World War Photos

Long-range photo-reconnaissance Ju 88D-2 with two 900 liter tanks

Key Features of the Ju 88D:

• Redesigned Bomb Bay: The bomb bay was modified into a two-door configuration, with the front section housing an additional 1450-liter fuel tank. The rear section was equipped with three Robot cameras:
  • Rb 70/30 and Rb 50/30: For high-altitude photography.
  • Rb 20/30: For low-altitude reconnaissance.
• Camera Heating: Cameras intended for operations in colder climates, such as the Eastern Front and Norway, were heated using warm air from the aircraft’s engines.
• Engine Variants: Powered by various Jumo 211 engines depending on the specific model, enhancing their range and performance.

About 1,450 Ju 88D aircraft were produced in total, including various tropical and specialized versions for different theaters of war.

Ju 88D Variants:

1. Ju 88D-0:

   • Built during the summer of 1940 based on the Ju 88A-5. These early reconnaissance aircraft were powered by Jumo 211B-1, G-1, or H-1 engines.
   • Extra fuel tanks could be fitted under the wings, extending the aircraft’s operational range.

2. Ju 88D-1:

   • This version used Jumo 211J engines and was based on the Ju 88A-4 airframe. Production started in February 1941.
   • It had the capability to carry either bombs or additional fuel tanks under the wings, offering flexibility depending on the mission’s needs.

3. Ju 88D-1/Trop:

   • A tropicalized version of the D-1, designed for operations in desert environments. It featured dust filters and extra survival equipment for the crew, including water supplies, tents, and hunting weapons.

4. Ju 88D-2:

   • Built in the summer of 1940, also based on the Ju 88A-5. Powered by Jumo 211G-1 engines, this version featured cameras that did not protrude from the fuselage.
   • Could carry two 900-liter external fuel tanks under the wings for extended range.

5. Ju 88D-2/Trop:

   • The tropical version of the D-2, similar to the D-1/Trop, with dust filters and additional equipment for the crew to survive harsh environments.

6. Ju 88D-3:

   • This variant was simply a renamed version of the Ju 88D-1/Trop, continuing the tropical role for reconnaissance operations in desert regions.

7. Ju 88D-4:

   • Similarly, this was the renamed version of the Ju 88D-2/Trop, retaining all the features of the tropicalized D-2 variant.

8. Ju 88D-5:

   • Based on the Ju 88A-4 airframe, this version was powered by Jumo 211G or H engines.
   • It featured two cameras mounted on the left side of the fuselage, reducing camera equipment compared to earlier variants, but extended range up to 3,100 km made it ideal for long-range reconnaissance missions.