Junkers W 33
Junkers · Weimar Republic · first flew 1926 · transport aircraft
The Junkers W 33 was a German single-engine all-metal transport and mail aircraft derived from the Junkers F 13, notable for making the first non-stop transatlantic east-to-west crossing in 1928. Its corrugated duralumin construction was a signature Junkers feature of the era.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 10.5 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- All-metal corrugated duralumin skin — unmistakeable Junkers texture
- Low-wing monoplane with a single radial or inline engine
- Spatted fixed undercarriage beneath a thick cantilever wing
The corrugated metal fuselage and thick low-set cantilever wing immediately distinguish any Junkers type of this family; the W 33 is a single-engine monoplane with a blunt, slab-sided fuselage and fixed undercarriage.
Specifications
- The Junkers W 33 has a length of 10.5 m (34 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 17.75 m (58 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 180 km/h (112 mph).
- Typical crew: 1-2 (plus freight/passengers).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The W 33 and its sister type the W 34 were developed in the mid-1920s as rugged freight and mail carriers. On 12–13 April 1928 the W 33 'Bremen' completed the first successful non-stop westbound transatlantic flight, landing in Greenly Island, Canada, flown by Köhl, von Hünefeld and Fitzmaurice. The type saw wide commercial use across Europe and South America.
Variants
The closely related Junkers W 34 used more powerful radial engines and became even more widely produced; the two types are visually very similar and shared many components.
Where you'll see it
Operated by numerous airlines and air forces in Europe, South America, and Canada through the 1930s; the type also served the Luftwaffe in training and utility roles during the early Second World War.
Related aircraft
- Junkers A 35
- Junkers Bremen (W 33)
- Junkers G 31
- Junkers A 32
- Aero A.29
- CAMS 51
- Dornier Do R Superwal
- Fairey IIIF
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