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Established late 1963 as Vereinigte Flugtechnische Werke
GmbH (VFW), from merger of Focke-Wulf GmbH and
Weser Flugzeugbau GmbH, joined in 1964 by Ernst
Heinkel Flugzeugbau. During 1968-1969,
acquired 65% holding in Rhein-Flugzeugbau GmbH, later becoming 100% owner of RFB. From
1 January 1969
 | | VAK 191B |
became joint partner with Fokker of the
Netherlands, mainly for marketing purposes,
renamed VFW-Fokker GmbH, partnership lasting until
1980. Programmes in late 1960s/early 1970s included
VAK-191B V/STOL and VJ 101 tilt-engine research prototypes,
H2 (autogyro) and H3 (compound helicopter)
experimental rotorcraft. VFW was involved in major licence
production of Lockheed F-104G Starfighters (with Fokker),
Sikorsky CH-53Gs (with Dornier and MBB) and Bell UH-
1D helicopters, and
 | | VJ 101C |
was overall programme manager for
Transall C-160 heavy military transport (built with
Nord/Aerospatiale and HFB/MBB). Was involved in
design/construction of Dornier Do 31E VTOL transport;
built major components for Fokker Fellowship, Airbus
A300B and Panavia Tornado; was major overhaul facility
for several important military and civil aircraft; also
member of European Spacelab consortium. Principal late
aircraft programme was VFW 614 twin-turbofan shorthaul
transport (first flown July 1971), but production of
this halted 1978. Taken over by MBB 1981.
Back to the letter V
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All the World's Rotorcraft
Virtual Aircraft Museum
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