WIX Archives
Re: Messerschmitt Foundation
Posted by Kenneth on Fri Apr 12, 2002 11:39:31 AM
In reply top Messerschmitt Foundation posted by Gareth Sharp on Fri Apr 12, 2002 10:56:55 AM
I made one of the postings on this subject, and what really
puzzles me is that none of the three Bf109's that they own
are originals; all are based on Hispano airframes although
the ex Dittes aircraft is reported to contain quite a few
original components. The aircraft on display in Paris is
a static, reengined Hispano, which in the early nineties
was displayed in "Das Fliegende Museum" (which emigrated
to the IoW and then came back to Germany) in Augsburg, then
it went to the Deutsches Museum at Oberschleissheim/Munich
where it was displayed with a Daimler-Benz engine and in
primer paint "... to show what a production aircraft
looked like on the assembly line...(!)" (quote from the
sign), and then it went to the Foundation Museum at
Ingolstadt/Manching north of Munich, this museum being off-
limits to the public. It seems to be used as a travelling
exhibit together with Bf108 "D-IOIO"; they were displayed
together at a Luftwaffe Open Day at nearby Neuburg an der
Donau in July last year. The ex Dittes aircraft had been
advertised for sale by MDM Aviation for $ 2,000,000 (if I
recall correctly) and pending the sale it was scheduled for
appearance at the Hahnweide air show near Stuttgart in
September last year. However, after purchase the display
was cancelled and it was allegedly taken by road to
Manching. "Costs" were quoted by the organisers as the
reasons; this having been reported as insurance costs.
If you look at the website of the International Air Show
in Berlin in May this year you will notice that the
provisional participants list contains no less than two
Bf109, although without indications as to whether they will
be flying or not. There might be hope yet! The website
is www.ila2002.de
As far as I know they possess the following aircraft apart
from the Bf109's:
1 x static Bf108 marked "D-IOIO"
1 x airworthy Bf 108 (both genuine Messerschmitt a/c)
1 x airworthy Hispano Saeta
1 x flyable, unpowered Me 163 replica
They also display an early post-war jet which Willy Messer-
schmitt contributed to, but the name eludes me right now.
Under construction apart from the Me 262 is a Messerschmitt
M17 replica, in Augsburg.
Lastly, an airworthy Fouga Magister owned (as far as I know)
by one of the FlugWerk founders (Mr Colling) is housed
and displayed with the Foundation aircraft.
In a country relatively poor on historic aircraft activities
it is very heartening to see that somebody is doing some-
thing to preserve aviation heritage in the country and the
Foundation is to be congratulated on this. I would only so
wish that the aircraft would be displayed more often and
that they would perhaps be a bit more public about their
intentions and doings. FlugWerk is an excellent example on
what can be done in this respect to please a lot enthusiasts
(went to their open day some years ago!)
See also Mikael Olrog's highly commendable site for more
details about the aircraft; pictures in there as well!
Kenneth