Bücker Bü 134

Bücker Bü 134 was a lightweight two‑seat trainer developed by the German firm Bücker Flugzeugbau in the late 1930s. Designed as a successor to the popular Bü 131 Jungmann, the Bü 134 first flew on 12 March 1939 and entered limited production in early 1940. Its airframe combined a welded steel tube fuselage with a wooden semi‑monocoque wing, giving a sturdy yet inexpensive structure. Powered by a 105 hp Hirth HM 504 inverted‑four engine, the aircraft offered a maximum speed of 175 km/h, a service ceiling of 5,800 m, and forgiving handling characteristics that made it ideal for primary flight instruction and aerobatic training. The cockpit featured dual controls and a clear canopy, while the simple fixed tailwheel undercarriage facilitated operations from grass fields. Although only about 120 units were built before the factory shifted to wartime production of combat aircraft, the Bü 134 left a lasting imprint on pilot training in Germany and later in post‑war civil aviation clubs. Its straightforward construction and reliable performance exemplified Bücker Flugzeugbau’s philosophy of creating affordable, robust trainers that helped shape a generation of pilots. These attributes ensured the Bü 134 remained in service with several flying clubs well into the 1950s.