I acquired this 1m long leading edge from Stalingrad – I was intrigued by the part number that was shown that looked vaguely Douglas.
Now it has arrived I am 100% sure it is German ( from the paint) and from the gold anodizing it is Junkers. Also from the two tone paint it is from the port side of an aircraft. There are part numbers but no inspectors stamps – typical German. The interior paint is also the same color I have seen on Ju52 and Ju88 parts.
Next question is which aircraft and which leading edge. Max height is 15 cm so either wing tip or horizontal stabilizer. More likely tail than wing unless from a small aircraft. Same height as an Auster wing strut I have. I also have a Ju88 stabilizer section and it is stronger construction that in a stabilizer.
There are few clues:
1. Access hatch on lower surface of leading edge.
2. It is tapered so from an aircraft part that has a backward sloping leading edge.
3. There are cable holders inside.
3. Part numbers found so far are 90414959; 5033609; 50330605
4. No signs of corrugation.
5. Must have been used in Stalingrad.
I have checked the access hatches fro Ju 52, 87, 88 and 188 and none have access hatches in the leading edge of the wing or horizontal stabilizer.
I have an assumption on what it is – but will need to purchase a book or two for clearer images.
Any comments or thoughts welcome.
Brian
By: FarlamAirframes - 16th November 2021 at 17:21
When looking at the wing tips metal structure and hatches of the Ju88 A-1 shown in the drawings vs those of the surviving Ju88 you can clearly see the wing extension that Junkers used. This is visible a 1m or so leading edge extension and a smaller hatch at the end of the wing.
I cannot see a hatch in the leading edge extension in any image or plan of a Ju88 ( or 188).
Looking into other Ju aircraft that saw service in Stalingrad I have been checking the Ju90 – based on the 90 part number. There was one loss at Pitomnik – an original Lufthansa Ju90 with the large Ju86 wing. The technical drawings of the Ju90 tail show no hatches in the leading edge.
The Ju90 went through several iterations in wing and engine – the Ju86 wing was changed to a straighter Ju90 wing and then this was extended. But no other Ju90 was lost at Pitomnik/Stalingrad.
The last of the Ju90 aircraft V11 which had the Ju90 extended wing was converted into a Ju290 V1 that was lost at Pitomnik.
The Ju290 tail was straight so not tail!
There were other Ju290’s lost over the Eastern front as well.
With the yellow paint over the RLM65 blue paint it fits with images of Ju 90’s and 290’s with yellow wing tips.
Unfortunately I cannot get any clear pictures or good drawings of the Ju90 ( second wing or extended second wing) or 290 wing leading edges to confirm which ( if any) had access hatches.
I acquired a Junkers standard hatch and it fits into the hatch opening perfectly.
Any suggestions welcome.
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October 30, 2021 at 10:39 am