Junkers Ju 60
| Industry | Aerospace, Aircraft manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1895 |
| Headquarters | Germany |
The Junkers Ju 60 was a prototype single-engine airliner developed in Germany during the early 1930s to meet a specification from the Reichsverkehrsministerium (Reich Transport Ministry) aiming to produce a domestic alternative to the Lockheed Vega for Deutsche Luft Hansa. It showcased a streamlined, cantilever monoplane configuration with corrugated duralumin skinning—a distinctive Junkers feature—although it marked the final use of this construction style. The aircraft was equipped with a tailwheel undercarriage featuring retractable main landing gear.
During performance evaluations against the Heinkel He 70, the Ju 60 was found to be slower by 75 km/h (47 mph), which resulted in the termination of its development before the third prototype could be completed. The two finished units were subsequently utilized as liaison planes by the Luftwaffe until 1942. Experience gained from the Ju 60 contributed to the design of the later Ju 160 model.