The construction of the Ju-52 began in 1930 by the company Junkers Flugzeug und Motorenwerke A.G., as a single-engine aircraft (Ju52/1m). Later, in order to increase the horsepower and operational capability of the aircraft, two additional engines were mounted on the wings (Ju52/3m). The aircraft was equipped with three Pratt & Whitney 525 or 550 HP engines depending on the use and series of the aircraft. Later, BMW type 123A-3, 132T/-2 engines with 725 and 830 hp respectively were installed. From 1930 until early 1945 when production ceased, approximately 5,000 Ju52s were built. Its main use was as a transport aircraft, but it was also used as a bomber (Ju 52/3mg3e) for dropping paratroopers, as well as a commercial aircraft.

The Ju-52 transport aircraft, with construction number #6590, sank in 1943, after a crash landing northwest of Kea due to fueling problems. The fact the propellers of the sunken aircraft are intact, supports the view that the engines were not running when the aircraft grounded. The aircraft belonged to the first Squadron (I = Erste Gruppe) of Transport Wing 4 (TG 4 = Transportgeschwader 4) which was based in Kalamaki Faliro. This particular type of aircraft was used to support the operations of the German army during World War II. In Greece, these aircraft participated in the Battle of Crete in 1941 and the Battle of Leros in 1943.

The wreckage of the aircraft is located at a depth of 65 meters. It is probably the most well-preserved plane of the Second World War that has been found in the Greek seas. It remains intact with no parts missing and has three engines, of which the rhynchaeus is tilted towards the bottom but still remains attached to the fuselage of the aircraft. The fence cover is lying on the bottom right next to the left side of the fuselage. Of the passengers (two pilots and one radio operator), in the Ju-52, one was killed and two were injured, all the rest were transported safely to Athens. The Junker Ju 52 transport aircraft with a length of 18.90 meters, a height of 5.54 meters and a weight of 6,510 kg could develop a maximum speed of 290 kilometers per hour and carry 18 fully equipped soldiers. It had a range of 1,200 km and carried a 7.92 mm MG 15 machine gun with 75-round DT 15 magazines.

Junkers Flugzeug und Motorenwerke A.G was founded in 1895 by Hugo Junkers. The company that originally made water heaters, began producing warplanes in 1930. It built and modernized some of the Luftwaffe’s most successful aircraft such as the Ju87 which became known as the STUKA. Junkers Flugzeug und Motorenwerke A.G was also the first German company to manufacture modern engines suitable for aviation use. The company’s first engine was the JUMO 211. After the war, the company merged with Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB).