Bölkow
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace |
| Founded | 1948 |
| Founder | Ludwig Bölkow |
| Defunct | 1968 |
| Fate | Merged with Messerschmitt to form Messerschmitt-Bölkow |
| Headquarters | Stuttgart (initially), later Ottobrunn , West Germany |
| Products | Aircraft, helicopters, missile systems |
Bölkow was an aircraft manufacturer located in West Germany, initially operating out of Stuttgart before relocating to Ottobrunn.
History
Established in 1948 by Ludwig Bölkow, the company began developing helicopters in 1955 alongside Emil Weiland under the name Bölkow Entwicklungen KG. Despite facing significant development delays and intense competition, Bölkow sought to carve out a market segment where it could compete against well-established helicopter models. The company focused on producing a lighter helicopter that prioritized safety through twin-engine configuration and comprehensive redundancy of critical systems, combined with a high-mounted rotor design. This approach aimed to create a machine that was easy to maintain and well-suited for rescue operations. Bölkow consistently aimed to maintain a competitive edge, which was ultimately realized with the successful introduction of the Bölkow Bo 105 helicopter. Although the program encountered several challenges, particularly due to the cost implications of its two-engine safety features, it achieved notable success.
The Bo 105 was pioneering as the first helicopter worldwide to feature a fully hingeless main rotor with a rigid rotor head, enabled by the use of glass-fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) in its rotor blades. This rotor design was not only lighter but also exceptionally robust and aerodynamically efficient. Additionally, much of the fuselage was constructed from GRP, contributing to favorable aerodynamic properties.
French company Aerospatiale secured licensing rights for Bölkow’s rotor technology, which was later incorporated into the Gazelle helicopter. The technological advancements developed by Bölkow have had a lasting influence on modern helicopters produced by Eurocopter—now global leaders in the market—whose designs trace their heritage back to Bölkow’s innovations. The prototype of the Bo 105 took its maiden flight on 16 February 1967. Prior to merging into MBB, Bölkow had also developed the "Cobra" anti-tank missile system and engaged in space propulsion technology. Around 1964, the company pioneered the first glass fiber ski and worked on various rotor designs, including the Derschmidt rotor for the Bo 46 and an experimental Heidelberg rotor with a diameter of 31 meters.
In June 1968, Bölkow merged with Messerschmitt, forming Messerschmitt-Bölkow, which became West Germany’s largest aerospace firm with sales nearing $150 million (1968 figures). This consolidation was supported by the West German government. In May 1969, Messerschmitt-Bölkow combined forces with Hamburger Flugzeugbau (HFB), resulting in Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB). During the early 1990s, MBB was acquired by Daimler-Benz, becoming part of DASA, which itself integrated into EADS in 2000.
Aircraft
- Bölkow Bo 207
- Bölkow Bo 208 Junior
- Bölkow Bo 209 Monsun
- Bölkow Phoebus, including models A, A1, B, B1, B3, and C gliders
Helicopters
- Bölkow Bo 46
- Bölkow Heidelbergrotor, an experimental rotor design
- Bölkow Bo 70, a project featuring the innovative "Heidelberg Rotor"
- Bölkow Bo 102
- Bölkow Bo 103
- MBB Bo 105
- MBB/Kawasaki BK 117, a collaborative development with Kawasaki