The Junkers Ju52/3mg5e

First appearing in 1932, the Ju 52/3m tri-motor was to become one of the most important of all German aircraft in the Second World War. After its introduction large numbers were ordered by Deutsche Lufthansa and foreign airlines throughout the world. The rugged reliability of the Ju 52 also attracted the attention of the still secret Luftwaffe and a bomber and troop carrier version was developed in Sweden. When the Luftwaffe was revealed in 1935 the Ju32/3M g3w was ready with standard heavy bomber equipment; the next year the type was in action as a transport in the Spanish Civil War and soon after as a bomber with the Condor Legion. These early military versions were fitted with an exposed "dust-bin" ventral turret which was ineffective and deleted from the next version, Ju/32M g4e,with which Germany entered the Second World War.

During its service many variants of the Ju 52/3m were produced including the g5e and the later g7e, which was the major production version. An improved radio identified the Ju 52/3mg6e. While the g7e had a wider loading door and increased loaded weight and could be fitted with alternative wheel, float or ski undercarriage; additionally the 7e featured automatic pilot. The final production versions were the g8e, 9e and 10e and featured increased cabin windows size and a 13mm (0.15 in) machine gun in a dorsal position. The 9e was designed as a glider tug and was stressed for increased takeoff weight. The 10e through 14e were also equipped with an over-the-cockpit 7.92mm (0.31in) machine gun. In addition to cargo, the Ju 52 could carry up to 18 fully equipped airborne-troops, 16 fully equipped conventional ground combat troops or when specially adapted as an air ambulance, 12 stretcher cases.

The Ju 52's were used in large numbers in the occupation of Austria and Czechoslovakia and in the forefront of the invasions of Norway and Denmark, and when Holland was invaded, although this time many were destroyed. The final German airborne invasion, that of Crete, was the most costly of any undertaken by the Luftwaffe and a third of the 500 Ju 52's operating from Greece were destroyed or badly damaged. In the Russian campaign the Ju 52 transports played an important role. The North Africa theater also relied upon air transport and many Ju 52's were diverted from Russia in the effort to supply Rommel. Late in 1942 the R.A.F. had gained complete air superiority and the lightly armed transports suffered extremely heavy losses in the air and on the ground. In 1943, Ju 52 production was extended to occupied France. After the war many Ju 52's remained in service for transport duties with the Spanish and Swiss Air Forces.

 

Armament of the Ju52/3mg5e