Junkers G 31 Trimotor
Technical Information
Background
The Junkers G 31 trimotor was an airliner produced in small numbers in Germany in the early 1920s. It was an all-metal, low-wing cantilever monoplane of conventional design, based on the G 24. On September 7, 1926 the first G 31 was certified for air transport. The G31 was not a commercial success.
Production
A total of thirteen G 31s were built between 1926–1931. During 1935, replaced by the Junkers Ju 52 Trimotor military transport version.
Eight were purchased by Lufthansa. Four were sold to purchased by Bulolo Gold Dredging Company (BGD) and operated by Guinea Airways.
G 31 go
Built during 1929 as a freighter version with cargo door in the roof of the fuselage. Powered by three Pratt & Whitney A2 Hornet radial engines that were hand cranked with an inertia starter which turned a flywheel for ignition.
Junkers in New Guinea
Four G 31s were sold to Bulolo Gold Dredging Company operated by Guinea Airways in New Guinea: G 31go "Bulolo I Paul" VH-UOU, G 31go "Bulolo 2 Peter" VH-UOV, G 31 VH-UOW and G 31 ba "Pat" VH-URQ.. One was owned by Guinea Airways while the other three were owned by the Bulolo Gold Dredging Company. Based at Lae flying cargo to Bulolo.
The first flight to Bulolo was in March 31, 1931. They carried an average
load of 5,700
pounds and often 7,000 pounds. Flying without unnecessary gear, limited fuel and good weather, they
could carry a maximum load of 8,290 pounds.
Technical Details
Crew Two (Pilot, Co-Pilot)
Engine 3 x BMW-built Pratt & Whitney A2 Hornet, 391 kW (525 hp) each
Span 30.30 m
Length 17.28 m
Maximum Speed 132 mph
Range 656 miles