Focke-Wulf Bl.500

Focke-Wulf · West Germany · first flew 1957 · light aircraft

The Focke-Wulf Bl.500 was a West German two-seat light training and touring aircraft developed in the late 1950s as Focke-Wulf resumed civil aircraft production after World War II. It was a clean low-wing monoplane intended for the civil training market.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, straight
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	8.15 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Postwar West German light trainer aircraft
Focke-Wulf's re-entry into civil aircraft design
Low-wing monoplane for ab initio training

Low-wing two-seat monoplane with a radial or flat-engine cowling, enclosed cabin, and fixed or retractable undercarriage. Similar in appearance to other European light trainers of the late 1950s.

Specifications

The Focke-Wulf Bl.500 has a length of 8.15 m (27 ft).
It has a wingspan of 10.5 m (34 ft).
Its maximum speed is 250 km/h (155 mph).
Typical crew: 2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

After the postwar reconstruction of West German aviation, Focke-Wulf sought to re-enter the civil aircraft market. The Bl.500 was one of their designs from this period. It flew in 1957 but faced competition from established types and did not achieve significant commercial success. Focke-Wulf's postwar civil aviation efforts were generally limited before the company was absorbed into other aerospace enterprises.

Variants

The Bl.500 was produced in very limited numbers; no significant production variants are documented.

Where you'll see it

Used by private owners and flying schools in West Germany. Did not achieve widespread adoption.

Related aircraft

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