Junkers EF 132
| Industry | Aerospace, Defense |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1895 |
| Headquarters | Dessau , Germany |
The EF 132 represented a jet-powered bomber concept intended for the Luftwaffe during World War II. This aircraft marked Junkers' final wartime design effort, evolving from the Ju 287 project initiated in 1942.
Design
The EF 132 was characterized by shoulder-mounted wings with a 35° sweep and a slight downward angle (anhedral). To minimize aerodynamic drag, six Junkers Jumo 012 jet engines, each delivering 24.5 kN (5,500 lbf) of thrust, were integrated within the wing roots. Wooden mockups were utilized to refine engine positioning for optimal space utilization and ease of maintenance. Its trailing edge incorporated split flaps engineered for straightforward operation. The elevated wing placement enabled a continuous bomb bay measuring 12 m (39 ft 4 in) along the fuselage centerline. The tail assembly featured a swept horizontal stabilizer paired with a traditional vertical fin and rudder.
The landing gear configuration consisted of a nose wheel, tandem main wheels located beneath the aft fuselage, and outrigger wheels mounted on the outer wing sections. The pressurized cockpit situated at the front accommodated a crew of five. Defensive weaponry included two remotely operated twin 20 mm cannon turrets—one positioned behind the cockpit and another beneath the fuselage—and a tail barbette equipped with an additional pair of 20 mm guns. The design allowed for a bomb payload ranging between 4,000 and 5,000 kg (8,820–11,020 lb).
Tests and outcome
Early in 1945, wind tunnel testing was conducted on a scale model, followed by construction of a full-size wooden mockup at Junkers' Dessau plant. Development progressed significantly until the Red Army seized the facility, confiscating designs and parts related to the Ju 287, EF 131, and EF 132 projects.
In October 1946, German engineers along with the project were transferred to GOZ No.1 (State Experimental Plant) located at Dubna, Soviet Union, where development continued under Dr. Brunolf Baade within the OKB-1 design bureau. An unpowered prototype was built to gather aerodynamic data; however, advancement remained sluggish. Ultimately, on 12 June 1948, the Soviet Council of Ministers ordered termination of the program.