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:


Junkers Ju 352 Herkules transport:

Junkers Ju 352A-1 transport:

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: 10^1,2
• Junkers Ju 352A-1: 32², 33¹
• Manufacturer: Junkers Flugzeug und Motorenwerke A.G.²

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