The Museum :: Projekt Schnellbomber
In mid-2008 the Museum took proud ownership of a partially restored forward cockpit section of a Junkers Ju88A-1 'Schnellbomber' (High-speed bomber), and this wonderful exhibit will form the centrepiece of the new Museum wing due to open during 2009. The aim of this long-term project is to restore the cockpit section to the rearward facing radio-operator/gunner's position.
The operational history of this particular German bomber is being researched and it is known to have been constructed in 1940 and to have served with a Luftwaffe bomber unit during the Battle of Britain, prior to further service on the Eastern Front. The Schnellbomber currently wears unit markings belonging to Kampfgeschwader 54 'Totenkopf'.
It is the current aim to acquire further items to help in the full restoration and a recent acquisition has been a rear canopy section, which although substantially complete will require a lot of work to make it look good as new again. Anyone with Ju88 cockpit items for offer, are welcome to contact the Museum.
As part of the project and to help raise funds towards the restoration, a great range of merchandise bearing the Projekt Schnellbomber logo will feature on items ranging from tee-shirts to mugs. News about these will feature soon.
Please check back for news on restoration progress, or better still, visit the Museum to see the Schnellbomber for yourself.
Fast teas now available
Mugs bearing the 'Projekt Schnellbomber' logo and the Museum logo on the opposite side are now available from the Museum shop. They are priced at £3.95 each.
Ju88A-1 Specification
- Type:
- 4-seat level & dive-bomber
- Engines:
- 2 x Jumo 211 12-cylinder liquid cooled engines rated at 1,200 horsepower at take-off
- Speed:
- 227 mph at sea level; 280 mph at 18,050 feet
- Range:
- 620 miles at 217 mph and 18,050 feet; 1,055 miles with fuel tank in forward bomb bay
- Max. ceiling:
- 32,150 feet
- Armament:
- 7.9 mm MG15 machine gun (up to 5 fitted); various bombloads carried internally and externally up to 1,800 kg (3,960 lb)
- Weight:
- 22,840 lb with maximum load
- Dimensions:
- span 60 ft 3¼ in; length 47 ft 1½ in; height 17 ft 5¾ in