The Ju-88D1 was, like the A4 the best aircraft of its category operated by ARR in WWII.
Romania received 12 Ju-88D1s in 1943 and all were assigned to the elite 2nd Long Range
Recon Squadron. They started operations in June and the same month they lost the first
airplane to Soviet fighters, over the Azov Sea. Until the end of the year another four
were lost. One airplane was used by a Romanian pilot to defect to the Allies, by flying
from Mariupol in the Ukraine to Crete.
In 1944, the 2nd Long Range Recon Squadron continued to operate on the front and had
eight damaged airplanes, which were returned to the Germans. Another two were lost in
accidents.
Thus, on 23 August, the squadron had only four aircraft available. These were engaged in
the new anti-Axis campaign. Only one was lost in 1944 and was the last loss of the
Romanian Ju-88D1s.
In October 1944, the remnants of the 77th Bomber Squadron, equipped with Ju-88A4s, were
joined with the D1s of the 2nd Long Range Recon Squadron in mixed unit which continued to
operate until the end of the war.
The Ju-88D1
Wingspan |
20.08 m |
Length |
14.36 m |
Height |
4.8 m |
Weight (empty) |
8850 kg |
Weight (loaded) |
12350 kg max |
Maximum speed at 4800 m |
484 km/h |
Maximum operational ceiling |
8199 m |
Range |
4800 km |
Engines |
2xJunkers Jumo 211J-1/2 1340 HP |
Machine-guns |
3x7.92 mm |
Crew |
4 |
|