Bölkow
Bölkow Phoebus
The Bölkow Phoebus, produced by the German aircraft firm Bölkow from 1963 to 1969, was a landmark high‑performance sailplane that helped define modern gliding in the post‑war era. Developed from the earlier Kestrel series, the Phoebus incorporated a 15‑metre semi‑tapered wing built of plywood‑skinned wood with a foam core, a pioneering use of composite materials that reduced weight while increasing stiffness. Its aerodynamically refined airfoil, flaperon control surfaces, and a streamlined all‑metal cockpit pod gave it an exceptional glide ratio of 38 : 1, allowing pilots to soar long distances in weak thermal conditions.
The Phoebus debuted at the 1964 German Gliding Championships, where it quickly proved competitive, securing several national and international titles throughout the 1960s. Its reliable handling and modest production cost made it a favorite at gliding clubs, and the aircraft’s design principles later influenced the development of the famous Glasflügel H-301 Libelle and other fiberglass sailplanes.
Beyond competition success, the Bölkow Phoebus demonstrated the viability of hybrid wood‑composite construction, accelerating the transition to fully composite gliders. Its legacy endures as a bridge between classic wooden sailplanes and the modern generation of high‑tech racers that dominate today’s soaring scene.
The Phoebus debuted at the 1964 German Gliding Championships, where it quickly proved competitive, securing several national and international titles throughout the 1960s. Its reliable handling and modest production cost made it a favorite at gliding clubs, and the aircraft’s design principles later influenced the development of the famous Glasflügel H-301 Libelle and other fiberglass sailplanes.
Beyond competition success, the Bölkow Phoebus demonstrated the viability of hybrid wood‑composite construction, accelerating the transition to fully composite gliders. Its legacy endures as a bridge between classic wooden sailplanes and the modern generation of high‑tech racers that dominate today’s soaring scene.
