Junkers Ju 88 A-6 Balloon Cutter
The Ju 88A-6 was a specialized variant of the Ju 88 series, developed specifically to address the challenges posed by barrage balloons deployed over England during bombing raids. These balloons, which were anchored by steel cables, posed a significant threat to low-flying aircraft, as the cables could damage or destroy planes on contact.
Key Features and Modifications:
Balloon Cable Fender: The primary modification of the Ju 88A-6 was the installation of a balloon cable fender system. This consisted of steel frames attached to the wing tips, which extended forward to meet in front of the aircraft’s nose, forming a triangular structure. The frame was designed to guide any encountered balloon cable down toward the wingtips, where it would be severed by a cutting device known as the “Kuto-Nase.” This system was a crucial defensive measure to protect the aircraft from the deadly threat posed by balloon cables.
Weight and Balance Adjustments: The balloon cable fender system added significant weight to the aircraft, approximately 322 kg. To maintain proper balance, a 58 kg counterweight was added to the tail of the aircraft. This ensured that the plane’s center of gravity remained within acceptable limits, although it still affected the aircraft’s overall performance.
Performance Impact: The addition of the balloon cable fender system had a noticeable impact on the aircraft’s speed and agility. The installation reduced the Ju 88A-6’s top speed by around 30 kph. To compensate for this reduction in performance, the aircraft typically carried a lighter bomb load and fewer defensive guns. The usual armament was reduced to three MG 81 machine guns, allowing for some weight savings.
Engine and Powerplant: The Ju 88A-6 was powered by the Jumo 211J engines, which were intended to help offset the added drag and weight from the balloon cable fender. Despite these engines, the performance impact from the fender system was still significant.