Junkers G 31
Junkers · Germany · first flew 1926 · transport aircraft
The Junkers G 31 was a German three-engine transport aircraft of the late 1920s, typical of the Junkers all-metal corrugated-skin design philosophy and used for early commercial air services.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 3 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 15.2 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Corrugated duralumin skin in classic Junkers style
- Three radial engines — one in nose, two on wing leading edge
- Low-cantilever monoplane with thick wing
The instantly recognisable corrugated duralumin skin, thick low-cantilever monoplane wing, and trimotor layout with engines grouped near the wing root distinguish all Junkers transports of this era.
Specifications
- The Junkers G 31 has a length of 15.2 m (50 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 29.9 m (98 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 210 km/h (130 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 + up to 15 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed as a larger follow-on to the G 24, the G 31 entered service with Luft Hansa and other operators in 1926. It was also notably used in New Guinea by Junkers-operated freight services, carrying mining equipment into remote highland airstrips.
Variants
Various engine fits were tried including BMW, Junkers, and Pratt & Whitney radials; cargo and passenger configurations differed.
Where you'll see it
Operated by Luft Hansa in Europe and by Junkers Air Transport in New Guinea and other remote areas; not a UK-operated type.
Related aircraft
- Junkers A 35
- Junkers Bremen (W 33)
- Junkers W 33
- Junkers A 32
- Aero A.29
- CAMS 51
- Dornier Do R Superwal
- Fairey IIIF
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