A pioneer workhorse in aviation history, this 1931 single-engine aircraft could lift a maximum of three tons. Some of its more distinguishable features include a corrugated aluminum skin as well as large side doors and a hatch in the roof to accommodate awkward loads.
CF-ARM was used to supply mining and other operations in remote areas with equipment that was too big and heavy for other aircraft then in use. The aircraft could lift approximately three tons. The Junkers JU-52/1M CF-ARM was able to fly on wheels, skis or floats.
The aircraft on display is a replica of the JU-52/1M which was operated by Canadian Airways Ltd. in Winnipeg from 1931 to 1942. The original operated from the Red River at the Canadian Airways Brandon Avenue base. It was the largest single-engined aircraft operating in Canada, and was affectionately known as the 'Flying Boxcar'.
This is a German aircraft, and over 5,000 of the type were built in the 1930s. All but the first six were built with three engines, and designated the JU-52/3M. The JU-52/3M was in service in 1932 as an airliner in 29 foreign countries on scheduled routes such as Berlin to Rome or to London. In 1934 Adolph Hitler was using a JU-52/3M as his private plane.
The three-engined versions were never flown in Canada, but provided the backbone of the Luftwaffe Air Transport Force during WWII. When CF-ARM was brought to Canada, it was fitted with a 830 hp Rolls Royce Buzzard. It remained in service until 1943; the last two years were with Canadian Pacific Airlines.
This display replica was created from a Spanish-built JU-52/3M, and is the only single-engine configuration in the world. It was purchased in Florida by the Museum, and flown to Winnipeg by the members of 402 Reserve Squadron. It was converted by Bristol Aerospace, with funding supplied by the Richardson Foundation. (James Richardson formed Western Canada Airways and later, Canadian Airways Ltd.)
Specifications
Wingspan: 29.49 m (96' 9")
Length: 18.29 m (60')
Height: 6.30 m (20' 8")
Engine: 830 hp Rolls Royce Buzzard
Cruise Speed: 145 km/h (90 mph)
Max. Range: 1,500 km (932 miles)
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Tales from the sky
In an article that appeared in the Winnipeg Free press on December 29, 1931, reporter John M. Sweeney witnessed the arrival of JU-52 and wrote, "I thought the Junkers landed unusually easily and gracefully, especially for such a large plane. There was just the slightest jar as the tail wheel struck the shallow snow and the grounding of the huge forward wheels was barely perceptible. Only the roughness of the airfield was noticed as the plane nosed toward the hangar. The Junkers lands at only 47 miles per hour. The plane appeared to float toward the ground like a glider, finally nestling itself against the earth."
