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Variants
Junkers Ju 88A-0 The first prototype of the Ju
88 flew in December 1936, powered by 2 × Daimler-Benz DB 600Aa inverted-Vee,
rated at 1,000 hp (746 kW) each. The propeller was a three-blade model
of the variable-pitch type. After it was destroyed in an accident during
high-speed trials, testing went on with the V2 and V3 prototypes. The V2
was similar to the V1, but the V3 changed in a number of ways. It was powered
by 2 × Junkers Jumo 211A inverted-Vee, rated at 1,000 hp (746 kW)
each. It had a raised cockpit roof, and was the first Ju 88 to carry the
full military equipment.
the Ju 88 looked so promising that even before
the copetitive evaluations against the Henschel Hs 127 and Messerschmitt
Bf 162 were conducted, the aircraft was ordered into production. Atthat
point it was decided that the Ju 88 should carry a four-man crew, improved
defensive armament, and provision to act as a dive-bomber. The resulting
V4 had dive-brakes, glazed panels in the nose in stead of solid panels,
and an added gondola under the nose with provisions for 1 × 0.312
inch (7,92 mm) MG 15 trainable rearward-firing guns.
6 more prototypes were produced, together with
10 Ju 88A-0 pre-production aircraft. These were delivered in March 1939
to the Erprobungskommando 88 to test the new aircraft under operational
status.
Number built: 10
Junkers Ju 88A-1 The first production variant
of the ju 88 was powered by 2 × junkers jumo 211B-1/G-1, rated at
1,210 hp (902 kW). Fuel capacity was 369 Imp gal (443 US gal, 1.675 liters)
in four wing tanks, that could be supplemented by an auxiliary tank in
the forward weapons bay with a capacity of 150 Imp gal (180 US gal, 680
liters).
The standard internal wepons load was 3,086 lb
(1.400 kg), which consisted of 28 × 110 lb (50 kg) SC-50 bombs, plus
4 hardpoints each rated 1,102 lb (500 kg). The maximum weapons load was
5,291 lb (2.400 kg). Initially the Ju 88A-1 was armed with 3 × 0.312
inch (7,92 mm) MG 15 guns, which were located in the windscreen, rear cockpit
and undernose gondola. It turned out however that this was inadequate,
so an additional second MG 15 was added to the one in the rear cockpit,
and two lateral firing MG 15's were installed in the sides of the cockpit
glazing. Other technical details are: Span of 60 ft 3.25 inch (18.37 m),
aspect ratio of 6,43, wing area of 565.12 sq ft (52,50 m²). Length
was 47 ft 2.67 inch (14,40 m), height of 17 ft 5.75 inch (5,33 m), empty
weight of 16,975 lb (7.700 kg), max take-off weight of 22,840 lb (10.360
kg), max level speed of 280 mph (450 km/h) at 18,045 ft (5.500 m), cruising
speed of 217 mph (350 km/h) at 18.045 ft (5.500 m), range of 1,056 miles
(1.700 km) with the forward auxiliary fuel tank, and a service ceiling
of 32,150 ft (9.800 m)
Number built: unknown out of more than 7.000
Ju 88A's
Junkers Ju 88A-2 This version was identical to
the Ju 88A-1, except for the attachment points or RATO units. RATO stands
for Rocket Assisted Take Off, and these units where small rockets to boost
take-off. After they were expended, the units were detached, and could
be retrieved for future use because the descent was softened by a parachute.
Number built: unknown out of more than 7.000
Ju 88A's
Junkers Ju 88A-3 This version was a trainer variant
with dual throttle, dual controls, and some dual instruments. It was meant
to be used as a conversion trainer.
Number built: unknown out of more than 7.000
Ju 88A's
Junkers Ju 88A-4 This version was based on the
Ju 88A-1, but had wings with increased span and area, inset ailerons in
stead of trailing ones, and a strengthened main landing gear. Early aircraft
were powered by 2 × Junkers jumo 211F-1, rated at 1,340 hp (999 kW),
and the same defensive armament of the Ju 88A-1. For other details see
above.
The Ju 88A-4 also had improved armor protection
for the crew, and standard the forward weapons bay traded for the additional
fual capacity. It also featured 2 additional hardpoints under the outer
wing panels, rated at 551 lb (250 kg) each.
The Ju 88A-4 was the starting point for many
more developments within the Ju 88A series. Some aircraft were in the field
changed to another standard:
Umrüst-Bausätze (factory conversion
sets):
Ju 88A-4/Torp Torpedo bomber conversion, see details
of the Junkers Ju 88A-17.
Rüstsätze (field conversion sets):
Ju 88A-4/Trop This was the tropicalised version
of the Ju 88A-4 with sand filters, desert survival equipment, and cockpit
sun blinds.
Number built: unknown out of more than 7.000 Ju
88A's
Junkers Ju 88A-5 The development of the Junkers
Jumo 211J lagged behind, and so an interim type for the Ju 88A-4 was created.
This version reatined the older engines (Junkers Jumo 211B-1/G-1), but
did have the 2 additional underwing outerpanel hardpoints, rated at 551
lb each. Also the main landing gear was strengthened with this version.
Number built: unknown out of more than 7.000
Ju 88A's
Junkers Ju 88A-6 This version was based on the
Ju 88A-5, and was mainly intended to clear the way of the main bomber force
by cutting the cables of balloon barrages. To do so it was fitted with
a large forward-mounted fender that terminated at the wingtips. Atthat
point a cable-cutting device was installed. The fender weighed 838 lb (380
kg), and had to be balanced with 132 lb (60 kg) of counterweight in the
tail. The additional wight and drag caused the Ju 88A-6 to be slow and
sluggish, and therefor an easy target.
The aircraft were soon withdrawn from the cable-cutting
business, and were either converted back to a standard bomber, or to the
Ju 88A-6/U standard:
Umrüst-Bausätze (factory conversion
sets):
Ju 88A-6/U longe range maritime patrol aircraft
with a crew of three. It had the undernose gondola removed, provisions
for two underwing inboard drop tanks, and carried the FuG 200 Hohentwiel
air-to-surface search radar
Number built: unknown out of more than 7.000 Ju
88A's
Junkers Ju 88A-7 This version was the dual-control
conversion trainer based on the Ju 88A-5
Number built: unknown out of more than 7.000
Ju 88A's
Junkers Ju 88A-8 This version was a balloon cutter
based on the Ju 88A-4. The cutters were built into the wing leading edges,
and the crew was reduced to three
Number built: unknown out of more than 7.000
Ju 88A's
Junkers Ju 88A-9 This was the tropicalised version
of the Ju 88A-1 with sand filters, desert survival equipment, and cockpit
sun blinds.
Number built: unknown out of more than 7.000
Ju 88A's
Junkers Ju 88A-10 This was the tropicalised version
of the Ju 88A-5 with sand filters, desert survival equipment, and cockpit
sun blinds.
Number built: unknown out of more than 7.000
Ju 88A's
Junkers Ju 88A-11 This was the tropicalised version
of the Ju 88A-4 with sand filters, desert survival equipment, and cockpit
sun blinds.
Number built: unknown out of more than 7.000
Ju 88A's
Junkers Ju 88A-12 This version was the dual-control
conversion trainer based on the Ju 88A-4. It had the dive-brakes, undernose
gondola and all armament removed.
Number built: unknown out of more than 7.000
Ju 88A's
Junkers Ju 88A-13 This version was based on the
Ju 88A-4, and was optimised for the low-level attack role. It had the dive-brakes
and bomb-sight removed, additional armor for crew and engines and fuel,
provisions for a disposable load of 1,102 lb (500 kg) of fragmentation
bomblets, and fixed forward-firing armament provided in the form of up
to 16 × 0.312 inch (7,92 mm) MG 17 guns in pods carried on the underwing
hardpoints.
Number built: unknown out of more than 7.000
Ju 88A's
Junkers Ju 88A-14 This version was an improvement
on the Ju 88A-4, and featured an increased armor, balloon cable cutters
in the wing leading edges, and sometimes an additional 1 × 20 mm
MG FF forward-firing cannon in the forward part of the undernose gondola
for anti-shipping purposes.
Number built: unknown out of more than 7.000
Ju 88A's
Junkers Ju 88A-15 This was a pure bomber version,
based on the Ju 88A-4. It had an enlarged (wooden) weapons bay to accomodate
6,614 lb (3.000 kg) of bombs, a crew of three, no undernose gondola, and
defensive armament reduced to 2 × 0.312 inch (7,92 mm) MG 15 guns.
Number built: unknown out of more than 7.000
Ju 88A's
Junkers Ju 88A-16 This version was the dual-control
conversion trainer based on the Ju 88A-14. It had the undernose gondola
and all armament removed.
Number built: unknown out of more than 7.000
Ju 88A's
Junkers Ju 88A-17 The last Ju 88A version was
based on the Ju 88A-4, and was optimised for the Torpedo Bomber role. It
had four ETC racks inboard of the engines replaced by two PUC racks each
capable of carrying 1 × 1,686 lb (765 kg) LT F5b torpedo. The forward
fuselage was revised to carry a large bulged fairin gon the starboard side
which accomodated the gear to adjust the guidance mechanism of the torpedo
before release. The crew was reduced to three, and most aircraft had their
gondola removed.
Number built: unknown out of more than 7.000
Ju 88A's
Junkers Ju 88C-1 The Junkers company decided
to create a Heavy Fighter version of the Ju 88. The heavy fighter was preceeded
with the Ju 88 V7 prototype. Already they were working on a heavy fighter
in the way of a proposed Ju 88B-series. The Ju 88C-sereis was to have an
improved armament, offensively and defensively. Also the weapons bay could
be discarded, and another type of engines would power it.
The Ju 88B-series would have a powerplant of
2 × 213 Inverted Vee. The Ju 88C would be powered by 2 × BMW
139 radials, later changed to BMW 801 radials. With this lats decidsion
the Ju 88B and Ju 88C were very close to each other, and thus the Ju 88B
series died a silent death. The German Air ministry ordered the Ju 88C-1
powered by 2 × BMW 801MA radials, but since the engine would be reserved
exclusively for the Focke-Wulf Fw 190, the project was halted. No Ju 88C-1's
were ever produced.
Number built: 0
Junkers Ju 88C-2 The Air ministry was still interested
in a heavy fighter variant from the Ju 88, and ordered the Ju 88C-2. It
was powered by 2 × Junkers Jumo 211B-1 inverted-Vee, rated at 1,200
hp (895 kW) each. Based on the Ju 88A-1, it would have the same armament
of the Ju 88 C-1, but the nose would be revised with less glazing, and
an armored bulkhead. This version still retained the rear weapons bay,
which could carry 10 × 100 lb (50 kg) SC-50 bombs. The front weapons
bay was replaced by an auxiliary fuel tank. Other technical details are:
wing span of 60 ft 3.25 inch (18,37 m), max take-off weight of 24,250 lb
(11.000 kg), max level speed of 295 mph (475 km/h) at 18,045 ft (5.500
m), range of 1,131 miles (1.820 km). It first flew in the spring of 1940
as a coastal anti-shipping aircraft, and later switched to the night-intruder
role during the fall of 1940.
Number built: unknown out of more than 3.200
Ju 88C's, Ju 88P's and Ju 88R's
Junkers Ju 88C-4 The ju 88C-3 was a still-born
version powered by 2 × BMW 801 radials, but the Ju 88C-4 was the
first true heavy fighter. Initially it was powered by 2 × Junkers
Jumo 211F-1 inverted-Vee's, but later by 2 × Junkers Jumo 211J-1/2
inverted-Vee, rated at 1,340 hp (999 kW) each. The Ju 88C-4 was based at
the Ju 88A-4, but with a larger span of 65 ft 7.5 inch (20,00 m). Further
it had an additional 2 × 20 mm MG FF fixed forward-firing cannons
in the ventral gondola, 120 rounds each (it already had 2 of them, plus
2 × 0.312 inch (7,92 mm) MG 17 guns, positions unknown to me). The
additional 20 mm MG FF's could be replaced by two cameras, enabling the
Ju 88C-4 to operate as an armed reconnaissance aircraft. Defensive armament
was increased with 1 × 0.312 inch (7,92 mm) MG 15 trainable rearward-firing
in the ventral gondola, and the change to 2 × 0.312 inch (7,62 mm)
MG 81J trainable rearward-firing guns in the rear cockpit.
Four hardpoints under the inner wings were fitted,
able to carry bombs externally, or 2 × WB 81 pods. These pods each
had 6 × 0.312 inch (7,92 mm) MG 81, fixed forward-firing with an
angle downward of -15 ° for ground-attack purposes.
Number built: less than 100.
Junkers Ju 88C-5 Based on the Ju 88C-4, but powered
with 2 × BMW 801D-2 radials, ratedt at 1,700 hp (1.268 kW) each.
The 20 mm MG FF cannon was replaced by a faster firing model, the MG 151/20.
The undernose gondola was replaced by a weapon tray that extended down
from the weapons bay, carrying 2 × 0.312 inch (7,92 mm) MG 17 fixed
forward-firing guns. Because of shortages of the engine, this series was
produced in only a very limited number.
Number built: 10
Junkers Ju 88C-6 The first Ju 88C variant that
was produced in large numbers. It was based at the Ju 88C-4, and had additional
armor for the crew. Also, a number of aircraft were delivered without the
ventral gondola and it's 2 × 20 mm cannons, and the defensive guns
equipment ranged freely based on the availability of weapons.
Number built: unknown out of more than 3.200
Ju 88C's, Ju 88P's and Ju 88R's
Junkers Ju 88C-6a After the Junkers Ju 88C-6b
entered production and service, the Junkers Ju 88C-6 was redesignated Junkers
Ju 88C-6a to show it was a day-fighter.
Redesignated aircraft
Junkers Ju 88C-6b The first true night-fighter
variant of the Ju 88. It was fitted with a FuG 202 Liechtenstein BC, or
a FuG 212 Lichtenstein C-1 airborne interception radar. Fixed forward armament
consisted of 3 × 20 mm MG FF cannons, and 3 × 0.312 inch (7,92
mm) MG 17 guns.
Number built: unknown out of more than 3.200
Ju 88C's, Ju 88P's and Ju 88R's
Junkers Ju 88C-6c The successor to the Junkers
Ju 88C-6b. It was fitted with another array of radars:
FuG 220 Lichtenstein SN-2 airborne interception
radar. This radar was able to deal with 'Window' (or 'Chaff' as the Americans
called it) that was ejected by the British bombers to create multiple radar
echoes.
FuG 227 Flensburg, radar tuned to the british
'Monica' tail-warning radar of the British bombers.
FuG 350 Naxos Z radar, tuned to the British navigational
H2S radar
Later aircraft also received a 'Shräge Musik'
installation, in the form of 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannons, that were
fixed and pointed obliquely forward and upward. This enabled the night-fighter
to attack the weak belly of the bomber.
Number built: unknown out of more than 3.200
Ju 88C's, Ju 88P's and Ju 88R's
Junkers Ju 88C-7a Daylight fighter version, counterpart
of the Ju 88C-6. This version had the undernose gondola replaced by a weapon
tray positioned in the forward weapons bay. This tray contained 2 ×
20 mm MG FF/M cannons. The rear weapons bay could still carry a load of
up to 1,102 lb of bombs, generally consisting of 10 × 110 lb (50
kg) SC-50 bombs.
Number built: unknown out of more than 3.200
Ju 88C's, Ju 88P's and Ju 88R's
Junkers Ju 88C-7b Equivalent of the Junkers Ju
88C-7a, but with 4 underwing hardpoints to increase the weapons load to
3,307 lb (1.500 kg).
Number built: unknown out of more than 3.200
Ju 88C's, Ju 88P's and Ju 88R's
Junkers Ju 88D-0 The Ju 88D was intended as the
replacement of the Dornier Do 17P for the strategic reconnaissance. For
this the forward weapons bay was removed, and an additional fuel tank installed.
The dive brakes were removed, and provisions for 3 cameras were made in
the lower fuselage. This included the heating of the cameras to prevent
them from freezing in the cold Russian winters.
This version, the preproduction run, received
2 × Junkers Jumo 211 B-1, G-1, or H-1, rated at 1,200 hp (895 kW)
each.
Number built: unknown out of more than 1.450
Ju 88D's
Junkers Ju 88D-1 This version surfaced after
the Ju 88D-2, and was like planned powered by 2 × Junkers Jumo 211J-1/2,
rated at 1,200 hp (895 kW). The airframe was based on the Ju 88A-4 bomber.
Umrüst-Bausätze (factory conversion
sets):
Ju 88D-1/Trop Tropicalized version of the Junkers
Ju 88D-1. This version became so important that it received the new designation
Ju 88D-4
Junkers Ju 88D-2 This version should have been
equal to the Junkers Ju 88D-0 except for the engines. But since the Junkers
Jumo 211J's were still not available, the Junkers Ju 88D-2 was built, and
powered by 2 × Junkers Jumo 211G-1, rated at 1,200 hp (895 kW) each.
The airframe was based on the Ju 88A-5, and could additionally carry 2
× 198 Imp gal (238 US gal, 900 liters) underwing drop tanks.
Umrüst-Bausätze (factory conversion
sets):
Ju 88D-2/Trop Tropicalized version of the Junkers
Ju 88D-2. This version became so important that it received the new designation
Ju 88D-3
Number built: unknown out of more than 1.450 Ju
88D's
Junkers Ju 88D-3 Redesignated Ju 88D-2/Trop
Redesignated aircraft
Junkers Ju 88D-4 Redesignated Ju 88D-1/Trop
Redesignated aircraft
Junkers Ju 88D-5 Based on the Ju 88D-2, but standard
with 3 in stead of 2 cameras.
Number built: unknown out of more than 1.450
Ju 88D's
Junkers Ju 88P During the Russian campaigns the
Soviets managed to throw more and more, better and better armored vehicles
at the Germans. For example the T-34 tank, that had a good armor and armament,
and was produced at incredible numbers. To try to eliminate the threat,
the Germans were looking for an improved ground-attack and anti-tank aircraft.
One of those aircraft was the Ju 88C.
The Ju 88C already had an external weapons tray
that could be adapted to carry an anti-tank gun. The first Ju 88P V1 however
was a converted Ju 88A-4, fitted with 1 × 75 mm (2.95 inch) KwK tank
gun. The tray in which it was carried replaced the original ventral tray,
and also carried 1 × 0.312 inch (7,92 mm) MG 81z two-barrel trainable
rearward-firing gun. Flight and trials showed that it could well be adapted
for anti-tank duties, resulting in initially a small order for production.
Number built: unknown out of more than 3.200
Ju 88C's, Ju 88P's and Ju 88R's
Junkers Ju 88P-1 This version was identical to
the Ju 88P V1, except that the ant-tank cannon was 1 × 75 mm (2.95
inch) PaK 40 with a larger muzzle break to reduce the recoil of the cannon,
and electro pneumatic operation. Also it had a solid nose, as opposed to
a glazed one.
Because the large installation under the aircraft,
it suffered performance and agility. It became vulnerable to Soviet fighters,
and so the whole under-fuselage contraption could be jettisoned with small
explosives in an emergency.
Number built: unknown out of more than 3.200
Ju 88C's, Ju 88P's and Ju 88R's
Junkers Ju 88P-2 Because the performance loss
of the Ju 88P-1, a solution had to be found. This led to the development
of the Ju 88P-2, which was based at the Ju 88A-4, armed with 2 ×
37 mm BK 3,7 fixed forward-firing cannons
Number built: unknown out of more than 3.200
Ju 88C's, Ju 88P's and Ju 88R's
Junkers Ju 88P-3 Similar to the Ju 88P-2, but
with increased crew protection in the way of additional armor
Number built: unknown out of more than 3.200
Ju 88C's, Ju 88P's and Ju 88R's
Junkers Ju 88P-4 Similar to tje Ju 88P-3, but
armed with 1 × 50 mm BK 5 anti-tank cannon in stead of the 2 ×
37 mm ones.
Number built: unknown out of more than 3.200
Ju 88C's, Ju 88P's and Ju 88R's
Junkers Ju 88R-1 Parallel development of the
Ju 88C-6c, that differed only with respect to the powerplant. This version
was powered by 2 × BMW 801MA radials, rated at 1,600 hp (1.193 kW)
each
Number built: unknown out of more than 3.200
Ju 88C's, Ju 88P's and Ju 88R's
Junkers Ju 88R-2 Parallel development of the
Ju 88C-6c, that differed only with respect to the powerplant. This version
was powered by 2 × BMW 801D radials, rated at 1,600 hp (1.193 kW)
each
Number built: unknown out of more than 3.200
Ju 88C's, Ju 88P's and Ju 88R's
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