The Junkers Ju 52 Story Hardback

The single-engine Junkers Ju 52 first flew in 1930.

Designed and built by the Junkers Aircraft Company of Dessau, Germany, the Ju 52 was originally intended as a cargo aircraft.

An upgraded model, the Ju 52/3m, was powered by three engines, excelling as an 18-seat airliner.

By the late 1930s, hundreds of the safe and reliable Ju 52/3m were serving with airlines in more than 20 countries, including the prewar British Airways.

It was used as a bomber by the reestablished Luftwaffe, particularly in the Spanish Civil War.

During the Second World War, the Ju 52/3m was the mainstay of the Luftwaffe transport squadrons.

Affectionately known as Faithful Old Annie and Iron Annie, the Ju 52/3m was used during the invasions of Norway, the Low Countries, Crete as well as the resupply of Stalingrad and Rommel s Africa Corps.

In all, more than 5,000 were built. After the war, production continued in France and Spain.

Amazingly, captured Ju 52/3ms were rebuilt postwar and briefly operated as airliners on domestic routes in Great Britain!

Today, about 50 Ju 52/3ms survive, with less than ten flying.

The Junkers Ju 52/3m is one of the most significant transport airplanes in the history of aviation."