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Ju 86

Junkers · Bomber · Germany · Interwar (1919–1938)

The Junkers Ju 86 was a German twin-engine medium bomber + civil airliner — one of the few early-1930s designs to serve in both civil + military roles. Heinrich Evers designed the Ju 86 in 1934 as a dual-purpose airliner-bomber; the prototype first flew on 4 November 1934. About 470 Ju 86s were built between 1936 and 1940 at Junkers Dessau + South African Aircraft Corporation. The aircraft served the Luftwaffe + Lufthansa + 8 export operators through 1944.

The Ju 86D (Luftwaffe bomber variant) used two Junkers Jumo 205 6-cylinder opposed-piston diesel engines (600 hp each). Maximum speed 325 km/h, range 1,500 km, service ceiling 5,800 m. Bomb load 1,000 kg. The diesel engines were unusual — they offered better fuel economy + safer fuel (less fire risk) but were operationally fragile. Late Ju 86 variants (Ju 86R) used BMW 132 radial engines for improved reliability + Bristol Pegasus engines for high-altitude variants.

Ju 86 service was extensive in Lufthansa pre-war civil routes (Berlin-European destinations) + Luftwaffe Spanish Civil War combat (Condor Legion K/88) + South African Air Force in-service bomber service. The Ju 86P high-altitude reconnaissance variant (1940-1944) operated above 12,000 m altitude where Allied fighters could not intercept — providing intelligence over Britain + Egypt + USSR through 1942. Allied high-altitude Spitfire HF.VII variants eventually shot down the Ju 86R-1 in summer 1942 + the type was retired from front-line service.

For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version

The Junkers Ju 86 was a German twin-engine plane from the mid-1930s. It was unusual because it was designed as both an airliner and a bomber from the very start. Lufthansa flew passenger versions of the Ju 86, while the German Luftwaffe flew bomber versions.

The Ju 86 first flew in November 1934. About 470 were built between 1936 and 1940. The plane could carry 1,000 kg of bombs or up to 10 passengers in different versions.

What made the Ju 86 strange was its diesel engines. The Jumo 205 diesels used less fuel than gasoline engines and were safer from fire. But the diesels often broke down and were tricky to repair. Later Ju 86 versions switched back to regular gasoline radial engines.

The Ju 86 is about as long as a city bus. Its top speed was 200 mph, which is slow even for the late 1930s. The plane was used by 8 different air forces around the world. Some Ju 86s were even built in South Africa under license.

Fun Facts

The Ju 86 was designed to work as both an airliner and a bomber.
About 470 Ju 86s were built between 1936 and 1940.
It used diesel engines instead of gasoline engines — very rare for an airliner.
Eight different air forces around the world flew the Ju 86.
Some Ju 86s were even built in South Africa under license.
Late versions switched back to regular gasoline radial engines because the diesels kept breaking down.

Kids’ Questions

Why diesel engines?

Diesel engines use less fuel than gasoline engines, which means longer flights on the same tank. Diesel fuel is also harder to set on fire, so the plane would be safer in a crash. The idea was good in theory, but the Jumo 205 diesels turned out to be too fragile for normal airline use.

How could the same plane be both an airliner and a bomber?

The basic body, wings, engines, and tail were the same on both versions. The airliner had a passenger cabin with seats and windows. The bomber had a bomb bay, defensive gun stations, and no passenger seats. Swapping back and forth was not easy, but the basic design worked for both jobs.

Variants

Ju 86A / D (bomber): Standard Luftwaffe bomber. About 300 built.
Ju 86 (civil airliner): Lufthansa airliner variant. About 60 built.
Ju 86P / R (high-altitude recon): High-altitude reconnaissance variant. Pressurised cabin + Jumo 207 engines. About 40 built.
South African Aircraft Corporation Ju 86Z: South African licence-built variant. About 12 built.

Notable Operators

Luftwaffe (1936-1942): Principal user. Spanish Civil War + early WWII Eastern + Mediterranean theatres.
Lufthansa: Pre-war civil European routes.
South African Air Force (1938-1944): About 50 Ju 86s in South African service. East African + Mediterranean theatre combat use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Ju 86s fly higher than any other WWII aircraft?

The Ju 86P-2 set a 1940 unofficial altitude record of 14,400 m (47,200 ft) — among the highest for any WWII in-service aircraft. The pressurised cabin + Jumo 207 high-altitude engines allowed sustained reconnaissance above Allied fighter intercept ceilings until 1942 when Spitfire HF.VII variants (specifically modified for high-altitude intercept) finally caught up to the Ju 86R-1.

Why did the Ju 86 use diesel engines?

Fuel economy + safety. Junkers Jumo 205 opposed-piston diesels were 20-25% more fuel-efficient than equivalent gasoline engines + used diesel fuel (less fire-prone than gasoline). Luftwaffe doctrine valued long-range reconnaissance — the Ju 86's diesel engines extended mission range notably. The diesels were operationally fragile + maintenance-heavy; later Ju 86 variants reverted to gasoline radials.

Sources

Wikipedia — Junkers Ju 86