Junkers A50 Junior, the aircraft, updated 12.05.2025
Junkers A50
Junkers "JUNIOR" A50 - light two-seater all-metal aircraft from 1929
Specification:
Span ................... 10,00m
Length .................. 6,97m
Wing area ............. 12,60m2
Tread of undercarriage .. 1,80m
Weight empty ............ 300kg
Fuel and oil ............. 73kg
Paying load ............. 177kg
Load by HP ............. 6,25kg
Load by sq. m .......... 43,6kg
Performance:
Top speed ............. 170kph
Landing speed ......... 140kph
Range .................. 700km
Practical ceiling ...... 4000m
Climb to 2000m ......... 12min
Why this page? Nearly 100 years ago, an aircraft was designed and considered the first all-metal sport plane, during a time when aviation was still in its infancy. Pilots flew it to demonstrate its potential, long before the modern aviation network was established. Its design was truly ahead of its time. Thanks to the efforts of Mr. Dieter Morszeck and his team — who previously revived the Junkers F13 — it is now possible for the Junkers A50 Junior to once again prove that its elegant design remains desirable and capable of bringing joy.
At the time, “dead reckoning” navigation (known in German as “Koppelnavigation”) was a primary method used for aerial navigation. It relied on three basic tools: a map, a compass, and a clock.
Before the flight, pilots created a detailed flight plan that included the route and significant landmarks. Using the map, they determined the direction and distance to each waypoint. The compass was used to maintain the correct heading, while the clock helped track elapsed time, allowing the pilot to calculate the distance traveled.
A key factor was the aircraft’s speed, which was estimated or measured with simple instruments to calculate the distance covered over time. Wind conditions, which could affect the flight path, were also considered, often through rough estimates or pilot experience. Pilots would make necessary adjustments to stay on course.
Dead reckoning required precise planning and constant monitoring, as there were no modern navigation aids like radio beacons or GPS systems available at the time.
References
I referenced the following books and magazines in my possession:
"Kiek in die Welt" by Marga von Etzdorf
"Junkers Nachrichten No. 4/5 1930"
"Junkers Nachrichten No. 1 1931"
"Four Continents by Sport Plane" by Wäinö Bremer.
"Die Junkers-Lehrschau, Eine Führung durch die Lehrschau der Junkers Flugzeug- und -Motorenwerke A.-G.. Dessau"
"Elegance and Versatility - Junkers Light Aircraft K16 to A50 Junior"
Further references:
With sincere appreciation, I acknowledge the generous permission granted by Günter Frost for the use of information and illustrations from the ‘Challenge International Avions de Tourisme 1929 and 1930’, which has significantly contributed to this work.
Also, my gratitude to the provided information send to me from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. UDAR-HAZY center, Archive Department