Junkers Ju 46

infobox Aircraft
name =Ju 46
type =Mail plane
manufacturer =Junkers


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first flight =1927
introduced =1932
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Junkers Ju 46 was a German catapult-launched derivative of the W 34, constructed for Lufthansa's mail service over the Atlantic ocean. The first production models were delivered in 1932 and replaced the Heinkel He 58, then in service as the main maritime mail aircraft.

Design and development

Compared to the W 34, the Ju 46 had an enlarged tail section, which improve control of the aircraft during launching. The aircraft was also painted in bright red, for easy spotting by rescue planes in case of emergency landings at sea. The aircraft was equipped with a 441 kW (591 hp) BMW-C radial engine. A total of five aircraft were supplied, then equipped with more powerful engines.

The aircraft was used in the postal link service across the Atlantic Ocean, and the aircraft were based on board the steamers S/S Bremen and S/S Europa, which had been fitted with compressed air-driven catapults for this purpose. These catpults allowed the 3,200 kg aircraft to take off in a distance of 20 m and a speed of 110 km/h. The launch of these aircraft was always a special experience for the passengers of the steamers.

Operators

;flag|Germany|Nazi
*"Lufthansa"

Specifications (Ju 46)

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ee also

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*List of military aircraft of Germany

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References

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