Junkers Ju 89

The Junkers Ju 89 was a heavy bomber designed for the Luftwaffe prior to World War II. Two prototypes were constructed, but the project was abandoned without the aircraft entering production. Elements of its design were incorporated into later Junkers aircraft.

First Prototype
On 11 April 1937, the Ju 89 prototype D-AFIT (V1, c/n 4911) was first flown by Hesselbach. Just 2½ weeks after the first flight, on 29 April 1937 the further development of both strategic bombers was cancelled by the RLM. The reason for this step was the high fuel consumption of heavy bombers, as well as the fact that a large number of bombers could only be manufactured if these bombers were medium bombers, like the Ju 88.

Second Prototype
Junkers completed the second Ju 89 prototype D-ALAT July 1937. Junkers used both prototypes for extensive flight tests to get experience of the stability and flight controls of large aircraft. But the third prototype V3 was stopped after the programme was cancelled.

On 4 June 1938, Junkers achieved a new Payload/Altitude World Record with the second prototype D-ALAT with 5,000 kg (11,000 lb) payload at an altitude of 9,312 m (30,500 ft). (4,000 m/13,120 ft more than a Short Stirling with the same payload) On 8 June 1938, D-ALAT reached an altitude of 7,242 m (23,750 ft) with 10,000 kg (22,000 lb). In late 1938, both aircraft were transferred to Luftwaffe, where they were used as heavy transport aircraft.

Both Ju 89 prototypes seem to have been scrapped by the end of 1939, although some sources claim that they were still in use the following year in Norway. Both aircraft were later impressed into the Luftwaffe for use as heavy transports. During testing, Luft Hansa expressed an interest in an airliner to be developed from the type, which led Junkers to rebuild the incomplete third prototype as the Ju 90.

Ju-89 V2
Crew: Five
Length: 26.49 m (86 ft 11 in)
Wingspan: 35.25 m (115 ft 8 in)
Height: 7.60 m (24 ft 11 in)
Wing area: 184 m² (1,979 ft²)
Empty weight: 17,000 kg (37,480 lb)
Loaded weight: 20,800 kg (50,266 lb)
Max. takeoff weight: 27,800 kg (61,160 lb)
Powerplant: 4 × Daimler-Benz DB 600A, 560 kW (750 hp) each

Performance
Maximum speed: 386 km/h (241 mph)
Range: 2,980 km (1,862 mi)
Service ceiling: 7,000 m (22,960 ft)

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