Junkers 52 3M

This picture shows one of the greatest aircraft in history, the Junkers JU52 3M was used as a bomber, an airliner and a transport plane for more than 40 years - and some are still flying today.

The first versions had just one engine, while the familar three engined version (hence 3M) first flew in 1932. First used as a 17 passenger airliner, it was best-known for its role as a troop transport and air ambulance during World War II.

This rugged aircraft earned itself a reputation as a reliable performer, despite its corrugated metal skin and aged looks. This won affection from its crews, who nicknamed it 'Iron Annie' or 'Aunt Ju'.

After the war more were built in France and in Spain, where they were designated the Casa 352L and used by the Spanish Air Force until 1975.

The Cosford Junkers isn't a Junkers at all - it's one of the Spanish-built examples, painted in the colours and with the identification numbers of a Junkers 53 3M used by British Airways shortly after the war. The original aircraft bearing the marks G-AFAP was scrapped in the late 1940s.