German logistics, purchase programs and war booty, reality and alternatives 1935-43 (4 Viewers)

[marathag]

One-engined Ju 52 was carrying 1000 kg over 1000 km, while being powered by unsupercharged engines. Stick an 850-900 HP supercharged radial on that A/C and there it is - a no-nonsense transport that can be cheaply purchased, that sips the fuel and that will require far less of maintenance than the 3-engined siblings. Invest some thought in replacing the light alloy parts - where possible - with steel/wood/canvas while you're at it.

But all that light alloy, and the effort to skin that craft.
Naked view of the single engine Aircruiser undergoing restoration, showing the various material used.

General characteristics

• Crew: one, pilot
• Capacity: 16 passengers
• Length: 43 ft 4 in (13.21 m)
• Wingspan: 65 ft 0 in (19.82 m)
• Height: 11 ft 6 in (3.51 m)
• Empty weight: 6,072 lb (2,754 kg)
• Gross weight: 10,000 lb (4,536 kg)
• Powerplant: 1 × Wright R-1820 Cyclone 9 9-cylinder supercharged air-cooled radial engine, 710 hp (530 kW)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 144 kn (165 mph, 266 km/h)
• Range: 608 nmi (700 mi, 1,130 km)
• Service ceiling: 22,000 ft (6,700 m)

4000 pounds of payload.
That's not bad at all

 

[tomo pauk]

4000 pounds of payload.

4000 lbs was the difference between the empty and gross weight. Actual, useful cargo that should be carried to a place 600, 800 or 1000 km away will be perhaps half of that.
The difference between the empty and gross weight of the Ju 52/1m was 4000 kg, or 8800 lbs. It was rated for 1900 (early examples) to 2200 (later examples) kg of actual cargo.