Junkers A 32

The Junkers A 32, developed in the early 1930s by the German aircraft firm Junkers, was a rugged, low‑wing monoplane intended primarily for mail‑transport and short‑range passenger service. Designed under the direction of chief engineer Hermann Pohlmann, the A 32 first flew on 12 May 1933 and entered limited commercial operation the following year. Its all‑metal construction, a hallmark of Junkers designs, employed the patented corrugated duralumin skin that provided exceptional strength while keeping weight low. Powered by a single BMW 132 radial engine delivering 660 hp, the aircraft achieved a maximum speed of about 300 km/h (186 mph) and a range of roughly 1 200 km, allowing it to connect remote European cities and colonial outposts. The spacious cabin accommodated up to six passengers or a substantial cargo load, and the fixed, split‑type landing gear was suited to unprepared airfields. Although only a small batch was built before the type was superseded by more advanced models such as the Junkers Ju 52, the A 32 demonstrated the practicality of all‑metal transport aircraft and helped establish Junkers’ reputation for durable, versatile designs that influenced later military and civilian aviation worldwide.