[Milsurplus] Detailed BC-348 Article

[Mike Hanz]

Hue Miller wrote:

>Mike, why do you suppose Spain went to the JU-52? 
>Was the USA still miffed at Spain over the pro-Axis stance
>in WW2, preventing acquisition of US war-surplus?
>

Not sure, but I think it had more to do with the fact that JU-52s saw 
extensive service as both transport and "bombers" during the Spanish 
civil war, and Franco was impressed with everything German - even long 
after the war.  To be fair, the JU-52 was an amazing workhorse, able to 
land on very short unimproved fields and carry an impressive load - 
compared with the DC-3, for example.

>I wonder if the engineers brought the drawings with them,
>or if it was a total reverse-engineer.
>

I suspect the drawings came with them, Hue.  Everything down to the 
wooden mast is identical with wartime German JU-52s.  Only the "B-17 
additions" compromise an otherwise perfect copy, based on my discussions 
with other NASM folks.

>I also wonder why Spain needed a paratroop force, but
>i'll leave that to them.
>  
>

Can't comment on the motivation, but the aircraft was quickly 
convertible to a variety of uses, and I'm sure simple cargo hauling was 
high on the list.  The one at Hazy is set up for paratroops, and has a 
number of very nice features that highly recommend it to that task.  
Perhaps the 1940 German newsreels were still in Franco's mind?  :-)