Hobbymaster HA9004 1:114 Air Power Series JU52 "A-701" HB.HOS Swiss Air 1940's

General Background

The Ju-52 first flew in 1930 as a single engine civil aircraft. Before long it was given two more engines and designated Ju-52/3m (German - drei motoren - "three engines"). The 3-engine aircraft was originally designed as a 17 passenger airliner. The principal user was Lufthansa that flew in Europe, Asia and South America. In the mid 1930’s a military version was produced and the Ju-52 became one of the most reliable transport aircraft. The Ju-52 saw service with military and civilian air fleets well into the 1980s.

The Aircraft

Three Ju-52/3m-g4e aircraft were purchased by the Swiss Government for the Air Force. In October 1939 the aircraft were delivered to Duebendorf Airfield. These aircraft were used for transporting cargo and as flying classrooms for navigators. The 3 aircraft were HB-HOS / A-701, HB-HOT / A-702 and HB-HOP / A-703. These aircraft were withdrawn from military service in 1981. In 1982 a group set up a private organization called JU-Air and using these 3 aircraft offer sightseeing flights.