Bucker pre-WWII replicas going into production

The famous German brand of Bucker has been acquired by Peter Funk of FK Lightplanes. A new company, Bucker & Funk has been set up to produce new aircraft based on the original pre-WWII designs.

Above: Bucker & Funk’s BF131 replica, based on the famous Jungmann basic trainer. Top: the new BF139 Clubman, fitted with a modern radial engine.

Funk is well known for a range of kit and light sport aircraft, including some retro styled biplane snd monoplanes. At AERO 2016, Bucker & Funk showed a reincarnation of the famous BF131 – better known as the Bucker Jungmann, a pre-WW11 basic trainer. It’s based on Funk’s own FK131 replica but has been fitted with a more powerful engine. It will be available as a Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) in the US and as a kitplane in Europe.

Retro styled cabin of the new BF139 Clubman. Yokes are used rather than a control stick to help older pilots get into the cockpit, apparently. Note Luscombe-styled gear legs.

Bucker & Funk also showed a brand new aircraft, the BF139 Clubman, a radial-engined two-seat high-wing monoplane which looks like a cross between a Bucker and a Luscombe with many retro features. It includes classic control yokes and 1930s style panel, and enclosed gear legs just like a Luscombe. The BF139 can be powered by either the Verner Scarlett radial (on display) or a Rotax 912UL/912 ULS.  This will also be available as an LSA in the US, kit in Europe.

Peter Funk, new owner of the Bucker brand.

Finally, Bucker & Funk also announced it is working on the BF133, the Bucker Jungmeister, which was the Luftwaffe’s advanced trainer for its WWII pilots (and in service with other air forces following the war). Again, this will be available as an LSA in the US and kit in Europe.

Bucker & Funk