The Junkers Ju88 was originally designed as a fast day
time bomber and was an extremely versatile bomber. The
first prototype flew on 21 December 1936 but did not see
service until just as the war broke out in 1939
The
aircraft performed admirably during the Battle of Britain
and suffered a lower attrition rate than the Do17 and
the HE111 despite its heavier weight. Late in the battle
a reconnaissance version JU88D-0 was produced which flew
from Norway
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|
Description
|
Item |
|
Role
: |
Originally
designed as a dive bomber. Developed for level bombing, close
support, night fighting, torpedo missions, reconnaissance and
as a pilotless missile. |
|
Wingspan
: |
65
ft 10 1/2in (20.13 m) |
|
Length
: |
47
ft 2 1/4 in (14.4 m) |
|
Height
: |
15
ft 11in (4.85 m) |
|
Wing
Area : |
590
sq
ft (54.5 sq m) |
|
Engine
: |
Junkers
Jumo 211 |
|
B.H.P.
: |
Between
1,700 hp and 1,880 hp depending on model |
|
Max
Armament : |
1
x 7.92mm MG 81 Machine Gun operated by the pilot
1 or 2 x 7.92mm MG 81 operated by bomb aimer
1 x 7.92mm MG 81 or MG131 in upper rear firing position
1 x twin 7.92mm MG 81 in lower rear firing position
2 x 1,102 lb (500 kg) bomb mounted on wings
10 x 110 lb (50 kg) bombs on racks in middle fuselage |
|
Highest
Max Weight Loaded : |
31,000
lbs (14,075 kg) |
|
Max
Speed : |
295 mph (472 km/h) |
|
Max
Service Ceiling : |
27,000 ft (8,235 m) |
|
Range
: |
1,900 miles (3,040 km). Reduced to 650 miles (1,040 km) fully
loaded |
|
Service
- First Flight : |
As
a bomber - 1936 |
| Data
from Jane's Fighting Aircraft of WWII ISBN 0-517-67964-7 |
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