A long running project to create a flying Messerschmitt M.35 replica made a rare public appearance at Friedrichshafen’s Aero exhibition earlier this year
Only 15 examples of the German sports plane were built, starting in 1933, and sadly none survive. The new build machine can trace its roots to 1989, but in recent years it’s been progressing under the auspices of Hans-Jürgen Storck’s Fliergerwerft group at Wildberg in the Black Forest. A pair of Siemens & Halske Sh 14 engines have been sourced – one of these, previously fitted to a Focke-Wulf Fw 44 Stieglitz – will eventually power the M.35.
Hans-Jürgen has already spent some 5,800 hours working on this ambitious recreation, and estimates that another 2,000 will be required before a first flight. The latter is likely to be undertaken by experienced German warbird pilot Klaus Plasa who is also closely involved with the project. With thanks to Eric Janssonne
