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Proudest development of Junkers Research Institute (to which the Reich has made substantial money contributions) is G-38, a four-motored, thick-winged monoplane capable of carrying 38 passengers, the largest landplane in the world, first practical adaptation of the "flying wing" concept. A G38 flew Lufthansa's London-Berlin route all last summer. Another has recently been completed. As not everyone is aware, two more G-38s have been built for military purposes by Mitsubishi Aircraft Co. Ltd., Junkers' licensee in Japan.
Another important product of the research bureau is the so-called "stratosphere plane" which has been test-flying since October. That is a craft designed to fly at high speed in high altitudes by means of a turbo-blast engine to keep the motor supplied with sufficient oxygen in rarefied atmosphere. The cabin of the experimental plane is large enough only for two pilots. When it is ready to venture into high strata the cabin will be made airtight, the internal atmospheric pressure adjustable.
Ten Junkers Diesel engines have been flying for Lufthansa since last Autumn. Other noteworthy new developments are the Ju-52, powerful freight plane built either with a single 800-h. p. engine or as a tri-motor; and the forthcoming Ju-60, a low-wing ship for six passengers, mail & express which is expected to cruise at 160 m. p. h. behind a U. S. Pratt & Whitney Hornet engine.
Of Professor Junkers' eleven living children only the eldest son Klaus, 25, is active in his father's employ. Eldest daughter Herta, 32, conspicuous for a time in U. S. aeronautics, has retired. Vigorous old Professor Junkers thinks nothing of a five-mile walk, loves to swim. Two years ago a delegation of businessmen followed him to a Baltic watering resort for a conference. Lolling on the beach in his bathing suit the Professor interrupted the discussion to ask: "Can any of you gentlemen walk on your hands?" The others gazed at him blankly. Then the Herr Professor swung his wiry legs high, strutted about on his hands for a moment, snapped down again to resume business.