The return of the Junkers Ju-52?

Amidst all the modern sports and touring aircraft and bizjets it was something not more than a concept that mostly surprised the visitors of the recently held AERO 2022 Friedrichshafen (Germany). Junkers Flugzeugwerke based at Altenrhein, Switzerland, presented its plans for the Junkers Ju-52NG (Next Generation). The design is based on the legendary pre-war and wartime Junkers Ju-52/3m but modernized to the standards of 2022.

Instead of the BMW 132A-3 radial engines in the original Ju-52, the Next Generation will be powered by three newly developed V12 engines RED A03-005 with 550 hp in streamlined nacelles. The engines will transfer their power to MTV-9 variable pitch propellers, with either three, five or even seven propblades. Whether these are ultimately carried out with three, five or seven sheets is still being investigated. These engines are said to be very fuel efficient with a consumption of only 77 liters per hour at a cruising speed of 180 km/h.

The crew consists of two pilots and, if necessary, a flight attendant. In the normal version, fourteen passengers fit into the cabin with wide aisle, which is designed for short ground times and fast passenger changes. Optionally, air conditioning can be installed.

The instrumentation of the Ju-52NG is state of the art: Garmin avionics allows the pilots to fly under IFR conditions. It provides weather condition, and terrain information and has an anti-collision facility.

Junkers foresees a future for the Ju-52NG not only in a touristic role for scenic trips, but also for regional and inter-insular flights. It could even be used for air cargo transport thanks to its large cargo door and ability to use unpaved runways.

Swiss based Junkers Flugzeugwerke AG has previously built new airplanes which were based on historic Junkers designs. In 2016 the prototype of the new Junkers F-13, HB-RIM, made its first flight. It was more recently followed by a Junkers A-50, two-seat monoplane.

The company says in advertisements that wants to ‘realize the ‘Twenties’ feeling of flying combined with the technology of today’.

But whether or not the Junkers Ju-52NG will get its place in nostalgic flying, time will tell!