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Ju 90

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

Ju 90 — Airliner
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The Junkers Ju 90 was a German four-engine all-metal airliner — the civilian transport successor to the Ju 89 heavy-bomber prototype. Heinrich Hertel designed the Ju 90 in 1936-1937; the prototype first flew on 28 August 1937. About 14 Ju 90s were built between 1937 and 1940 at Junkers Dessau. The aircraft served Lufthansa main-line European routes 1938-1940 + Luftwaffe transport units 1940-1944.

The Ju 90 used 4 × BMW 132H or BMW 139 radial engines. Maximum speed 350 km/h, range 2,100 km, service ceiling 5,500 m. Capacity: 40 passengers + 4 crew. The aircraft was developed from the Junkers Ju 89 heavy-bomber prototype (cancelled by Luftwaffe in 1937 due to anti-long-range-bomber doctrine) — Junkers re-purposed the Ju 89 airframe as a civilian airliner since the military variant was unwanted.

Ju 90 service was concentrated in Lufthansa main-line European routes 1938-1940 (Berlin-Vienna, Berlin-Rome, Berlin-Athens). The Luftwaffe requisitioned the 14 Ju 90s in 1940 for transport service + used them for long-range cargo missions through 1944. Several Ju 90s were lost in in-service accidents + Allied action. The aircraft's successor was the Junkers Ju 290 (1940 development, 65 built) which addressed Ju 90's limited cargo-loading role + extended range for maritime patrol. About 0 Ju 90 airframes survive.

For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version

The Junkers Ju 90 was a German four-engine airliner from 1937. It was made from parts of a cancelled bomber called the Ju 89. Junkers turned the bomber into a comfortable passenger plane after the German Air Force lost interest in long-range bombers.

Only 14 Ju 90s were ever built. The plane first flew in August 1937. Lufthansa used it on main routes around Europe from 1938 to 1940. The plane carried 40 passengers and 4 crew.

The Ju 90 had four BMW radial engines, each with about 800 horsepower. Its top speed was 217 mph, which was fast for a 1937 airliner. The plane could fly 1,300 miles without refueling.

The Ju 90 is longer than a basketball court. During World War II, Lufthansa's Ju 90 fleet was taken over by the German Air Force. The planes were used as cargo and troop transports until 1944, when most were lost. The bigger Ju 290, which came later, was based on the same design.

Fun Facts

  • Only 14 Ju 90s were ever built.
  • The plane was made from parts of a cancelled bomber called the Ju 89.
  • Lufthansa used the Ju 90 on main routes around Europe from 1938 to 1940.
  • The plane carried 40 passengers and 4 crew.
  • Its top speed was 217 mph — fast for a 1937 airliner.
  • The bigger Ju 290 used the same basic design.

Kids’ Questions

Why was the Ju 89 bomber cancelled?

The German Air Force decided in 1937 that it did not want a long-range four-engine bomber. The leaders thought twin-engine bombers like the Ju 88 were good enough. Junkers had already built test planes for the Ju 89, so the company turned them into the Ju 90 airliner instead.

What happened to the Ju 90 during the war?

When World War II started in 1939, Lufthansa's Ju 90 fleet was handed over to the German Air Force. The planes were used to carry troops and cargo around Europe and North Africa. Most Ju 90s were lost in crashes or destroyed on the ground by Allied bombs by 1944.

Variants

Ju 90 (basic)
Original 14 airframes 1937-1940.

Notable Operators

Lufthansa (1938-1940)
Principal civil user. 14 airframes on Berlin-European routes.
Luftwaffe (1940-1944)
Requisitioned 14 airframes. Long-range cargo transport role.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Ju 90 originally?

A re-purposed Junkers Ju 89 heavy-bomber prototype. The Luftwaffe cancelled the Ju 89 in 1937 due to Hermann Göring's anti-long-range-bomber doctrine; Junkers re-purposed the airframe as a civilian airliner to recoup development costs. The Ju 90 carried over the Ju 89's wing + engines + landing gear; only the fuselage was substantially redesigned for civilian passenger use.

How is the Ju 90 different from the Ju 290?

The Ju 90 (1937 design, 14 built) is the original civilian airliner. The Ju 290 (1940 development, 65 built) is the militarised successor — same general airframe but with modified cargo-loading features + extended range + maritime patrol equipment + defensive armament. The Ju 290 became the Luftwaffe's principal long-range maritime patrol + transport aircraft 1942-1945.

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