The Forgotten WWII Bomber That Was Turned into a Transport Aircraft Due to Its Lack of Success

During World War II, transport aircraft played a major role in military operations, delivering troops, equipment, and supplies across vast distances. The United States had the Douglas C-47 Skytrain, which proved to be a versatile and widely used aircraft in multiple theaters of war. Germany relied on the Junkers Ju 52, a rugged and dependable workhorse that had been in service since the early 1930s. However, as the war progressed, the German military sought a more modern and capable transport aircraft to replace the aging Ju 52. This led to the development of the forgotten WWII bomber Junkers Ju 252, a plane that was initially designed as a bomber but was later repurposed due to its limited success in that role.

The Development of the Ju 252

The concept of the Ju 252 emerged in the late 1930s as Germany looked for an aircraft that could fulfill both transport and bomber roles. The need for a more advanced transport aircraft became evident as military operations expanded across Europe and North Africa. Junkers engineers designed the Ju 252 with a streamlined fuselage, retractable landing gear, and increased cargo capacity, making it a significant upgrade from the Ju 52. The aircraft was powered by three Junkers Jumo 211F engines, which provided more speed and range compared to its predecessor. It also featured a rear-loading ramp, which allowed for quicker loading and unloading of cargo.

Why the Ju 252 Was Not Mass-Produced

Despite its promising design, the Ju 252 faced significant production challenges. The aircraft required large amounts of strategic materials such as aluminum, which had become increasingly scarce as the war dragged on. Germany prioritized fighter aircraft and bombers, leaving transport planes with lower production priority. Only around 15 Ju 252s were built before production was halted. Even though the aircraft performed well in its intended role, it never saw widespread use due to the shortage of resources and shifting war priorities.

The Introduction of the Ju 352

Recognizing the limitations of the Ju 252’s production, German officials requested a modified version that used fewer strategic materials. This led to the development of the Ju 352, which replaced many metal components with wood. While this change reduced reliance on scarce resources, it also made the aircraft less durable. The Ju 352 retained the rear cargo ramp and had similar performance to the Ju 252, but it was produced in slightly larger numbers, with around 50 units built. However, this was still not enough to make a meaningful impact on the war effort.

The Role of the Ju 252 and Ju 352 in Combat

Both the Ju 252 and Ju 352 were primarily used for transport missions, particularly on the Eastern Front, where Germany faced logistical challenges due to vast distances and harsh conditions. These aircraft were used to move troops, supplies, and occasionally wounded soldiers from the front lines. Some Ju 252s were also used in emergency evacuation missions as Germany’s situation deteriorated in the later years of the war. However, their limited numbers meant they could not replace the widely used Ju 52, which remained in service until the end of the conflict.

Why the Ju 252 and Ju 352 Were Forgotten

The Ju 252 and Ju 352 never gained the recognition of other German aircraft because they were produced in small numbers and did not significantly impact the war’s outcome. The Ju 52 continued to be used simply because there were not enough Ju 252s or Ju 352s to take over its role. After the war, surviving units were either scrapped or captured by Allied forces, and the aircraft faded into obscurity. Unlike other transport aircraft such as the C-47, which remained in service for decades, the Ju 252 and Ju 352 were quickly forgotten, overshadowed by more successful designs.