Description
You are bidding on an AMAZING and EXTRAORDINARILY RARE example of a WW2 German Luftwaffe Außenquerruder (Outer Aileron), from the right wing of a Junkers Ju188 Bomber Aircraft! This SPECIFIC example was recovered from the former Luftwaffe airfield at Hagenow, Germany, immediately following the war, however, I do not have any further history.
The Junkers Ju188 was developed as a substantially improved successor to the highly successful Ju88 and incorporated a redesigned forward fuselage, improved visibility, increased defensive armament, more powerful engines, and improved overall performance. Entering Luftwaffe service during 1943, the Ju188 was employed primarily as a medium bomber and long-range reconnaissance aircraft and was produced in numerous variants powered by both BMW 801 radial and Junkers Jumo 213 inline engines. Its improved performance allowed it to continue operating in increasingly difficult conditions as Allied air superiority grew, while the basic Ju188 airframe also provided the developmental foundation for the much more advanced high-altitude Ju388. The airfield at Hagenow was an important Luftwaffe flying and training installation during the war and was used by advanced multi-engine flying units, making the presence of Ju188 aircraft, components, or replacement parts there entirely consistent with its wartime role.
The Ju188 employed a distinctive divided aileron arrangement, with separate inner and outer control-surface sections along the trailing edge of each wing. Acting together with the corresponding surfaces on the opposite wing, these ailerons controlled the aircraft’s roll by increasing lift on one wing while reducing it on the other. The split construction allowed the long Ju188 wing to use separate control-surface sections rather than one continuous aileron, while preserving effective roll control across the aircraft’s operating speed range.
Made of riveted aluminum with original steel fittings, this outer aileron is in SUPERB original used condition! Features some light dents, scratches, small marks, a few tiny holes, and normal wear from age and wartime use…however it still retains 98% of the original RLM74 camouflage paint on the upper surface! Lower surface features 90% of the RARE late-war RLM76, that is more of a pale tan than the standard light blue-grey you see on most aircraft. ALL paint is completely original and untouched, with no repainting, refinishing, cleaning, or restoration! The original identification data plate still remains firmly attached, and is clearly marked “188 330 R” and “B-835,” confirming Ju188 manufacture and right-hand installation. Some surface oxidation and corrosion to the steel fittings, but remains completely solid otherwise…with NO major structural cracks, breaks, or repairs! Measures a LARGE 19″ x 62″ long and retains its original outer control horn together with the original attachment fitting at the inner end. Identification as the right outer aileron is further confirmed through contemporary Ju188 handbook illustrations and period photographic comparison (see photos). Extensive research has failed to locate another surviving example of a Ju188 right outer aileron, making this the only presently known surviving example. An EXTREMELY SCARCE and historically IMPORTANT surviving Ju188 airframe component, retaining an EXTRAORDINARY amount of its original camouflage finish…it would make a PERFECT addition to any advanced Luftwaffe, Junkers, Ju188, aircraft restoration, aviation collection or display!
