Ju88 WNr.1050

[obdl3945]

Hi,

On reading the 'Luftwaffe im Focus' article on flamethrower-equipped Ju88s (issue 19), I note on page 25, the captions for photos 28/29 note this aircraft as Ju88A-4, W.Nr.1050, coded 9K+FB. Clearly evident, however, is the early style A-1/A-5 vertical tailplane and rudder. On pages 26/27, a photo shows this aircraft again with the early style vertical tailplane, but also showing the 'blistered' rear canopy, extended wingtips and seemingly broader bladed propellors all reminiscent of the later A-4 subtype, all of which is encapsulated in Claes Sundin's excellent colour profile included with the article.

My queries are: a) was this combination of early A-1/A-5 vertical tail but otherwise A-4 characteristics common and b) was W.Nr.1050 originally built with this mixture of parts or might it have been an upgrade?

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Regards,

Paul

[edNorth]

Dear Paul

I have not seen this article nor profile. Having seen other Claes Sundin profile of Ju 88 C-6, it appears straight out of box, so to speak, good but not exceptional (research wise). I say this after having researched the type for some years and made own large scale drawings.

a.) Common? Yes. First A-4 indeed had straight-up tip rudders. Vertical fin was basically the same. But A-4 rudder was metal covered, whilst previous A-1/5 had this fabric covered. Perhaps you did not know that.

b.) Aerodynamic balanced rudders appeared (autumn 1941) long after A-4 entered production (the Jumo 211 J engines ruling the designation here), but VDM metal props appeared again on Ju 88 D-5 in winter 1941/1942, due to Wood props bottlenecks. W.Nr. (088)1050 appears "quite normal built" to me.

c.) No offense meant. Please leave space between in the designation Ju 88 A-4. Respecting how the designations were most often written is respecting how things were. Changing this into Ju88A-4 as one entity had done deliberately is misleading to those who perhaps do not know better. I have said this before. We all know this, do we not?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RLM_air...gnation_system
http://www.designation-systems.net/non-us/germany.html

Best regards
Ed

[obdl3945]

Hi, Ed...

I live and learn. Indeed, I wasn't aware of the early A-4s having the straight-hinged rudder. Thanks for taking time to clarify this and other characteristics for me

Kindest regards,

Paul