Bücker Bü 182

The Bücker Bü 182 Kleinbauer was a lightweight, single‑seat sport aircraft developed in the late 1930s by the German company Bücker Flugzeugbau. Designed by Wilhelm Tischler as a successor to the popular Bü 133 Jungmeister, the Bü 182 first flew in 1937 and entered limited production the following year. Its simple, low‑cost construction used a wooden frame covered with fabric, while a modest 95 hp Hirth HM 504A-2 four‑stroke engine gave it a maximum speed of about 200 km/h (124 mph) and an impressive climb rate. The aircraft featured a cantilever low‑wing, split‑flaps and a fully enclosed cockpit, providing both maneuverability and comfort for aerobatic training and club flying. Although only a handful were built before World War II halted civilian production, the Bü 182 demonstrated Bücker’s expertise in creating agile, economical trainers that could bridge the gap between basic primary gliders and more powerful military types. Its design influenced post‑war light aircraft in Germany and served as a reference point for later sport monoplanes, cementing its modest yet noteworthy place in aviation history. A few surviving examples are displayed in German aviation museums, where they continue to inspire enthusiasts of classic sport flying.

Bücker Flugzeugbau

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