Junkers Military Aircraft of World War Two

The extraordinary Junkers Ju 287, the first truly swept-winged, jet-powered aircraft, took to the sky in August 1944, at a time when Germany was suffering sustained round-the-clock bombing by the Allied forces. The project was considered top secret and evaded Allied intelligence for many months. This exciting new book is beautifully illustrated throughout with striking photographs, several of which are previously unpublished, and contains much new and revised information on the Ju 287. It is certain to become the definitive account of this remarkable aircraft.

The iconic and legendary Junkers Ju 52 first flew in 1930. Designed and built by the Junkers Aircraft Company of Dessau, Germany, the Ju 52 was originally intended as a single-engine cargo aircraft. An upgraded model, the Ju 52/3m, was powered by three engines and excelled as an eighteen-seat airliner. By the late 1930s, hundreds of the safe, reliable and much loved Ju 52/3ms were serving with airlines in more than twenty countries, including the pre-war British Airways. Also, it was used as a bomber by the Luftwaffe, particularly in the Spanish Civil War. During the Second World War, the Ju 52/3m was the mainstay of Luftwaffe transport squadrons. Affectionately known as 'Faithful Old Annie' and 'ron Annie', the Ju 52/3m was used during the invasions of Norway, the Low Countries, Crete and the resupply of Stalingrad and Rommels Africa Korps. In all, around 5,000 were built and after the war, production continued in France and Spain. Amazingly, captured Ju 52/3ms were rebuilt post-war and briefly operated as airliners on domestic routes in Great Britain.

A detailed history of the Luftwaffe's best twin-engined bomber of World War 2 in North Africa and the Mediterranean. This volume follows the Luftwaffe's 'Wunderbomber' southwards to describe its deployment in North Africa and the Mediterranean theatre of war. Early 1941 saw the first sporadic air raids on Malta, followed by the campaign in the Balkans which resulted in the conquests of Yugoslavia, Greece and Crete. After supporting land operations in North Africa during the latter half of 1941, the Ju 88s resumed their assault on Malta. Bringing the story to life are personal accounts of the more famous actions – the bombing of shipping off the coast of Greece and the sinking of three Royal Navy destroyers south of Crete, all illustrated with rare photographs and full-colour profiles.

From Germany's Junkers Ju 52 and Japan's Mitsubishi Zero to USA's Grumman Hellcat and the UK's Bristol Blenheim, Warplanes of World War II provides a close look at 50 key aircraft from World War II. They all appear in detailed large-format side-on color photographs, with notes on the craft's unique features. Information on each plane's development, manufacturing history, and technical profile accompany additional photographs and a specification panel.

This book is the first in a two-part comprehensive study of the development and operational history of the Junkers Ju 88, exploring the many variants of this famous and long-serving Luftwaffe multirole aircraft. The text is supported by several hundred rare photographs, manufacturer’s handbook data, scale line drawings, and specially commissioned color artwork. The work will represent the most comprehensive study of the Ju 88 in many years. The first volume gives a detailed examination of its construction program and development from its beginnings in the mid-1930s through all the variants produced during the war. Amongst its many roles, it was known widely as a feared night fighter, representing the pinnacle of German aeronautical design technology. It also served in numbers with the air forces of Finland, Italy, Hungary, Romania, Spain, and France. Its appeal as a combat aircraft—especially to modelers—was due to its widely dispersed service and as such, its variants, including the Ju 188 and Ju 288 are also covered.