Junkers Ju 287
Germany's Forward Swept Wing Bomber
Ransom, Stephen - Korell, Peter - Evans, Peter D.
The extraordinary Junkers Ju 287 first took to the sky in August 1944, at a time when the Third Reich was suffering sustained round-the-clock bombing by the Allied air forces. Despite such adverse development conditions, this large and futuristic aircraft represented a remarkable accomplishment in aeronautical design. Powered by four revolutionary Jumo 004 Jet engines, the prototype's most radical feature was its dramatically forward swept wing, with which Junkers engineers hoped that some of the undesirable Iow-speed characteristics associated with swept-back wings, could be overcome. It was the first truly swept-winged, jet-powered aircraft.
Principal author and aerospace consultant, Stephen Ransom, together with his co-writers, explains how the Ju287 started life in April 1943 as Junkers project EF 116, a relatively-small, twin jet-powered high-speed aircraft believed to have been designed for photographic reconnaissance. This project also had swept forward wings. In September 1943, the project underwent a metamorphosis and emerged as a larger aircraft for use as a bomber known as the project number EF 122, finally receiving the RLM designation Ju 287 a shorttime later.
The EF122 was the subject of intensive development by Junkers and considerafale effort was spent in investigating various installations of four or six Jet engines. It was from this work that Junkers was later granted a patent for an aerodynamic concept which helped to reduce aircraft drag at high speeds. The project was considered 'top secret' and evaded Allied intelligence until what was believed to have been the Ju 287 was photographed in April and May 1944 prior to its first flight and even before its assembly had been completed.
This comprehensive and exhaustive work of reference is based almost solely on original documents, photographs and drawings, and consequently contains much new and revised information on the Ju 287 which will dispel many earlier myths and inaccuracies. It forms an indispensable work of reference for students of aviation history during the period of the Third Reich, as well as those with an interest in the development of jet-powered aircraft and experimental aircraft design.
hardcover with dust jacket, large format
160 Seiten / pages
many photos, technical drawings
excellent condition
Hersham, UK - 2008 - Classic Publications
Art.Nr. 22553
