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In February 1940 Junkers flew the prototype Ju 86P, a new version of
the already-retired
Junkers Ju 86 bomber with a pressure cabin for a crew of two in an
entirely new nose section and special 950hp Jumo 207A Diesel engines
fitted with twin superchargers. A later prototype had wings of 25.6m
span, compared with the normal 22.55m, and could fly at heights up to
11,997m. After proving that the Ju 86P could operate over Britain
without fear of interception at such an altitude, 40 of the former
bombers were converted into Ju 86P-1 bombers and Ju 86P-2 photo
reconnaissance aircraft. For two years these aircraft dropped 1,000kg
bombs and took photos with impunity over Britain, the Soviet Union and
North Africa. Then, on 24 August 1942, a specially modified Spitfire
climbed to 12,800m and destroyed a Ju 86P. Soon, two others were
destroyed in the same way, and the 86P's were withdrawn from service
in May 1943. Attempts to maintain viability by the use of more
powerful engines and wings of even greater span on the Ju 86R-1 and
R-2 achieved little success. |
