The Junkers Ju 86 is one of those fascinating types developed in the 1930s by a Germany re-arming in secret, and was a twin-engine monoplane configured as both a medium bomber and ten-seat airliner. First flown in 1934 and introduced in 1936, it featured Jumo 205 diesel engines and a smooth stressed skin design. Although initially used by the Luftwaffe and trialled in the Spanish Civil War, it proved inferior to rivals like the He 111, becoming obsolete by 1939. Later high altitude variants extended its service life with the Luftwaffe, but its service, both civilian and military, with countries as diverse as Chile, Hungary, South Africa, and Sweden make up the bulk of its story.
