The Focke-Wulf Fw 61 achieved the status of the first fully controllable and practical helicopter, taking its inaugural flight on 26 June 1936. Designed by Henrich Focke, this aircraft demonstrated the viability of rotary-wing flight, moving beyond experimental autogyros to functional aerial platforms that could hover, climb, and maneuver with unprecedented stability for the era.
Early Career and Focke-Wulf
Born in Bremen in 1890, Focke attended Leibniz University Hannover, where he formed a professional partnership with Georg Wulf in 1911. Following his service in the Imperial German Army Air Service during the First World War, Focke earned a degree in engineering. In 1923, he co-founded Focke-Wulf-Flugzeugbau GmbH alongside Wulf and Dr. Werner Naumann. After the company merged with Albatros Flugzeugwerke in 1931, Focke shifted focus toward the development of rotary-wing aircraft.
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The successful 1936 flight of the Fw 61, piloted by Ewald Rohlfs, solidified Focke’s reputation in aeronautics. Following his departure from Focke-Wulf in 1936, he partnered with Gerd Achgelis to establish Focke-Achgelis in 1937. This firm focused on heavy-lift and specialized rotorcraft, including the Fa 223 Drache transport helicopter and the Fa 330, a rotor-kite designed for deployment from submarines to serve as a towed observation platform.
Post-War International Projects
After 1945, Focke contributed to the aviation industries of several nations. In France, he worked with SNCASE on the development of the SE-3000 helicopter. In the 1950s, he led engineering teams developing convertiplanes and the BF-1 Beija-Flor light helicopter. Returning to Germany in 1956, he joined the Borgward company to develop the three-seater Kolibri helicopter, utilizing a wind tunnel facility in Bremen that remains preserved today.
Professional Recognition
Throughout his career, Focke received significant honors for his technical contributions. In 1931, the city of Bremen granted him the title of Professor. His later career achievements were recognized through the Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1960, the Ludwig-Prandtl-Ring in 1961, and the Howard N. Potts Medal in 1968. Focke remained active in consulting until his death in Bremen in 1979.
Fast facts
- Born: 1890, Bremen
- Died: 1979, Bremen
- Primary achievement: Inventor of the Fw 61 helicopter
- Companies co-founded: Focke-Wulf, Focke-Achgelis
- 1968 Award: Howard N. Potts Medal
- 1961 Award: Ludwig-Prandtl-Ring
- 1960 Award: Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
Questions readers ask
What was the purpose of the Fa 330 kite?
It was a rotor-equipped kite deployed by submarines for use as a towed observation spotter.
What major helicopter did Focke develop after returning to Germany in 1956?
He developed a three-seater helicopter named the Kolibri at the Borgward company.
Achievements
- Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany — 1960
- Worked as military flight engineer, inventor and engineer
