The Junkers Ju 52, affectionately known as „Tante Ju” (Aunt Ju) by German troops and „Iron Annie” by the Allies, was a German trimotor (three-engine) transport aircraft that first flew in 1930. Instantly recognizable by its corrugated duralumin skin—a signature of Junkers designs—and fixed landing gear, it became an iconic symbol of pre-war civilian aviation and later, a tireless military workhorse. Initially designed as a single-engine cargo plane, the Ju 52 quickly evolved into its more famous three-engine configuration. Before World War II, it was widely used by airlines worldwide, including Lufthansa, for passenger and cargo transport, showcasing its robustness and reliability in connecting remote areas. With the outbreak of war, the Ju 52 became the primary transport aircraft of the Luftwaffe. It played a crucial role in airborne invasions, most notably the Battle of Crete, where it dropped paratroopers. Throughout the conflict, „Tante Ju” was indispensable for logistical support, ferrying troops, supplies, ammunition, and fuel to all fronts, including the harsh conditions of the Eastern Front and the North African desert. It also served as a bomber in the early stages of the Spanish Civil War and later as a glider tug. Despite its slow speed and vulnerability in combat, its exceptional reliability, ease of maintenance, and ability to operate from rough airfields made the Ju 52 an enduring and indispensable aircraft for Germany throughout the entire war, with some even continuing civilian service for decades afterward.