Junkers Ju 390
Junkers · Germany · first flew 1943 · transport aircraft
The Junkers Ju 390 was a massive German six-engine long-range transport and maritime patrol aircraft developed from the Ju 290, intended for transatlantic bombing missions and supply operations. Only two prototypes were completed.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 4 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 34.2 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Six-engine German ultra-long-range bomber/transport (capped at 4 in schema; real count: 6)
- Enlarged development of the Ju 290 with two additional engines
- Massive low-wing monoplane with 50-metre wingspan
Unmistakable due to its enormous 50-metre wingspan, six radial engines, massive low-wing layout, and elongated fuselage derived from the Ju 290 family.
Specifications
- The Junkers Ju 390 has a length of 34.2 m (112 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 50.32 m (165 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 505 km/h (314 mph).
- Typical crew: 10.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed from 1942 as an enlarged Ju 290, the Ju 390 first flew in October 1943 and demonstrated remarkable range during test flights. It was considered for transatlantic bombing of the United States but never operationally deployed for such missions.
Variants
Two prototypes were built; a V1 for transport duties and a V2 for maritime reconnaissance. Further development was abandoned as the war situation deteriorated.
Where you'll see it
Only the two prototypes flew; neither entered operational squadron service.
Related aircraft
- Junkers Ju 388
- Junkers Ju 287
- Junkers Ju 290
- Junkers EF 127 Walli
- Boeing C-108 Flying Fortress
- Cessna C-106 Loadmaster
- Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer
- Curtiss C-76 Caravan
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