Ju 88G-6 night fighter
Ju 88G Series – The Definitive Night Fighter
The Ju 88G series became the Luftwaffe’s most prominent night fighter by the end of World War II, evolving from the Ju 88R-2 and incorporating elements from the Ju 188. These aircraft were key to Luftwaffe night operations and intruder missions over the UK and on the Eastern Front.
Ju 88G Prototype (V58)
- First Flight: June 24, 1943 (W.Nr 700001).
- Engines: Powered by BMW 801D engines.
- Radar: Fitted with FuG 212 Lichtenstein C-1 radar for detecting enemy bombers.
- Armament: Offensive armament included six MG 151/20 cannons (four in a ventral cupola and two on the right side of the fuselage), with one MG 131 for defensive purposes.
- Design Changes: Fixed antennas were replaced with a telescopic antenna behind the cockpit. The rear-facing MG 131 was kept for defense.
Ju 88G-0
- Trial Batch: The initial version, which tested the layout and weaponry. The two fuselage-mounted cannons were eventually removed because their muzzle flash impaired the pilot’s night vision.
Ju 88G-1
- Production Version: Powered by BMW 801D engines.
- Radar: Upgraded to the FuG 220 Lichtenstein SN-2 radar, which replaced the earlier FuG 212.
- Crew Layout: The pilot and radar operator were positioned next to each other for better coordination.
- Armament: Four MG 151/20 cannons mounted in the ventral cupola. Some aircraft were equipped with the “Schräge Musik” system (two MG 151/20s angled to fire upward), along with an MG 131 for rear defense.
- Additional Equipment: Included the FuG 217 Flensburg radar system to detect Allied radar signals, allowing the aircraft to intercept bombers.
Ju 88G-4
- Schräge Musik as Standard: This variant incorporated the upward-firing “Schräge Musik” MG 151/20s as standard equipment.
Ju 88G-6a
- Engine Upgrade: Fitted with Jumo 213A-1 engines producing 1750 hp and equipped with wooden VS 11 propellers.
- Radar: Retained the FuG 220 Lichtenstein radar from the G-1 model.
Ju 88G-6b
- Radar Upgrade: Same as the G-6a but with the addition of the FuG 350 Naxos Z radar, which could detect British H2S radar emissions.
Ju 88G-6c
- Advanced Radar: Fitted with FuG 218 Neptun and FuG 240 Berlin radars, featuring a dish antenna for improved performance in jamming-heavy environments.
Ju 88G-7 Series
Ju 88G-7a: A night fighter equipped with Jumo 213E engines and a MW 50 boost system for increased power. It also featured four-bladed VS 19 wooden propellers and wings adapted from the Ju 188. It was armed with FuG 220 Lichtenstein SN-2 radar and Morgenstern antenna.
Ju 88G-7b: Similar to the G-7a, but fitted with FuG 228 Lichtenstein SN-3 or FuG 218 Neptun VR radars for improved detection capabilities.
Ju 88G-7c: This version featured the FuG 240 Berlin N-1a radar housed in wood. Only ten units were produced.
Ju 88G-8
- Daylight Long-Range Fighter: Developed for long-range daylight operations, it featured a lengthened fuselage with extra fuel tanks from the Ju 88H-1 variant. It was intended for use in the Mistel project, where manned fighters were paired with unmanned bombers.
Ju 88G-10
- Mistel Role: This version was identical to the G-8 and used specifically for the Mistel project, focusing on delivering precision attacks with explosive-laden aircraft.