Skins Compatibility: IL2 Sturmovik Forgotten Battles (FB), Ace Expansion Pack (AEP), Pacific Fighters (PF), 1946, Storm of War (SW).

BL Ju-88A KG30.6 (4D+IP) Sicily 1941
BL Ju-88A KG30.6 (4D+IP) Sicily 1941 NM
BL Ju-88A KG30.6 (4D+IP) Sicily 1941 V00
Ju.88A-5 No: 4D+IP of 6./KG30. Weathered & Bright finished there’s also a no markings skin in the download
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Junkers Ju-88

Certainly the most versatile German warplane of World War II, the Junkers Ju-88 in progressively improved versions continued in production throughout the war. It was originated to meet a requirement for a three-seat high-speed bomber and the first prototype, powered by two 746kW Daimler-Benz DB 600Aa engines, made its initial flight on 21 December 1936. Further prototypes followed, the third with 746kW Junkers Jumo engines and this, during evaluation, attained a speed of 520km/h. Such high performance encouraged record-breaking attempts, and in March 1939 the fifth prototype set a 1,000km closed-circuit record of 517km/h carrying a 2000kg payload. A total of 10 prototypes was completed, and the first of the pre-production Ju-88A-0 bombers flew in early 1939, the initial Ju-88A-1 production version entering service in September 1939.

Early operational deployment showed that despite good performance and a worthwhile bombload, defensive armament was totally inadequate, leading to the Ju-88A-4 with increased span wings, structural strengthening to carry greater loads and gunpower increased substantially. This formed the basis for further diverse development of the type, ultimately in so many versions that a detailed listing of them is not possible: for example, the Ju-88A series extended over Ju-88A-1 to Ju-88A-17 sub-variants. While the Ju-88A was in production an improved Ju-88B was planned, with a more extensively glazed nose and power provided by two 1193kW B.M.W. 801MA radials, but flight testing showed only marginal performance improvement and only 10 pre-production Ju-88B-0 aircraft were built.

The Ju-88 was almost as fast as contemporary fighters, and such performance coupled with excellent manoeuvrability brought development of the Ju-88C series. The planned Ju-88C-1 with B.M.W. 801 MA engines was abandoned because the new Focke-Wulf Fw-190 fighter had priority for this powerplant. As a result the first production version was the Ju-88C-2, this being the Ju-88A-1 converted on the production line to have a solid nose mounting three 7.92mm MG 17 machine-guns and a 20mm MG FF cannon. Defensive armament comprised two additional 7.92mm MG 15 machine-guns. The Ju-88C-4 was a heavy fighter/reconnaissance model, the Ju-88C-5 an improved heavy fighter, the Ju-88C-6a an improved Ju-88C-5, the Ju-88C-6b and Ju-88C-6c night-fighters, the Ju-88C-7a and Ju-88-C7b intruders, and the Ju-88C-7c, a heavy fighter. Alphabetically out of sequence were the Ju-88R-1 and Ju-88R-2 night-fighters, which were developed and powered by B.M.W. 801 MA engines when the supply position of this powerplant eased.

The Ju-88D series was long-range reconnaissance aircraft based on the Ju-88A-4, in Ju-88D-1 to Ju-88D-5 variants that differed in engines, and detail. The Ju-88G series represented definitive night-fighter versions that from the early summer of 1944 replaced the earlier Ju-88C and Ju-88R aircraft. Equipped with airborne interception radar and bristling with weapons, the Ju-88Gs were extremely formidable night-fighters, taking a heavy toll of Allied night bombers. They were followed by small numbers of Ju-88H aircraft which had a lengthened fuselage to provide increased internal fuel capacity, providing extra long-range Ju-88H-1 reconnaissance and Ju-88H-2 fighter aircraft. The tank-busting Ju-88P was developed from the Ju-88A-4, the Ju-88P-1 with a 75-mm PaK 40 cannon and the ensuing Ju-88P-2 to Ju-88P-4 with different combinations of heavy anti-tank weapons.

The increasing capability of Allied fighters meant that losses began to rise, leading to the higher-performance Ju-88S bomber and Ju-88T photo-reconnaissance aircraft that represented the final production versions. When production ended almost 15,000 had been built, this total emphasising the significant role that the Ju-88 had played in Luftwaffe operations.

By the middle of 1944, the night fighter force had become the strongest and most efficient arm of the Luftwaffe, comprising almost fifteen per cent of its first line strength. From May 1940 onwards, the appearance of ever increasing numbers of RAF bombers at night over Germany had forced the Luftwaffe to set up a powerful night air defence organisation which soon became involved in a bitter see-saw battle for supremacy in the night sky. The Junkers Ju-88 night-fighter was a key weapon in this crucial battle. From 1944 until the end of the war, Ju-88s equipped the vast majority of Nachtjagd units, and constant development of the airframe and of numerous electronic aids maintained its reputation as a formidable fighting machine until the very end.

The Junkers Ju-88 first arose from a German Air Ministry requirement for a dedicated high-speed medium bomber. In a calculated move, Junkers temporarily recruited two engineers from America to help design the new aircraft. W.H. Evers and Alfred Grossner applied their considerable expertise in modern aircraft structural design to produce in the Ju-88 a remarkably efficient and adaptable design. The first prototype (D-AQEN) flew on 21 December 1936, and subsequent testing of additional prototypes confirmed its excellent performance. A production order followed and Luftwaffe service testing commenced early in 1939.

The performance of the prototype had generated early interest in adapting the type for other roles, and one of the first roles considered was that of Zerstörer (heavy-fighter). The Luftwaffe concept of a twin-engined high-speed long-range day fighter was widely shared by other European air forces at the time. Accordingly, in early summer 1939, Junkers modified the Ju-88 V7 prototype to include a forward-firing armament of two 20 mm MG FF cannon and two 7.9 mm MG 17 machine-guns located in a modified nose section partially covered by metal plates. The underfuselage gondola was also removed and the crew reduced to three. Powered by two 1,200 hp Junkers Jumo 211B-1 engines, the unmodified Ju-88 V7 had first flown on 27 September 1938, and was soon back in the air testing the new armament. The new fighter offered a maximum speed similar to that of the much smaller Messerschmitt Bf 110, but with three times the range, and the type was ordered into limited production.

A small batch of early production Ju-88A-1 bombers were converted into Ju-88C-0s during July and August 1939, and used operationally during the invasion of Poland by the Zerstörerstaffel of KG 30 for long-range ground-attack. It was initially planned that the subsequent production variants would be the the Ju-88C-1 with 1,600 hp BMW 801MA air-cooled radials, and the Ju-88C-2 with liquid-cooled 1,200 hp Jumo 211B-1 engines behind annular radiators. In the event, the BMW 801 engines were reserved for the new Focke-Wulf Fw-190 fighter and the C-1 and the proposed C-3 derivative were abandoned. The first production model was thus the C-2 with an armament of one 20 mm MG FF cannon and three 7.9 mm MG 17 machine-guns in a new smooth metal nose section. These aircraft were converted on the production line, and retained the ventral gondola. The C-2s were used for more than a year for coastal and anti-shipping patrol, before another role appeared.

From May 1940, the RAF began to attack Germany regularly by night and it was quickly realised that anti-aircraft guns alone would not be able to defend Germany adequately. Accordingly, the Zerstörerstaffel of KG 30 was reinforced with additional Ju-88C-2s and redesignated II/NJG 1 in July, joining the newly established night-fighter force under General Kammhuber. The Gruppe specialised in conducting night intruder operations - hunting RAF bombers over British aerodromes identified by radio intercepts. On 11 September 1940, the Gruppe was redesignated I/NJG 2. The small number of intruder aircraft available was hopelessly inadequate to counter the ever increasing threat from Bomber Command, and the perceived lack of results led to Hitler ordering the end of further intruder operations on 12 October 1941. I/NJG 2 was soon transferred to Sicily for intruder operations over Malta and the Mediterranean.

In the mean time, a new Zerstörer variant had been developed, the Ju-88C-4. This was similar to the C-2, but used the improved airframe of the Ju-88A-4, featuring increased overall wing span from 60 ft 3¼ in (18.37 m) to 65 ft 7½ in (20.0 m) and a sturdier undercarriage. Other improvements included more armour protection for the crew and an extra 7.9 mm MG 15 machine-gun in the rear of the offset ventral gondola. The Junkers Jumo 211B-2 powered C-4 was the first C-series model produced as new-build and not by conversion. Production numbers of the C-4 remained relatively low compared to the bomber variants. A modified version, the Ju-88C-6 was operated by V/KG40 from September 1942 to counter RAF Coastal Command operations against U-boats in the Bay of Biscay. Later the Gruppe was absorbed into ZG 1 but disbanded in June 1944. Other C-6s were used for train-busting on the Russian Front in 1943.

Early in 1942, the new FuG 212 Lichtenstein C-1 radar was experimentally fitted to four of NJG 1s Ju-88C night-fighters. The cumbersome 'stags antlers' aerial array reduced maximum speed by 15-25 mph and so the reaction of crews was initially unfavourable, until a number of kills were scored using it. The introduction of radar on the Ju-88C-6 resulted in a designation change to Ju-88C-6b, while existing day-fighter aircraft were retrospectively redesignated Ju-88C-6a. The initial radar fit was the FuG 202 Lichtenstein BC, but by the Autumn of 1942 this had been replaced by the simplified FuG 212 Lichtenstein C-1. In a parallel development, the Ju-88R-series of night fighters differed from the Ju-88C-6b mainly in having BMW 801 engines.

The 'Himmelbett' defensive system of ground controllers directing night-fighters to within visual range of a their targets was now well established, and the introduction of radar made the last phase of an intercept much easier. Previously quite scarce in the Nachtjagd (most Ju-88Cs were still in the Mediterranean), the Ju-88 now began to equip an increasing number of night-fighter units. Night-fighters were meant to keep to their assigned control sector, but when it was found that a narrow bomber stream would saturate the relatively thin 'Kammhuber line' of defensive sectors, a more free-ranging 'Zahme Sau' technique - whereby some night-fighters would join and follow bomber stream - was introduced. The long-range Ju-88C-6b and Ju-88R-1 were particularly suited to this role, and began to equip many units. A major set-back for the night-fighters was the use of 'Window' jamming by the RAF, first introduced on 24/25 July 1943. This rendered existing ground and airborne radars useless, and it wasn't until October 1943 that the Ju-88C-6c appeared with a FuG 220 Lichtenstein SN-2 radar which operated on a different frequency. In the meantime, 'Zahme Sau' tactics dominated, with night-fighters using FuG 227 Flensburg which homed-in on Allied bomber 'Monica' tail-warning radars. By April 1944, the Ju-88C-6c equipped almost the entire Nachtjagd.

In the Summer of 1942, the war on the Russian Front had meanwhile highlighted a need for dedicated ground-attack/tank-buster aircraft. Among the possible solutions was a Ju-88C-4 experimentally fitted with a Nebelwerfer recoilless rocket launcher. This weapon reassembled a six-barrelled gatling gun and the modified aircraft was unofficially known as the Ju-88N or Ju-88Nbwe. Trials of this weapon were soon abandoned in favour of the Ju-88P series. The Ju-88P V1 was a modified Ju-88A-4, with a large belly fairing housing a 75 mm KwK 39 cannon firing forward and two MG 81Z machine-guns at the rear. Trials were relatively successful and a small number of Ju-88P-1 production aircraft were ordered. The Ju-88P-1 featured a Ju-88C solid nose, armour protection for the engines and a 75 mm PaK 40L cannon with a big muzzle brake. The type was issued to a few units in 1943 for operational testing, but proved very unwieldy and vulnerable to enemy fighters. Effectiveness was reduced by the gun's slow rate of fire. Two further versions, the Ju-88P-2 with two 37 mm BK 3.7 Fak 18 canon and the Ju-88P-3 with increased armour protection were only completed in small numbers. The final tank-buster variant was the Ju-88P-4 with a single 50 mm Bk 5 cannon in a much smaller belly fairing. All four variants saw active service on the Eastern Front in 1944. Some were used as train-busters, while a small number of P-2s were tried as night-fighters and day interceptors against USAAF bomber formations - proving to be completely unsuitable.

The introduction of increasingly heavier armament, more armour, and a radar operator had a detrimental affect on the low-speed handling qualities of the overburdened Ju-88C series, and it was becoming apparent that the development of a specialised Ju-88 night-fighter model was now necessary to restore lost performance and safe handling. In 1943, a Ju-88R-2 was experimentally fitted with the enlarged squared-off tail unit of the Ju 188, becoming the Ju-88 V58. A completely revised armament fit was introduced. Two MG 151/20 cannon were housed in the right-hand side of the nose, and four more located in a ventral tray under the left side of the belly. Designated Ju-88G V1, the new version first flew in June 1943 and served as the prototype for a new series of night-fighters. The Ju-88G-0 pre-production aircraft differed from the prototype in deleting the nose mounted MG 151 cannon, as they blinded the pilot at night. The increased power of the 1,700 hp BMW 801D radials helped restore much of the type's good handling qualities. The Ju-88G-1 was the first series production version, essentially the same as the G-0. The new model rapidly replaced the Ju-88C from the middle of 1944, many with FuG 227 Flensburg which homed in on British 'Monica' tail warning radar. The next production version was the Ju-88G-6a, similar to the G-1 but with two 1,700 hp BMW 801G engines. The Ju-88G-6b carried the FuG 350 Naxos Z radio equipment which homed-in on bomber H2S blind-bombing radar emissions, larger fuel tanks and two MG 151/20 cannon in a 'Schräge Musik' installation firing obliquely upwards and forwards from the upper fuselage - usually at an angle of 70 degrees. The pilot simply formated under the bomber and fired upwards in an easy zero-deflection shot.

The final production G series model was the Ju-88G-7, powered by two Jumo 213E engines with MW-50 power boosting to 1,800 hp on take-off. The Ju-88G-7a had FuG 220 Lichtenstein SN-2 radar, while the Ju-88G-7b had FuG 218 Neptune V radar with either the standard 'toasting fork' aerials or a Morgenstern array enclosed in a pointed wooden nose cone. The G-7c had FuG 240 Berlin N-1 centimetric radar with the scanner enclosed in a plywood nose cone. Only ten G-7c were completed, before the end of the war.

In the last few months of the war, a number of G-1 airframes were converted to act as the warhead portion of the Mistel flying bomb. Pilotless missile steered by the fighter mounted on top. A Focke-Wulf Fw-190 was mounted above the Ju-88 to guide it towards the target, before releasing at the last moment. Some isolated successes were scored in attacking bridges.

Immediately after the end of the war, Allied intelligence teams rapidly moved into Germany to secure examples of all the latest aircraft. A significant number of Ju-88G series aircraft were brought back to France, Britain and the USA for thorough evaluation. All of these machines were later scrapped. It does not appear that any example of the Ju-88G reached the Soviet union.

Derived from undoubtedly the most versatile German combat aircraft of WW2, the Ju-88 night-fighter was a refined and formidable aircraft, with a powerful armament, excellent agility and advanced electronic sensors. It is therefore appropriate that Ju-88 night-fighters destroyed more Allied night bombers in WW2 than all other fighters combined.

History
The Junkers Ju-88 represented one of the better and more successful bomber designs attributed to the German Luftwaffe. The system performed on a variety of levels, achieving success with most every role and saw production reach totals well past 15,000 examples. Though operating for a nation whose bomber squadrons are rarely the cause for general discussion of the air war in World WAr-2, the Junkers Ju-88 stands out as a formidable and successful flyer that provided German warplanners with a versatile performers and equally terrified the leaders of opposing countries.

At its core, the Ju-88 was simple twin-engine monoplane system built around a thin pencil-like fuselage with a single vertical tail surface. The crew compartment was fitted to the extreme forward portion of the fuselage and held accommodations for up to four personnel under glazed glasswork. The Ju-88 had provisions for an internal and (later models) external bomb loadouts along with a defensive array of machine guns of various types.

The initial Ju-88V-1 prototype first as early as 1936, though it accommodated just three personnel and was fitted with Daimler-Benz DB 600A series engines of 1,000 horsepower each. Production models entered service by the end 1939 as the Ju-88A-1 and in time for the full-swing of the Second World War. Most notably, the Ju-88 series took part in the 1940 summer offensive against England in the famed "Battle of Britain", serving the gamut of roles in varying forms - some featuring rocket-assisted take-off for quick action response.

The Ju-88 proved to be a versatile component to the Luftwaffe arsenal. It represented the fastest of the German bombers available and much was made with its advantage in speed. The system would go on to be fielded on every front that Germany was fighting on and was also well-noted for its anti-shipping capability against the Allied convoys thanks to several conversion models fitted with specialized radar and anti-ship munitions. As prized as the platform was, its final claim to fame would be recognized in the use of the Ju-88's bomb-laden fuselage as part of the Mistel - a fighter aircraft/Ju-88 combination where the piloted fighter (various were considered including the Fw-190, Me-262 and Me 109 platforms) would be mounted atop a crewless, yet bomb-laden Ju-88 fuselage, component which would later be jettisoned onto a target. Another in the seemingly long line of ingenious - yet desperate and ill-fated - concoctions related to the Luftwaffe and the closing months of World WAr-2 but such was the end for this fine machine.
Specifications (Junkers Ju-88A-4)

BASE INFORMATION:
Base Series Designation: Junkers Ju-88
Classification Type: Medium Bomber / Dive Bomber
Contractor: Junkers - Germany - View All
Country of Origin: Nazi Germany
Initial Year of Service: 1939
Crew / Passengers: 4
Production Total: 15,000* - View Totals Page
*Sometimes an estimate when actual production numbers are not available.
*A value of 0 indicative of NA.
DIMENSIONS:
Length: 47.24 ft | 14.40 m
Wingspan/Width: 65.62 ft | 20.00 m
Height: 15.91 ft | 4.85 m
Empty Weight: 21,738 lbs | 9,860 kg
MTOW: 30,865 lbs | 14,000 kg
PERFORMANCE:
Engine(s): 2 x Junkers Jumo 211J-1 OR 211J-2 series V12 engines generating 1,340hp. - Compare Stats
Max Speed: 280 mph | 450 km/h | 243 kts
Max Range: 1,696 miles | 2,730 km
Service Ceiling: 26,903 ft | 8,200 m | 5.1 miles
Climb Rate: 770 ft/min (234 m/min)
ARMAMENT:
External Hardpoints: 2
Armament:
7 x 7.92mm MG15 OR MG81 type machine guns in nose, dorsal and ventral gun positions.

Up to 7,935lbs of externally and internally carried stores.
Major Series Variants & Known Global Operators

Development History:

Ju 88C V1: Prototype Zerstörer. Conversion of Ju 88 V7. Four crew, two 1,200 hp (895 kW) Jumo 211B-1 liquid-cooled engines, three MG 15s plus internal bomb load.

Ju 88C-0: Pre-production version of Zerstörer. Conversions of Ju 88A-1 aircraft.

Ju 88C-1: Planned production version of C-0 with two 1,600 hp BMW 801MA air-cooled radial engines. Conversion of A-1 with three MG 17 machine-guns and one 20 mm MG FF cannon. None completed.

Ju 88C-2: Initial production version for Zerstörer role. Modified Ju 88A-1 with new non-glazed nose, two 1,200 hp Jumo 211B-1 engines, 3 crew, three fixed forward-firing 7.9 mm MG 17 machine-guns and one 20 mm MG FF cannon, plus two defensive 7.9 mm MG 15 machine-guns in dorsal and ventral positions. Maximum bomb load 1,102 lb (550 kg).

Ju 88C-3: Modified C-2 with two 1,600 hp BMW 801MA engines. One conversion.

Ju 88C-4: Zerstörer/reconnaissance version. Modified Ju 88A-4 with solid nose, two Jumo 211F-1 engines, increased armament to two 20 mm MG FF cannon in ventral gondola (swapped for cameras in recce role), extra 7.9 mm MG 15 in rear of gondola, more crew armour protection, increased weight, strengthened undercarriage. First new-build version.

Ju 88C-4/R: Late production model of C-4 with 1,340 hp (1,000 kW) Jumo 211J-1 or J-2 engines.

Ju 88C-5: Zerstörer version. Improved C-4 with two 1,700 hp (1268 kW) BMW 801D-2, 3 crew, ventral gondola replaced by 'Waffentropfen' weapon pack below fuselage with two MG 17s and MG FF cannon replaced by MG 151. 10 pre-production examples only.

Ju 88C-6a: Day-Zerstörer version. Modified C-4 with two Jumo 211J-1 or J-2 engines, increased armour plating, fixed armament of three 7.9 mm MG 17s and one 20 mm MG FF cannon in the nose plus two MG FF in re-introduced ventral gondola plus one defensive MG 15 or MG 131. Various armament modifications.

Ju 88C-6b: Night-fighter version. Designation applied retroactively to C-6a when fitted with FuG 202 Lichtenstein BC or (by Autumn 1942) FuG 212 Lichtenstein C-1 radar. New HF radio.

Ju 88C-6c: As C-6b with FuG 220 Lichtenstein SN-2 plus (some models) Lichtenstein C-1, defensive armament one MG 131, some later with two oblique upward-firing 20 mm MG 151s in dorsal 'Schräge Musik' installation. Some with Jumo 211H turbocharged engines.

Ju 88C-7a: Intruder version with two Jumo 211J-1 engines, 2-3 crew, ventral gondola replaced by jettisonable ventral weapon pack with two MG FF/M, three fixed forward-firing MG 17s, max bomb load 1,102 lb (500 kg).

Ju 88C-7b: As C-7a with underwing bomb-racks, max bomb load 3,305 lb (1,500 kg).

Ju 88C-7c: Zerstörer version, modified C-7a, two 1,600 hp BMW 801MA engines, three MG 17 and one MG 151 in nose plus two MG FF in weapon pack, no bomb racks. Pre-production batch only.

Ju 88P V1: Anti-tank prototype. Modified A-4 with one 75 mm KwK 39 anti-tank cannon forward plus twin 7.9 mm MG 81Z aft of large ventral fairing. Two 1,340 hp Jumo 211J engines.

Ju 88P-1: Production model of Ju 88P V1 with solid unglazed nose, KwK 39 replaced by 75 mm PaK 40 anti-tank cannon, 2 or 3 crew, one forward firing MG 81 for sighting of cannon plus two twin MG 81Zs.

Ju 88P-2: As P-1 with two 37 mm BK 3.7 (Flak 38) cannon in large ventral fairing. A-4 conversions.

Ju 88P-3: As P-2 with increased armour plating, two Jumo 211H engines. A-4 conversions.

Ju 88P-4: Heavy fighter/anti-tank version, two Jumo 211J-2 engines, offensive armament reduced to single 50 mm BK 5 cannon, shortened ventral fairing. One aircraft fitted with 22-shot launcher for RZ 65 rockets, for testing.

Ju 88R-1: Night-fighter version. Re-engined C-6b with two 1,600 hp BMW 801MA or 801C engines and FuG 212 Lichenstein C-1 radar. Three MG 17 and one 20 mm MG 151/20 in nose plus two MG FF in ventral gondola.

Ju 88R-2: Version of R-1 with two 1,700 hp BMW 801D and the addition of FuG 202 Lichtenstein BC plus FuG 217 Neptun R tail-warning radar. Some also fitted with FuG 350 Naxos Z passive radar.

Ju 88G V1: Prototype of improved night-fighter version. Modified Ju 88R-2 with two 1,700 hp BMW 801D engines, 3 crew, two fixed MG 151s in fuselage nose and four fixed MG 151/20s in ventral gun tray plus one 13 mm MG 131 at rear of cockpit, FuG 212 Lichtenstein C-1 radar.

Ju 88G-0: Pre-production night-fighter version. Reduced armament (four MG 151/20), FuG 220 Lichtenstein SN-2 radar, more angular fin and rudder shape.

Ju 88G-1: Production version of G-0. BMW 801D engines. Some modified equipment, four MG 151s in ventral gun tray; Lichtenstein SN-2 radar plus FuG-227 Flensburg homing receiver.

Ju 88G-2: Version of G-1 with revised equipment. Production cancelled.

Ju 88G-3: Project only.

Ju 88G-4: Improved version of G-1. Small equipment changes. Some with two oblique upward-firing 20 mm MG 151 in dorsal 'Schräge Musik' installation.

Ju 88G-5: Version of G-1 with revised equipment. Project only.

Ju 88G-6a: Version of G-4. Dorsal 'Schräge Musik' installation now standard with two 20 mm MG 151/20s. Two 1,700 hp BMW 801G engines, improved equipment. Aft facing antenna for SN-2 introduced.

Ju 88G-6b: As for G-6a , addition of FuG 350 Naxos Z in cockpit roof, increased fuel capacity.

Ju 88G-6c: Two 1,750 hp (1,306 kW) Jumo 213A, reduced fuel capacity, 'Schräge Musik' installation moved to just aft of cockpit.

Ju 88G-7a: Introduced pointed wing tips from Ju 188, span increased to 72 ft 2 in?, two 1,725 hp Jumo 213E with MW 50 power booster, very broad propeller blades, 3 crew, FuG 220 Lichtenstein SN-2 radar.

Ju 88G-7b: As G-7a with FuG 228 Lichtenstein SN-3 or FuG 218 Neptun VR radar (as Ju 88G-7n), some with pointed wooden nose cone.

Ju 88G-7c: As for G-7a with FuG 240 Berlin N-1a radar in blunt wooden nose cone. No external aerials.

Ju 88G-8: Long range Zerstörer. As for G-7 but with fuselage of H-2.

Ju 88G-10: Similar to G-8 but used for Mistel programme.

Ju 88G-12: Developed into the Ju 188R series.

Ju 88H-2: Long range fighter version of Ju 88H-1 reconnaissance aircraft. Based on stretched Ju 88D-1 fuselage with Ju 88G-1 wings and engines. Two 20 mm MG 151 cannon in solid nose and four more in belly pack. No radar.

Ju 88N: Unofficial designation for one Ju 88C-4 fitted with Nebelwerfer rocket launcher.

Mistel 2: Composite flying bomb with Fw-190A-6 (or Fw-190F-8) upper stage and Ju 88G-1 lower stage. Cockpit section replaced by bolt-on shaped charge warhead.

Mistel S2: Trainer conversion of Mistel 2.

Mistel 3C: Composite flying bomb with Fw-190A-8 and Ju 88G-10. Project only.

Key Dates: (All Ju-88 references are very vague on precise dates) 15 January 1936 Start of Ju-88 project design 21 December 1936 Ju-88 V1 first flight 27 September 1938 Ju-88 V7 first flight (to Ju-88A-0 standard) summer 1939 Ju-88 V7 converted to Zerstorer configuration as Ju-88C prototype July 1939 Ju-88C-0 first flight July-August 1939 First batch of Ju-88C-0s converted September 1939 First operational use of Ju-88C-0 (by Zst./KG30) late 1940 First delivery of Ju-88C-2 production version to Luftwaffe (to Zst./KG30) 17 July 1940 Luftwaffe Nightfighter force established July 1940 First delivery of Ju-88C-2 variant July 1940 Zst./KG30 becomes II/NJG 1 11 September 1940 II/NJG 1 redesignated I/NJG 2 December 1940 First delivery of Ju-88C-4 variant 12 October 1941 Night intruder operations over Britain prohibited December 1941 I/NJG 2 transferred to Sicily early 1942 First test radar fitted to a Ju-88C April 1942 I/NJG 2 transferred to North Africa mid 1942 Ju-88C-6a first flight Summer 1942 Ju-88P V1 conversion of Ju-88A-4 late 1942 First production version with radar: Ju-88C-6b early 1943 Ju-88R-1 deliveries start June 1943 Ju-88 V58 converted from Ju-88R-2 as Ju-88G prototype October 1943 Ju-88C-6c introduced with FuG 220 radar not susceptible to original 'Window' jamming Spring 1944 First production Ju-88G-1 first flight May 1944 Ju-88G-1 enters service mid 1944 Ju-88G-6a first flight 3 March 1945 Mass night intruder operation over Britain

MAJOR SERIES VARIANTS:
• Ju-88V-1 - Prototype Model; three seat crew compartment; fitted with Daimler-Benz DB600A V-12 1,000hp engines; total of ten prototype produced.
• Ju-88A-0 - Pre-Production Model Designation
• Ju-88A-1 - Initial Production Models; Series A Subvariant.
• Ju-88A-2 - Series A Subvariant; fitted with rocket-assisted take-off.
• Ju-88A-3 - Series A Subvariant
• Ju-88A-4 - Series A Subvariant; Fitted with Junkers Jumo 211J-1 or Junkers Jumo 211J-2 class engines; increased wingspan; reworked and strengthened landing gear.
• Ju-88A-5 - Series A Subvariant; similar to the Ju-88A-4 model series.
• Ju-88A-6 - Series A Subvariant; fitted with a balloon cable fender.
• Ju-88A-6/U - Long-Range Maritime Bomber; fitted with FuG 200 search radar and applicable equipment.
• Ju-88A-7 - Series A Subvariant
• Ju-88A-8 - Series A Subvariant
• Ju-88A-9 - Series A Subvariant; tropicalized version of the Ju-88A-1 model series.
• Ju-88A-10 - Series A Subvariant; tropicalized version of the Ju-88A-5 model series.
• Ju-88A-11 - Series A Subvariant; tropicalized version of the Ju-88A-4 model series.
• Ju-88A-12 - Series A Subvariant
• Ju-88A-13 - Series A Subvariant
• Ju-88A-14 - Series A Subvariant; anti-ship strike platform.
• Ju-88A-15 - Series A Subvariant; increased bombload capacity through an added buldge in fuselage bomb bay area.
• Ju-88A-16 - Series A Subvariant
• Ju-88A-17 - Series A Subvariant; anti-shipping torpedo bomber.
• Ju-88S - Secondary Production Model; produced in three subvariants; fitted with BMW 801G 1,700hp engines; redesigned nose assembly; reduced bomb load reflected in improved performance.
• Ju-88T - Reconnaissance Model
• Ju-88H - Long-range Derivative
• Ju-88C - Heavy Fighter Version developed from the Ju-88A model series; fitted with BMW 801A radial engines; solid designed nose for improved offensive armament; spawned nightfighter variants.
• Ju-88G - Definitive Nightfighter Service Model
• Ju-88R - Improved Ju-88C Model
• Ju-88D - Long-range Reconnaissance Model
• Ju-88P - Anti-Tank Model
• Ju 188 - "High Performance" Model
• Ju 388 - "High Altitude" Model

Specifications

Junkers Ju 88C-6c
Role: Night-fighter
Crew: Three
Dimensions: Length 47 ft 1.25 in (14.36 m); Height 16 ft 7.5 in (5.06 m); Wing Span 65 ft 7.5 in (20.0 m); Wing Area 586.63sq ft (54.5 sq m)
Engine(s): Two liquid cooled, 12 cylinder inverted-Vee, Junkers Jumo 211J-1 (or J-2) of 1,340 hp (? kW) each.
Weights: Empty Equipped 19,973 lb (9,060 kg); Normal Take-off 27,227 lb (12,350 kg); Maximum Take-off ? lb (? kg)
Performance: Maximum level speed 303 mph (488 kph) at 19,685 ft (6,000 m); Cruising speed 263 mph (423 kph) at same altitude; Time to 19,685 ft (6,000 m) 12 min 42 sec; Service ceiling 32,480 ft (9,900 m); Normal range on internal fuel 1,230 mls (1,980 km).
Armament: Three fixed forward-firing 20mm MG FF/M cannon and three fixed forward-firing 7.9mm MG 17 machine guns in lower nose section, one flexible 13 mm MG 131 machine-gun at rear of cockpit. Optional 'Schräge Musik' installation in upper fuselage with two 20 mm MG 151 cannon firing obliquely forward

Junkers Ju 88G-1
Role: Night-fighter
Crew: Four
Dimensions:Length (excluding radar) 47 ft 8.5 in (14.54 m), (including SN-2 aerials) 54 ft 1.5 in (16.50 m); Height 15 ft 11 in (4.85 m); Wing Span 65 ft 7.5 in (20.0 m); Wing Area 586.63sq ft (54.5 sq m)
Engine(s): Two 14 cylinder, air cooled, BMW 801D-2 radials of 1,700 hp (1268 kW) each.
Weights: Empty Equipped 20,020 lb (9,081 kg); Normal Take-off 28,870 lb (13,095 kg); Maximum Take-off 32,385 lb (14,690 kg)
Performance: Maximum level speed 356 mph (573 kph) at 27,890 ft (8,500 m) with SN-2 but no upward-firing guns, 342 mph (550 kph) at same altitude with 'Schräge Musik' installation; Service ceiling 29,000 ft (8,840 m); Normal range 1,553 mls (2,500 km); Maximum endurance on internal fuel 4.75 hours.
Armament: Four fixed forward-firing 20mm MG 151 cannon in ventral tray with 200 rounds each and one flexible 13 mm MG 131 machine-gun at rear of cockpit with 500 rounds. Optional 'Schräge Musik' installation in upper fuselage with two 20 mm MG 151 cannon firing obliquely forward

Junkers Ju 88G-7b
Role: Night-fighter
Crew: Three
Dimensions:Length (excluding radar) 47 ft 8.5 in (14.54 m); Height 15 ft 11 in (4.85 m); Wing Span 65 ft 7.5 in (20.0 m); Wing Area 586.63sq ft (54.5 sq m)
Engine(s): Two liquid cooled, 12 cylinder inverted-Vee, Junkers Jumo 213E of 1,725 hp (? kW) each.
Weights: Empty Equipped 20,503 lb (9,300 kg); Normal Take-off 28,885 lb (13,100 kg); Maximum Take-off 32,353 lb (14,675 kg)
Performance: Maximum level speed 270 mph (434 kph) at sea level, 363 mph (585 kph) at 33,500 ft (10,200 m), 389 mph (626 kph) at 29,529 ft (9,000 m) with MW-50 emergency boost; Cruising speed 348 mph (560 kph) at 29,529 ft (9,000 m); Initial rate of climb 1640 ft/min (500 m/min); Time to 30,185 ft (9,200 m) 26 min 24 sec; Service ceiling 32,810 ft (10,000 m); Normal range 1,398 mls (2,250 km); Endurance (at maximum economical cruising speed) 3.72 hours at 29,800 ft (9,083 m).
Armament: Four fixed forward-firing 20mm MG 151 cannon in ventral tray with 200 rounds each, two fixed oblique upward-firing 20mm MG 151 cannon in dorsal 'Schräge Musik' position with 200 rounds each, one flexible 13 mm MG 131 machine-gun at rear of cockpit with 500 rounds.

Production
Head of Design Team: Ernst Zindel (Structural design by W.H. Evers & Alfred Gassner)
Design Office: Junkers Flugzeug und Motorwerke AG, Dessau

Ju-88 Fighter Production by Year:

* = Conversions only, not new-build.
** = Converted on the production line.
Junkers Ju-88 Production Locations:
Arado at Brandenburg-Neuendorf (A-series bombers only, Nov 1939-Mar 1942 + wings only until Aug 1942)
ATG at Leipzig-Mockau (fuselages & tails, not wings + final assembly 1940-June 1944)
Dornier (North) at Wismar (A-series fuselages and tails, 1939-Jan 1942)
Dornier (South) at Friedrischshafen (A-series bombers only, 1939-Dec 1940)
Heinkel at Oranienburg (complete aircraft 1940-Aug 1942, wings only until March 1943)
Henschel at Berlin-Schönefeld (complete aircraft from mid 1939, night-fighters only 1944-Feb 1945)
Junkers at Bernburg (all variants 1938-1945)
(Fuselages from Aschersleben, wings from Halberstadt, tails from Leopoldshall with assembly at Bernburg)
Siebel at Halle (wings and final assembly, early 1940 - April 1944)
Also factories in Czechoslovakia and France by 1944
Major sub-assemblies produced by Volkswagen at Wolfsburg (tail units for Junkers until mid 1944) and AEG at ?? (tail units for Arado & others until mid 1944).

* = includes R-series total.
Total Produced: 15,018 a/c (All variants)
More Info.

Junkers Ju-88

The Junkers Ju-88 was a World War II Luftwaffe twin-engine, multi-role aircraft. It was one of the most versatile combat aircraft of the war, with various roles including bomber, close-support aircraft, nightfighter, torpedo bomber, reconnaissance aircraft, heavy fighter, as well as a giant flying bomb in the Mistel project. There were 15,000 aircraft built during the Second World War.

At its core, the Ju-88 was simple twin-engine monoplane system built around a thin pencil-like fuselage with a single vertical tail surface. The crew compartment was fitted to the extreme forward portion of the fuselage and held accommodations for up to four personnel. The aircraft had provisions for an internal and later external bomb loadouts along with a defensive array of machine guns of various types.

Production models of the Ju-88 entered service by the end of 1939 and in time for World War II. It also took part in the 1940 summer offensive against England in the “Battle of Britain”, serving the gamut of roles in varying forms, with some aircraft featuring rocket-assisted takeoff for quick action response.

The Ju-88 proved to be a versatile component to the Luftwaffe arsenal. It represented the fastest of the German bombers available and much was made with its advantage in speed. The system would go on to be fielded on every front that Germany was fighting on and was also well-noted for its anti-shipping capability against the Allied convoys. Its final claim to fame would be recognized in the use of the Ju-88 as part of the Mistel: a fighter aircraft/Ju-88 combination where the piloted fighter would be mounted atop a crewless, bomb-laden Ju-88 fuselage, a component which would later be jettisoned onto a target.

Specifications
Length: 14.2 m (46 ft 6 in)
Wingspan: 18 m (59 ft 0 in)
Height: 4.7 m (15 ft 5 in)
Empty weight: 3,900 kg (8,600 lb)
Loaded weight: 7,700 kg (16,980 lb)
Powerplant: 2× Junkers Jumo 211A, Junkers Jumo 213, (or with BMW 801 radial engines in some cases) liquid-cooled inverted V-12, 900 kW (1,200 hp) each
Maximum speed: 510 km/h at 4,750 m (317 mph at 15,600 ft)
Range: 2,108 km (1,310 mi)
Armament: 3 to 6x 7.92 mm MG 15, MG 17, MG 81, or MG 81z machine guns; 1 to 3x 20 mm MG FF cannon depending on configuration; 2,500 kg (5,511 lb) of bombs maximum

Siegfried Holzbauer, a test pilot of Junkers, in 1941 made a proposal to use a combination of a fighter and a unmanned, bomb filled older bomber to throw the bomber on large targets like bridges, boats, factories, bunkers and so. At that time there was no need for such a radical method, so the idea was dropped. But when, at the end of the war, the Germans became desperate the idea was reborn (due to the successful flights with the DFS 230 combinations). The official name was "Beethoven Gerät" or Beethoven Device. Most know it under the name "Mistel" or Mistletoe.

As lower component they used a Junkers Ju-88. Messerschmidt Me 109s and Focke-Wulf Fw-190s were used as upper components. The Ju-88 got a special designed 380 pound warhead instead of the cockpit. At the second bomb bay 50 kg cement bombs were carried as ballast.

The warhead could (at the used speed) penetrate 60 feet of reinforced concrete. Together that would give quite a bang.

DFS (having experience with the DFS 230 combinations) designed the support between the two components. The extra drag made the speed drop to 235 mph. This made the Mistel a easy target for enemy fighters.

Some operations were carried out. 4 attacked some boats, although all were direct hits, no ship sank. Several other operation were planned, but mostly dropped due to the continuously changing situation of territory. At the end most were used to destroy bridges to slow down the Allied and/or Russians.

There were about 250 Mistels made. At first older Ju-88 were used, at the end they used Ju-88s straight from the factory.

Due to the slowness of the Mistels using the Ju-88, they couldn't survive long in a hostile airspace. Arado suggested to use the Arado Ar-234, a multi jet-engine high-wing bomber or reconnaissance airplane, as a quicker base. A Mistel like proposal suggested a Ar-234/ Ar E377. The Arado Ar E377 was a unmanned mid-wing airplane which could have a 2000 kg (4409 lb) hollow-charge warhead or a 1800 kg (3968 lb) bomb mounted in the nose. Two version of this Ar E377 were suggested. A unpowered one and a version which had a jet-engine under each wing. Both combinations had the Ar E377 mounted on a takeoff trolley and the Ar-234 was mounted on top of the Ar E377. There was also a proposal to use a Heinkel 162 Volksjäger with the powered Ar E377. No prototypes were made. The war probably ended too soon.

Another interesting Arado project was to use the Arado 234 as a flying base for the Fieseler 103 (better known as the V-1). Three proposals for mounting the V-1 were made. One featured the use of a rigid tow bar behind the Ar-234. The second one mounted the V-1 on a takeoff trolley and the Ar-234 on top of it. The third had the V-1 mounted on top of the Ar-234. The last version made use of the conventional landing gear of the Ar-234. An unpowered V-1 was used during these tests. The fourth test ended in the destruction of the tow bar, due to the unstability of the concept.

The last parasite Arado proposal was the combination of a Ar-234 and a Ar E381. The Ar E381 was a small, rocket powered fighter. The reasoning was that the best way to protect a fighter was to place armor around the engine and the pilot. For conventional airplanes this would lead to a increase of weight that would reduce the performance a bit too much. The tiny Walter rocket engine could easily be protected using a small armored tube. Due to the ground clearance of the Ar-234 , the pilot of the Ar E381 (which was hung under the Ar-234) had to be proned. In this position a pilot could also easily be protected with a armored tube. The first design had one difficulty: once hung under the Ar-234; there was no possibility that the pilot could leave the Ar E381. A second proposal had a sideway entrance. The AR E381 had a single 30mm Mk 108 cannon and 45 rounds of ammunition. This would be good for two attacks.

References
"Squadron/Signal Junkers Ju88 in Action Part 2" by Brian Filley with Don Greer, Perry Manely and Joe Sewell
"German Air Force Bombers of World War Two - Vol. 2" by Alfred Price

Specifications

MODEL: Ju-88A-4
CREW: 4
ENGINE: 2 x Junkers Jumo 211J-1, 1007kW
WEIGHTS: Take-off weight: 14000 kg: 30865 lb: Empty weight: 9860 kg: 21738 lb
DIMENSIONS
Wingspan: 20.0 m: 65 ft 7 in:: Length: 14.40 m: 47 ft 3 in: Height
4.85 m
15 ft 11 in
Wing area: 54.50 m2: 586.63 sq ft
PERFORMANCE: Max. speed: 470 km/h: 292 mph
Ceiling: 8200 m: 26900 ft: Range w/max.fuel: 2730 km: 1696 miles
ARMAMENT: 5-7 machine-guns, 2000kg of bombs

Luftwaffe Aircraft Squadron - Unit Codes

Books:
'Junkers Ju-88 - Star Of The Luftwaffe'
by Manfred Griehl
Published:Arms & Armour Press, Sept 1990 ISBN: 1 85409 043 7
* History and technical development of each variant.
'Junkers Ju-88' by Ron Mackay
Published:The Crowood Press, Oct 2001 ISBN: 1 86126 431 3
* Comprehensive history of Ju-88.
'Junkers Ju-88 Over All Fronts' by Joachim Stein
Published:Schiffer Publishing, 1991 ISBN: 0 88740 3123
* Pictorial history of the Ju-88.
'Junkers Ju-88 In Action Vol 2: Aircraft in Action No.113' by Brian Filley
Published:Squadron/Signal Publications, July 1991 ISBN: 0 89747 258 6
* Traces the development of the fighter versions. Very well illustrated.
'The Junkers Ju-88 Night Fighters: Profile No.148' by Alfred Price Published:Profile Publications Ltd, 1967 ISBN: n/a
* Concise well illustrated history of the Ju-88C/G variants.
'German Night Fighter Aces Of World WAr-2: Osprey Aircraft Of The Aces - 20 by Jerry Scutts
Published:Osprey Publishing, 1998 ISBN: 1 85532 696 5
* Covers the development, tactics and leading aces of the Luftwaffe night fighter force. Some factual errors.
'Nachtjagd-The Night Fighter Versus Bomber War Over The Third Reich 1939-1945' by Theo Boiten
Published:The Crowood Press, June 1997 ISBN: 1 86126 086 5
* Traces the parallel development of RAF night bombing and Luftwaffe night fighting during WW2. Very well written.

Scale Drawings:
'Junkers Ju-88: Model Art No.444' Published:Model Art, 1995 ISBN: n/a
* Superbly illustrated modellers guide from Japan.
'Junkers Ju-88: Aero Detail 20' Published:Aero Detail, 199? ISBN: n/a
* Another well illustrated modellers guide from Japan.
Videos:
'Luftwaffe - Junkers Ju-88' [Order this video from Amazon UK] DD Video, Catalogue Number: DD590
* Film profile of the type.

Links:
Junkers Ju 88 Image Archive: (26 Ju 88 photos, including fighter versions)
http://www.wwiifighters.com/planes/images/ju88/archive.htm

AirWar Europe: (Several good pictures of a Ju 88G)
http://users.pandora.be/airwareurope/Ju88.html

Junkers Ju 88 Gallery: (Several Ju 88 photos - mostly the bomber version)
http://www.btinternet.com/%7Elee_mail/Ju88gallery.html

Junkers Ju 88: (Concise coverage of the fighter versions)
http://www.ahost4u.com/%7Epauke/aircraft/ju88.html

Warbirds Resource Group - Junkers Ju 88: (Specifications for main versions, including C-6 and G-7b)
http://www.warbirdsresourcegroup.org/LRG/ju88.html

WW2 Warbirds: The Junkers Ju 88: (Specifications for main versions and summary table of each different version)
http://www.ophetweb.nl/ww2w/ww2htmls/junkju88.html

Inspection of Crashed or Captured Enemy Aircraft - Junkers Ju 88: (PDF file of 16th July 1944 official intelligence report) http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/types/germany/junkers/ju_88/captured.pdf

BL Ju-88A KG30.6 (4D+IP) Sicily 1941 V01-02