World War Photos

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By the start of World War II, the German Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM) recognized the Junkers Ju 88 as an aircraft of outstanding merit. Its success, however, somewhat limited further development, as the aircraft was already highly regarded, and major modifications were deemed unnecessary. Nonetheless, Junkers had been planning enhancements to the Ju 88 as early as January 1936. These plans included designs for a Ju 88B with a more aerodynamically optimized, fully glazed crew compartment, as well as the potential for new, more powerful engines like the BMW 139 and Jumo 213.

Junkers was eventually permitted to experiment with the new crew compartment design in a single Ju 88B prototype, which began its flight test program in early 1940. This aircraft, powered by 1,600-hp BMW 801 radial engines, was essentially a modified Ju 88A, with some changes such as the addition of bomb racks under each outer wing. Although ten pre-production Ju 88B-0 aircraft were built and proved effective, they did not enter full production because the RLM decided not to disrupt Ju 88A production lines. These B-0 aircraft were instead adapted for reconnaissance missions, with bomb racks removed and additional fuel tanks installed.

Despite the focus on newer projects like the Bomber B program, which aimed to produce advanced bombers such as the Do 317, Fw 191, and Ju 288, these programs encountered significant delays and technical challenges. By the autumn of 1942, it was evident that none of these aircraft would be ready for operational use in the near future. This shifted emphasis back to improving existing aircraft, and the Ju 88 was seen as an ideal candidate for upgrades.

Junkers had never completely halted the development of the Ju 88 and had continued to refine the design. The Ju 88 V27, which flew in September 1941, featured extended outer wings, increasing the wingspan from 20 to 22 meters. The Ju 88 V44, which flew in the spring of 1942, further enhanced the aircraft with an enlarged tail. By October 1942, the decision was made to transfer resources from the Ju 288 project to the development of what would become the Ju 188, a significantly upgraded version of the Ju 88.

The first production Ju 188 models, the E-0 and E-1, entered service in May 1943, powered by BMW 801 engines. These aircraft featured various improvements over the Ju 88, such as a more advanced airframe and a choice between different turret configurations. The Ju 188A-1 and E-1 were both four-seat medium bombers, with differences primarily in their dorsal turret armament. The Ju 188 also saw variants like the A-3 torpedo bomber and reconnaissance versions like the D-1 and D-2, which were equipped with various camera configurations and, in some cases, radar for maritime operations.

Efforts to improve the defensive capabilities of the Ju 188 included experiments with remote-controlled barbettes and manned tail gun positions, but these modifications were generally unsuccessful. The Ju 188 never fully overcame its defensive shortcomings, and its crews faced significant risks when operating in areas patrolled by Allied fighters. Although Junkers attempted to develop high-altitude versions of the Ju 188, these efforts ultimately led to the creation of the more advanced Junkers Ju 388.

In summary, while the Ju 188 represented a significant evolution of the Ju 88, it faced challenges in defensive capability and was eventually overshadowed by newer designs. Despite these issues, the Ju 188 played a valuable role in the Luftwaffe’s operations during the later years of World War II.

Bibliography

• Ju-188 E-1 Flugzeug-Handbuch Teil 1-5 – Junkers Flugzeugwerke A.G
• Helmut Erfurth: Vom Original zum Modell Junkers Ju 188 (german)
• Mike Dario, Uwe Feist: Luftwaffe Bombers in action – Squadron/Signal Publications 1003, Aircraft No. Three
• David Wadman: Aufklarer, Volume Two – Luftwaffe Reconnaissance Aircraft and Units 1942-1945, Luftwaffe Colours, Classic Publications
• Manfred Griehl: Rohrwaffen in Flugzeugen der Luftwaffe bis 1945, Waffen-Arsenal 188 (german)
• Günter Schmitt: Junkers – Bildatlas aller Flugzeugtypen 1910-1945 / Junkers – Pictorial Record of All Aircraft 1910-1945
• Günter Schmitt: Das Junkers Flugzeugtypenbuch (german)
• Helmut F. Erfurth: Black Cross Volume I Junkers Ju 188
• Nick Beale: Kampfflieger Volume Four – Bombers of the Luftwaffe Summer 1943 – May 1945, Luftwaffe Colours, Classic Publications
• Robert Michulec: Ju 188 Ju 388 cz.1 – AJ-Press Monografie Lotnicze 33 (polish)
• Robert Michulec: Ju 188 Ju 388 cz.2 – AJ-Press Monografie Lotnicze 34 (polish)