Junkers F13 returns

Almost a century after the maiden flight of the world’s first all-metal civilian aircraft, the Junkers F13, regarded as one of the most significant milestones in the development of air travel, an historic replica has been granted an airworthiness certificate.

The design and series production of the original F13 grew out of Hugo Junkers' fascination 100 years ago with flight, aeronautical science and the impending possibility of public air transportation.

Last week, reconstruction programme founder and investor Dieter Morszeck announced at the Hugo Junkers Technical Museum in Dessau (Germany) the certification following completion of extensive flight testing.

He said: “The all-metal construction of the original F13 was revolutionary. Building the replica required us to re-learn long-forgotten construction techniques using corrugated aluminium.

“However, under the supervision of the Swiss Federal Office for Civil Aviation (BAZL), engineers and aircraft craftsmen were able gradually to bring a piece of aviation history back to life.”

Morszeck said compromises with modern technology were made in as few areas as possible. Brakes and hydraulic shock absorbers were added to the landing gear, while a 450hp Pratt & Whitney R-985 "Wasp Junior" radial engine was chosen as the powerplant.

www.junkers.de

www.technikmuseum-dessau.de

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