The Junkers Ju 52/3m is a transport aircraft that was designed and manufactured by German aviation company Junkers. First introduced during 1930 as a civilian airliner, it was adapted into a military transport aircraft by Germany's Nazi regime, who exercised power over the company, for its war efforts over the objections of the company's founder Hugo Junkers.
Junkers Ju 52
An early version had one engine, and the three engine version was also developed. Trimotors were popular in the 1920s including models from Fokker and Ford. (see Fokker Trimotor, Ford Trimotor)
The more familiar three radial engine configuration.
One of the many unique military variants; here is a minesweeping version (note ring), 1942
Junkers Flugzeug- und Motorenwerke AG more commonly Junkers, was a major German aircraft and aircraft engine manufacturer. It was founded in Dessau, Germany, in 1895 by Hugo Junkers, initially manufacturing boilers and radiators. During World War I and following the war, the company became famous for its pioneering all-metal aircraft. During World War II the company produced the German air force's planes, as well as piston and jet aircraft engines, albeit in the absence of its founder who had been removed by the Nazis in 1934.
The pioneering all-metal Junkers J 1 in late 1915
The only surviving J.I is at the Canada Aviation Museum.
The Junkers factory in Dessau, 1928
Share of the Junkers Flugzeug- und Motorenwerke AG, issued October 1937