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Germany's Junkers Ju 252 transport1
Junkers Ju 352 "Herkules" transport1

Junkers Ju 252V4 transport:
Germany's Junkers Ju 252V4 transport

Junkers Ju 252A-1 transport:
Germany's Junkers Ju 252A-1 transport

Junkers Ju 352 Herkules transport:
Germany's Junkers Ju 352 Herkules transport

Junkers Ju 352A-1 Herkules transport:
Germany's Junkers Ju 352 Herkules 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 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 1943.1

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

Variants

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

  Junkers Ju 2521 Junkers Ju 3521 Junkers Ju 352A1
Type Transport1 Transport1 Transport1
Crew     4 - 51
Passengers     321
OR      
Cargo     9,480 lb1
4,300 kg1
Engine (Type) 3: Junkers Jumo 211F1 3: BMW Bramo 323R-21  
Cylinders Inverted V 121 Radial 91  
Cooling      
HP 1,410 each1 1,200 each1  
Propeller blades 3 each1 3 each1  
Dimensions      
Span     112' 3"1
34.21 m1
Length     79' 5"1
24.2 m1
Height     21' 8"1
6.6 m1
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
Performance      
Speed at sea level      
Speed @ 7,875' /
2,400 m
    205 mph1
330 kph1
Cruising speed     152 mph1
245 kph1
Climb to 3,280' /
1,000 m
    3.2 minutes1
Service ceiling     19,685'1
6,000 m1
Range     1,120 miles1
1,800 km1
Maximum range     1,852 miles1
2,980 km1
Armament      
Dorsal turret     1: 20 mm1
Lateral     2: 13 mm MG1

Sources:

  1. Aircraft of WWII, Stewart Wilson, 1998
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