 252A-1s placed.1 Only eleven of these were built as it was felt the Ju 252 would make demands on strategic materials.1
- Junkers Ju 252 Prototypes: 41
- Junkers Ju 252: 111
- Junkers Ju 352 Prototypes: 21
- Junkers Ju 352A-0: 101,2
- Junkers Ju 352A-1: 322, 331
- Manufacturer: Junkers Flugzeug und Motorenwerke A.G.2
Variants
- Junkers Ju 252:
- Junkers Ju 352A-0:
- Junkers Ju 352A-1:
Usage
Germany was the only user of the Ju 252 and Ju 352.1
The Ju 252s were used on special duties, such as agent drops, and cargo transporter.1
The Ju 352 entered service in 1944 and was also used for special duties and also glider towing, paratroop dropping, and transporting.1 There were also missions to carry spies and agents behind enemy lines.2
Specifications
| Junkers Ju 2521 | Junkers Ju 3521 | Junkers Ju 352A1 | Junkers Ju 352A-12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Transport1 | Transport1 | Transport1 | Transport2 |
| Crew | 4 - 51 | 3 - 42 | ||
| Passengers | 321 | |||
| OR | ||||
| Cargo | 9,480 lb1 4,300 kg1 |
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| Engine (Type) | 3: Junkers Jumo 211F1 | 3: BMW Bramo 323R-21 | 3: BMW 323 R-22 | |
| Cylinders | Inverted V 121 | Radial 91 | Radial 92 | |
| Cooling | Air2 | |||
| HP | 1,410 each1 | 1,200 each1 | 1,000 each2 | |
| Propeller blades | 3 each1 | 3 each1 | ||
| Dimensions | ||||
| Span | 112' 3"1 34.21 m1 |
112' 2"2 | ||
| Length | 79' 5"1 24.2 m1 |
80' 8"2 | ||
| Height | 21' 8"1 6.6 m1 |
18' 10"2 | ||
| Wing area | ||||
| Weight | ||||
| Empty | 28,880 lb1 13,100 kg1 |
27,558 lb1 12,500 kg1 |
||
| Loaded | 52,911 lb1 24,000 kg1 |
43,034 lb1 19,520 kg1 |
43,000 lb2 | |
| Performance | ||||
| Speed at sea level | ||||
| Speed @ 7,875' / 2,400 m |
205 mph1 330 kph1 |
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| Speed @ 16,565' | 230 mph2 | |||
| Cruising speed | 152 mph1 245 kph1 |
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| Climb to 3,280' / 1,000 m |
3.2 minutes1 | |||
| Service ceiling | 19,685'1 6,000 m1 |
19,685'2 | ||
| Range | 1,120 miles1 1,800 km1 |
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| Maximum range | 1,852 miles1 2,980 km1 |
1,860 miles2 | ||
| Armament | 1: 20 mm2 | |||
| Dorsal turret | 1: 20 mm1 | |||
| Lateral | 2: 13 mm MG1 |
Sources:
- Aircraft of WWII, Stewart Wilson, 1998
- World War II Airplanes Volume 1, Enzo Angelucci, Paolo Matricardi, 1976
