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Eighty-two years ago today, the Junkers Ju 52 took flight for the first time. One of the most important aircraft in European aviation history, “Auntie Ju” served with numerous air carriers as an airliner and freight hauler. Derived from a single-engine aircraft, two additional radial engines were mounted on either wing to improve performance. Corrugated metal skin was used to strengthen the structure against torsion and large, fixed landing gear could cope with rough fields. The Luftwaffe employed the type as a bomber, transporter and minesweeper during World War II.
The photo above portraits the aircraft of the Military Aviation Museum during the 2013 Flying PROMS airshow. This particular aircraft was built in Getafe, Spain and entered service with the Spanish Air Force in 1949. It is painted to replicate a Ju 52 of the 7th Staffel KGzbV1, 1st Bomber Wing of Special Operations. The tactical markings 1Z+AR represent the 1941 Battle of Crete invasion. Out of eight airworthy Ju 52s throughout the world, this is the only one in North America. Visit the full website at www.aviation-enthusiasts.com for more aviation and air show memories!
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
When I worked in Chicago in the early 90’s, a co-worker, Dave Fairbrother, had an air worthy JU-52 he’d take to airshows and the like. Lost track of him after I transferred back home, don’t know if he’s still alive. If the 52 pictured is the only one still flying, his must’ve went away. Too bad.
Doesn’t the C.A.F. have one of these aircraft flying?
Not anymore Bill.
We have at the Argentine Aircraft Museum of Moron City, Buenos Aires, One of the fewest “German” Ju52, built in 1934, and used to mail & passengers transport. In the final of his flights, served like “Locust fighter” to fight to the Locust attack to the farms, because the noise of the three engines, this noise frighten away the locust…The actual aircraft has the original BMW132…
Hey guys&gals , I wanted to say thanks for the article on the JU-52 . I work as a mech at the fighter factory in va beach and am doing the annual insp on the JU -52 it is an impressive airplane ,no its not fast and some may say not pretty , but she was built to do a job and can do it well .thanx agin for article
The Military Aviation Museum Ju-52 pictured above is the Ju-52 previously owned and operated by the CAF which was operated out of Gary, Indiana for most of its time with the CAF. My dad was with the Great Lakes Wing of the CAF for many years and knew Dave Fairbrother.