The single-engine 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 cargo aircraft. An upgraded model, the Ju 52/3m, was powered by three engines, excelling as an 18-seat airliner. By the late 1930s, hundreds of the safe and reliable Ju 52/3m were serving with airlines in more than 20 countries, including the prewar British Airways. It was used as a bomber by the reestablished Luftwaffe, particularly in the Spanish Civil War. During the Second World War, the Ju 52/3m was the mainstay of the Luftwaffe transport squadrons. Affectionately known as Faithful Old Annie and Iron Annie, the Ju 52/3m was used during the invasions of Norway, the Low Countries, Crete as well as the resupply of Stalingrad and Rommel s Africa Corps. In all, more than 5,000 were built. After the war, production continued in France and Spain. Amazingly, captured Ju 52/3ms were rebuilt postwar and briefly operated as airliners on domestic routes in Great Britain! Today, about 50 Ju 52/3ms survive, with less than ten flying. The Junkers Ju 52/3m is one of the most significant transport airplanes in the history of aviation."

About the Author
Jan Forsgren has an MA in History. He has had five books published previously, including two in English; 'Swedish Fortresses' and 'Messerschmitt Bf 108', both for MMP, as well as hundreds of aviation-related articles for various aviation magazines, including 'Aeroplane', the 'Aviation Historian' and 'FlyPast'. He has also written articles on the Air Forces in South East Asia that are available on www.aeroflight.co.uk For Fonthill, he has written 'Sinking the Beast: the 1944 RAF Lancaster Raids Lancaster Raids'.


Book Information
ISBN 9781781555156
Author Jan Forsgren
Format Hardback
Page Count 256
Imprint Fonthill Media Ltd
Publisher Fonthill Media Ltd