Junkers Ju 52 (Military)

The Junkers Ju 52 (nicknamed Tante Ju - "Auntie Ju" - and "Iron Annie") was a German transport aircraft manufactured from 1932 to 1945. It saw both civilian and military service during the 1930s and 1940s. The Ju 52 first saw military service in the Spanish Civil War, as both a bomber and transport aircraft. It was used as a bomber during the Invasion of Poland in September 1939. The Luftwaffe then relied on the Ju 52 for transport roles during World War II, including paratroop drops, most notably in the Battle of Crete in May 1941. Lightly armed, and with a top speed of only 265 km/h (165 mph)- half that of a Spitfire - the Ju 52 was very vulnerable to fighter attack and an escort was always necessary in combat. Many Ju 52s were shot down by anti-aircraft guns and fighters while transporting supplies, most notably during the desperate attempt to resupply the trapped German Sixth Army during the final stages of the Battle of Stalingrad in 1943. This book provides a complete modelling guide with numerous profiles, line drawings and photographs. This book is written entirely in German.