3 April 2018
+VIDEO The Junkers F13 replica built from scratch and flown for the first time in September 2016 has now received type certification from the Swiss Federal Office for Civil Aviation.
The team behind the F13 replica, led by Dieter Morszeck, whose Rimowa suircases are made from a similar duralumin material, plans small-scale production of the aircraft.
https://youtu.be/8uyusX5aLa8
The F13 was originally designed by German engineer Hugo Junkers in 1919.
Dieter Morszeck said, “The all-metal construction of the original F13 was revolutionary. The construction of the replica required us to re-learn long-forgotten construction techniques using corrugated aluminum.
“Under the supervision of the Swiss Federal Office for Civil Aviation (BAZL), engineers and aircraft craftsman were able to gradually bring a piece of aviation history back to life.
“Compromises with modern technology were made in as few areas as possible. For example, brakes and hydraulic shock absorbers were added to the landing gear. The search for a reliable powerplant resulted in the installation of a 450-hp Pratt & Whitney R-985 ‘Wasp Junior’ radial engine, which is still in use worldwide.
“Another challenge was the first flight. No pilots with prior F13 experience remained, who could have informed us about the F13’s flying qualities. However, everything went smoothly, and we were even surprised at the benign handling characteristics of the F13.”
