Junkers Ju 188
Junkers · German Reich · first flew 1940 · bomber
The Junkers Ju 188 was an improved successor to the Ju 88, featuring a redesigned crew gondola, extended pointed wingtips, and more powerful engines for better high-altitude performance. It served the Luftwaffe in bombing, torpedo, and reconnaissance roles.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 14.96 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Glazed nose with distinctive angular crew gondola
- Twin BMW 801 or Jumo 213 engines on tapered straight mid-wing
- Improved successor to the Ju 88 with extended pointed wingtips
Distinguished from the Ju 88 by the pointed wingtips, larger and more angular glazed nose, and twin-fin tail characteristic of many Junkers designs.
Specifications
- The Junkers Ju 188 has a length of 14.96 m (49 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 22 m (72 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 500 km/h (311 mph).
- Typical crew: 4.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Evolved from the Ju 88B and Ju 88C programmes, the Ju 188 entered service in 1943. It was produced in parallel with the Ju 88 and served mainly over Western Europe and in anti-shipping strikes, particularly against Allied convoys.
Variants
The Ju 188A used Jumo 213 engines, the Ju 188E used BMW 801 engines, and the Ju 188F was a reconnaissance variant; French SNCASE also produced derivatives post-war.
Where you'll see it
The Ju 188 served with Luftwaffe bomber and maritime Gruppen from 1943 to war's end; French post-war Ju 188 derivatives (the SE 1000 Mercure) flew briefly as airliners.
Related aircraft
- Junkers Ju 288
- Junkers Ju 187
- Junkers Ju 322
- Junkers Ju 290
- Arkhangelsky Ar-2
- B-25 Mitchell
- BB-MAI
- Bloch MB.162
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