B II Sausewind

The B II Sausewind, conceived and built by German aeronautical pioneer Siegfried Günter in the early 1930s, was a lightweight, single‑seat sport monoplane that quickly gained a reputation for agility and speed. Developed from Günter’s earlier B I design, the Sausewind incorporated a streamlined wooden wing with a thin airfoil and a compact 85 hp Hirth HM 504 engine, delivering a top speed of 210 km/h (130 mph) and a remarkable climb rate for its class. First flown on 12 March 1934 at Dortmund‑Hörste, the aircraft demonstrated innovative features such as a cantilever wing without external bracing, a retractable skid‑type undercarriage, and a molded plywood fuselage that reduced drag. Though only a limited production run of 27 units was completed before World War II redirected resources, the Sausewind left a lasting impact on German sport aviation. Its emphasis on lightweight construction and aerodynamic efficiency influenced later training and liaison aircraft, and several examples survived the war, becoming prized displays in aviation museums. Today the B II Sausewind is celebrated as a testament to Günter’s forward‑thinking design philosophy and the vibrant pre‑war German aviation culture. Restored examples continue to fly at historic airshows, illustrating the aircraft’s enduring performance and the timeless appeal of Günter’s engineering brilliance.

Siegfried Günter

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification