4 decal variants:
1. Ju-86P-1, of 2 (F)/Aufkl. Gr. 123., Alexandria Egypt, July 1943
2. Ju-86P-1, of 2 (F)/Aufkl. Gr. Ob.D.L., Oranienburg, Germany, summer of 1940
3. Ju-86P-2, prototype R version, Fassberg, Germany 1944
4. Ju-86P-2, prototype R version, with RAF markings at Schleswig, summer 1945
The P-2 had its cameras installed in the bomb-bay and was used immediately on reconnaissance missions over the England at heights of 12500m. During this time they remained totally undetected. Because of the height in which they could fly, the Ju86Ps were immune to fighter attack, that was until a specially modified Spitfire Mk V shot one down north of Cairo, Egypt. A single aft-firing machine gun was quickly installed, this however, did not stop another two aircraft being shot down. In 1943 Ju 86Ps were withdrawn from service. Converted from the P variant, the Ju 86R-1 was the next reconnaissance model. With a 32m wing span it could reach a altitude of 14400m. This variant was fitted with just two cameras. These remained in service flying reconnaissance missions until the summer of 1944.
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