The Giant Plane With Cabins In Its Wings

The Junkers G.38, a marvel of aviation engineering in the late 1920s and early 1930s, was a giant airliner that pushed the boundaries of aircraft design. Built by the German company Junkers, the G.38 was unlike anything else in the skies. Its most striking feature? Passenger cabins inside its massive wings, a design that captivated imaginations and set it apart from contemporary aircraft.

Conceived as a long-range transport and passenger plane, the G.38 made its maiden flight in 1929. With a wingspan of 144 feet, it was the largest land-based aircraft of its time. The G.38’s structure was made entirely of metal, following Junkers’ pioneering use of duralumin, a lightweight and durable aluminum alloy. Its sleek, low-wing monoplane design was advanced for its era, and its four engines—initially housed externally before being embedded in the wings—powered it to a cruising speed of around 105 mph.

The G.38 could accommodate up to 34 passengers, a remarkable capacity for its day. The plane’s most unique feature was its wing-integrated passenger cabins. Located in the forward section of the wings, these cabins had panoramic windows, allowing passengers to peer directly ahead or below—an unprecedented luxury at the time. The main fuselage housed a central cabin with additional seating, a lounge, and even sleeping accommodations, ensuring a comfortable journey for wealthy travelers.

Primarily operated by Deutsche Luft Hansa, the G.38 served routes across Europe, connecting major cities like Berlin, London, and Amsterdam. Passengers enjoyed unparalleled comfort, with spacious interiors, elegant furnishings, and attentive service. The aircraft even had a crew of seven, including flight engineers who worked in accessible compartments within the wings during flight.

Despite its innovative design, the G.38 had limitations. Its relatively slow speed and high operating costs made it less practical as air travel became more competitive in the 1930s. Additionally, its large size and low power-to-weight ratio made it vulnerable to operational challenges, such as limited range and difficulty operating from smaller airfields.

Only two G.38s were ever built. The first prototype, D-2000, underwent numerous modifications and upgrades during its operational life, while the second, registered as D-AZUR, was produced in 1932. Both saw limited service before being retired. The onset of World War II ultimately rendered the G.38 obsolete, as military priorities shifted to faster, more efficient designs.

Despite its short-lived career, the Junkers G.38 left a lasting legacy. Its innovative design influenced future aviation concepts, and its daring integration of passenger cabins into the wings remains a unique engineering feat.