[Coming Soon] A fast bomber

Ju 288 C (Rank VII)

Historical Note

In 1939, the Junkers company began development of a new bomber, which was later designated the Ju 288. The goal was to create a machine that could replace and exceed the performance of the Ju 88, which was in mass production. The plan was to install more powerful Jumo 222A/B engines, strengthen the defensive armament and increase the payload. This was to significantly upgrade the combat capabilities of the new machine.

The first Ju 288 prototype took to the air in January 1941. However, due to the unreadiness of the new Jumo 222A/B engines, the aircraft was powered by the less powerful BMW 801MA. The bomber's design was changed several times during the prototype construction process. The Ju 288 C was the most advanced prototype of the series, equipped with the powerful DB 610 engines.

SWOT Analysis

• Strengths: payload up to 5000 kg, very high speed, good defensive armament.
• Weaknesses: large size.
• Opportunities: strategic and tactical bombing.
• Threats: high speed fighters.

The Ju 288 C high-speed bomber combines a very high payload weight with a high speed for this class of aircraft. Thus, the pilot will be able to take on board up to five tons of bombs from 50 to 2500 kg and complete any task of the bomber: from the destruction of bases to the defeat of ground units. Even with large loads the “Junkers” retains excellent level flight speed and handles surprisingly well for its size.

The Ju 288 C is well protected. In addition to three remote-controlled coaxial turrets of large-caliber machine guns, it is also equipped with a 20-mm defensive autocannon. A few hits from it will be enough to cool down the excitement of the most impudent pursuer. However, it is not necessary to expose yourself to fighter attacks on purpose. The huge size of the Junkers makes it an easy target, and the massive fuel tanks in the wing consoles often catch fire.

*Commanders, the characteristics and camouflage of vehicles are preliminary and may differ from those given in the article.

The new aircraft is available in the research tech tree at Rank VII. You can speed up research for GE to get access to top planes before other players, or you can earn research points in battles.