Junkers JU 88R-1, WNr. 360043, "D5 + EV"
History
The Junkers Ju 88R-1 with Werknummer (serial number) 360043 is a significant artifact on display at the RAF Museum Cosford. This aircraft, one of only two surviving intact examples of the Ju 88R-1 variant, holds a remarkable history that intertwines with espionage and technological intelligence during World War II.
Originally built in June 1942 as a Ju 88A-1 bomber, 360043 was converted in early 1943 into a Ju 88R-1 night fighter.This conversion involved equipping the aircraft with the advanced FuG 202 Lichtenstein B/C radar system, a cutting-edge technology for night interception. The aircraft was assigned to IV./NJG 3, a Luftwaffe night fighter unit, and carried the code D5+EV.
On the night of May 9, 1943, the crew of 360043 was ordered to intercept an unarmed British civilian Mosquito aircraft en route from Scotland to Sweden. Two of the three crew members, possibly sympathetic to the Allied cause, decided to defect. They sent a false distress message about an engine fire and dropped life rafts to simulate a ditching at sea.Instead, they flew the aircraft to Scotland, landing at RAF Dyce near Aberdeen. The third crew member, who was unaware of the plan, was reportedly held at gunpoint during the flight .
Upon landing, the aircraft was seized by British authorities and assigned the RAF serial number PJ876. It was extensively evaluated by the RAF's No. 1426 (Enemy Aircraft) Flight, which specialized in testing captured enemy aircraft. The FuG 202 radar system was of particular interest, leading to the development of countermeasures to protect Allied bombers operating over Germany.
The aircraft was also used for pilot training and enemy aircraft recognition exercises, contributing valuable insights into Luftwaffe technology and tactics. It remained in service until May 1945 .
After the war, 360043 was restored to a non-flying exhibition standard at RAF St Athan in 1975. It was displayed at the RAF Museum in Hendon, London, before being transferred to the RAF Museum Cosford in April 2017. The aircraft now resides in the "War in the Air" hangar, where it is part of the museum's Axis aircraft collection .