Junkers W 34

An unidentified Junkers W 34 hi of the Luftdienst, photographed during the war (as evidenced by the mobile camouflage netting in the background, bottom left).

The aircraft displays the inscription "Ruth" below the cockpit, and the Typenschild [identification plate] can just be recognized on the fuselage, in front of the wing root. Also very evident are the venturi tube on the side of the fuselage and the large Peilrahmen [direction finder loop] on top of the fuselage. Detail enlargement of the photo reveals the faint Luftdienst emblem.

This W 34 seems to be camouflaged in a single shade of green (the RLM 65 on the underside being obscured in the shadow), with what appears to be a darker NACA cowling and propeller blades in RLM 70. Exact date and location currently unknown. (German Aviation 1919-1945 collection)

Junkers W 34

A somewhat nondescript Junkers W 34 hau during engine start. The mechanic on the left is holding the crank for the inertia starter. The last letter of the aircraft's registration can be faintly discerned, it seems to be a "D", making it ??+?D.

The aircraft reportedly belonged to Flugzeugführerschule A/B 4 at Prag-Gbell, Czechoslovakia; the photograph was apparently taken at Kralupy, in 1940 or 1941. This view beautifully illustrates the enormous span of the otherwise rather diminutive W 34. Camouflage seems to be standard 65/70/71. (German Aviation 1919-1945 collection)

Heinkel He 46

Heinkel He 46 E WL-IGYK (originally D-IGYK), Werknummer 857. According to the notes on the rear of the original picture, this two-seat reconnaissance aircraft was photographed in front of hangar 3 in Neukuhren, in what was then East Prussia, on a rainy September day in 1939. This He 46 was assigned to Wetterflugstelle Königsberg as well as Schule/FAR. 10.

Note typical lack of NACA cowling for this He 46 subtype, and Schwarz Propellerwerk manufacturer's logo on the lower propeller blade. Camouflage appears to be standard 70/71/65. The aircraft seen in the background are Junkers W 34 hi transports. (German Aviation 1919-1945 collection; additional aircraft identity confirmation courtesy of luftwaffe-research-group.org)

Junkers W 34

Atmospheric shot of an unidentified Junkers W 34 hau transport and trainer. The W 34 hau was powered by a Bramo 322 engine and mainly used by the Luftwaffe for the training of radio operators and pilots.

Unfortunately, both angle and lighting conditions make it difficult to discern any defining details regarding this particular aircraft. The distant background seems to be shrouded by a haze, which, along with the apparently wet tyres of the aircraft, might indicate that the scene occurred in autumn. Of further note is the distinctively large direction finder loop on top of the fuselage. Exact date and location unknown. (German Aviation 1919-1945 collection)

Junkers W 34

Unidentified Junkers W 34 hau, photographed at Seifersdorf, in 1941. Camouflage appears to be standard 70/71/65. Photo enlargement reveals details of typical four-blade propeller arrangement, consisting of two stacked two-blade propellers. (German Aviation 1919-1945 collection)

[Entry amended January 29, 2020]

Junkers W 34

Junkers W 34 hi TD+BL, Werknummer 791, photographed after an emergency landing in a field at Niederneukirchen near St. Florian/Linz, in what was then the so-called Ostmark (i.e., Austria), on March 27, 1940. The reason for the emergency landing is currently unknown to me. Of note is the large under-wing cross. The aircraft was assigned to the FFS (A/B) 43 as well as to the FFS (A/B) 71.

An inscription on back of the photo reads: Besatzung: Sendzik - Pilot; Wasmus - Co-Pilot. Besatzung unverletzt, anschliessend besoffen! [Crew: Sendzik - pilot; Wasmus - copilot. Crew uninjured, subsequently drunk!]. The W 34's balloon tyres likely contributed to the safe outcome of a landing on such rough and soft ground. (German Aviation 1919-1945 collection, aircraft identity confirmation courtesy of the LEMB Stammkennzeichen Database Project)

[Entry amended February 1, 2020]

Arado Ar 66

Arado Ar 66 (most likely a C subtype) seen refuelling from a truck, photographed from the cockpit of a Junkers W 34 hau. Exact date and location unknown. (German Aviation 1919-1945 collection)

[Entry amended January 18, 2020]