Bucker Bu 181 'Bestmann', Old Warden 2009 ©Nigel Key
ROLE
Trainer.
FIRST FLIGHT
February 1939.
The Bucker Bü 181 'Bestmann' is a two-seater, single engine, low wing monoplane, twin control trainer used by the Luftwaffe during World War II. It was the first design from Bucker to have side-by-side seating.
The prototype Bü 181 made its maiden flight in February 1939 flown by Chief Pilot Arthur Benitz and was to be the primary trainer for the Luftwaffe with production starting in 1940.
The cabin is manufactured from tubular steel frame with the rear fuselage and wings of wooden construction. All the control surfaces have wooden ribs and fabric covering.
PRODUCTION
The Bucker Bü 181 ‘Bestmann’ was produced from 1939, with 3,400 built.
ENGINE
Hirth HM 504, producing 105 hp.
ARMAMENT
None.
The Bü 181 was designed for training flights, pleasure trips and aerobatics.
Once sufficient aircraft were produced for the training units, aircraft were then put in service as Communication / Liaison aircraft and also used as glider tugs.
| Crew - 1 or 2 (side-by-side) |
| Length - 25ft 9in (7.85m) |
| Wingspan - 34ft 9in (10.6m) |
| Height - 6ft 9in (2.05m) |
| Empty Weight - 1,058lb (480kg) |
| Max. Weight - 1,653lb (750kg) |
| Max. Speed - 134 mph (215km/h) |
| Range - 497 miles (800 km) |
