Paul Klages
Focke-Wulf Fw 43
The Focke‑Wulf Fw 43, produced in limited numbers by the German workshop of Paul Klages during the early 1930s, was a testament to innovative lightweight design at a time when aviation was transitioning from biplanes to sleek monoplanes. Conceived in 1932 as a two‑seat sport and training aircraft, the Fw 43 combined a wooden semi‑monocoque fuselage with a low‑wing cantilever layout, giving it a clean aerodynamic profile uncommon for its class. Powered by a 95 hp Argus As 10 inline engine, it achieved a maximum speed of 210 km/h and a service ceiling of 5,500 m, while its modest stall speed of 55 km/h made it forgiving for novice pilots. The aircraft’s most notable feature was its innovative fold‑away wing struts, which allowed easy storage in cramped hangars and contributed to its nickname “Klages’ pocket flyer.” Although only 27 examples were built before the programme was halted by the rise of militarised aircraft production, the Fw 43 influenced later civilian trainers by demonstrating the advantages of low‑drag construction and mixed‑material structures. Today, surviving examples are prized by historic aircraft collectors and illustrate an early step toward modern light‑sport aviation.
