Junkers K 47

Junkers · Germany · first flew 1929 · fighter

The Junkers K 47 was a German two-seat all-metal cantilever monoplane developed in 1929 as a fighter and ground-attack type, notable for its twin tail configuration and corrugated duralumin skin. It played an important role in the early development of the dive-bomber concept.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — WingsLow-mounted, straight
E — Engines1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage8.55 m fuselage
T — TailTwin fin

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All-metal low-wing monoplane with characteristic Junkers corrugated skin, twin tail fins, tandem open cockpits, and a fixed undercarriage with large streamlined fairings; heavier and more purposeful in appearance than contemporary biplane fighters.

Specifications

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Built initially through Junkers' Swedish subsidiary to circumvent Versailles Treaty restrictions, the K 47 was tested as both a fighter and an early dive-bomber. Ernst Udet's demonstrations of dive-bombing in the USA inspired the Luftwaffe to investigate the concept, and the K 47 was among the aircraft used in early German dive-bombing trials, influencing the later Ju 87.

Variants

The K 47 was exported to China and evaluated in both two-seat fighter and dive-bomber configurations.

Where you'll see it

Exported to China and used in early German dive-bombing research; never entered Luftwaffe front-line service but was conceptually influential.

Related aircraft

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