The Bucker Jungmann was designed by Anders J. Anderson and Carl Bucker to meet the need for an economical trainer. First flown in April 1934, the 80 horsepower “Jungmann” was enthusiastically received and ordered by many European countries. Demand grew, as did the desire for more horsepower, and by 1937 over 1000 airplanes were built, most with the 105 horsepower Hirth engine. Hundreds more were built in Germany, Switzerland, Czechoslovakia, Spain and Japan, as late as 1963. The Jungmann is a tandem, two-place, swept-wing biplane. The fuselage, tail group and landing gear are welded steel tube. The wings are traditional wood rib and spar design, the upper and lower panels being identical in dimension and interchangeable with minor modifications. Almost the entire airplane is covered in the fabric. Empty weight ranges from 850 to 1000 pounds, with a gross weight of 1590. Best climb/glide is 81mph and cruise speeds average 110 mph.

The aircraft meets the stress requirements for unlimited aerobatics with certain weight restrictions, (pilot only, and half fuel). Basic aerobatics are allowed with a passenger on board. The Bucker is unique in many ways, but few affordable airplanes can be classified as an antique, warbird and aerobatic machine.

Few Buckers in the US retain their original Hirth, Walter Minor or Tigre engines. Many have been modified to use either the Lycoming 0-320 or 0-360. This is an expensive modification, as new firewall, engine mount, fuel lines, cowling, propeller and other parts must all be installed. Some owners have installed the LOM engine, and kept the clean narrow look of the original nose. Jungmann have complicated components, such as the wing fittings and welded tail surfaces, and are not easily replicated by homebuilders. Prices for flying examples vary widely depending on condition and engine installation, but are typically in the $75,000 to $95,000 range.

"More rewarding than any other lightplane I have ever flown."
~Neil Williams, British aerobatic champion.

Website: Bucker.info