The Hubschraubermuseum in Bückeburg, Germany, is a unique museum dedicated to the history and technology of helicopters. It is one of the few museums in Europe that focuses exclusively on helicopters, making it an essential destination for aviation enthusiasts and anyone interested in the evolution of rotary-wing flight. Located in the small town of Bückeburg, Lower Saxony, the museum offers a comprehensive look at the history of helicopters, showcasing a diverse collection of aircraft, as well as the advancements in helicopter technology over the years.

Hubschraubermuseum / Helicopter Museum

Sableplatz

31665 Buckeburg

Germany

www.hubschraubermuseum.de

info@hubschraubermuseum.de

+49 5722 5533

Daily 09:00 – 17:00

Closed 24 and 25 December and on 31 December and 1 January

Admission fee

Aircraft collection

ST-AXU D-HAAK – D-HOBB 58-5348 70+51 73+08 – D-9514 – D-9505 D-HAJY D-HTDM 87+75 D-HBEC – 78+20 – – – – – – 98+23 100406 – D-EKRA – – – D-HAJU – 55-4109 – 67-16955 62-4547 D-HOAL D-HOKY D-HBKA CCCP-05712 556 – D-9506 – – D-MNGV – ASRO 81+09 XN348 – 75+01 75+05 77+17 V-247 D-9506 FR8/7 83+07 D-HIBV D-9543 D-HAGU

Aerospatiale SA330J Puma Aerospatiale SA365-C3 Dauphin Aero Technick WGM-21 Air and Space U-18A Flymobil Bell OH-13H Sioux Bell UH-1D Iroquois Bell UH-1D Iroquois Benson Co. Gyrocopter B-8-M Bolkow 46 V1 Bolkow 102 Bolkow 103 Bolkow 105V3 Bolkow 105M Bolkow 105P-1 Bolkow Eurocopter Bo108VT2 Bolkow Flying Jeep Bristol 171 Sycamore Mk.52 Cloud Danger II (mock-up) Comu Nr.II (replica) Dornier Do-32K Kiebitz Dornier Do-33 Dornier Do-132 Dornier Do-P-410 Eurocopter EC665 Tigre PAH2 Focke-Achgelis Fa330A-1 Focke-Borgward BFK-1 Colibri Focke-Wulf Fw-61 (replica) Georges G-1 Papillon Georges G-2 Goslich Pedalcopter Havertz HZ-5 Heimbcher Nr.4 Hiller OH-23C Hiller HO-1 (replica) Hughes TH-55A Osage Kaman HH-43F Husky II Kamov Ka-26 Krauss Autogiro TRS-1 MBB Kawasaki BK117P2 Mil Mi-1 Mil Mi-2 Mil Mi-24 Merckle SM-67 V3 Merckle M-133 Nagler-Rolz NR 54 Rotortec Cloud Dancer I Saalbach-1 Siemetzki ASRO-4 Sikorsky H-34G Choctaw Saunders-Roe Skeeter AOP.12 Schlepp Tragschrauber Sud Aviation SE3130 Alouette 2 Sud Aviation SE3130 Alouette 2 Sud Aviation SE3130 Alouette 2 Sud Aviation SA319B Alouette 3 Süddeutsche Flugzeugwerke Merckle SM-67 Sud Ouest SO1221S Djinn Vertol H-21C “Flying Banana” V.F.W. H2 V.F.W. H3 E Sprinter Wagner Rotocar III

50 rotary wing aircraft; about 1,000 components, parts and models

Photos Ruud Boots

Single- and multi-rotor helicopters, gyrocopters, numerous helicopter models, historical photos, functional models of rotors, technical illustrative and teaching material, parts, instruments or devices for helicopters are exhibited. Currently (August 2020) 50 exhibits can be viewed in their original size.

Key Features of the Hubschraubermuseum:

1. Exclusive Focus on Helicopters:
   • The Hubschraubermuseum Bückeburg is entirely dedicated to the history and development of helicopter aviation.
   • It offers one of the largest and most diverse collections of helicopters in Europe, ranging from military to civilian models, with a strong focus on their technological innovations, historical significance, and various uses in society.
2. Historical Helicopter Collection:
   • The Hubschraubermuseum Bückeburg features a wide range of helicopter models, including some of the earliest helicopters as well as modern rotary-wing aircraft. The collection includes both German and international helicopters.
   • Key exhibits include famous models such as the Focke-Wulf Fw 61 (one of the world’s first practical helicopters), the Bell UH-1 Huey, the Sikorsky CH-53, and various military and civilian helicopters used in rescue operations, transportation, and military service.
3. Military and Civilian Helicopters:
   • The museum displays helicopters that have been used in both military and civilian contexts. Military helicopters on display include models used in combat, search and rescue, transport, and reconnaissance roles.
   • Civilian helicopters featured in the museum are often used for purposes like air ambulances, law enforcement, tourism, and transportation.
   • Some examples of military aircraft include the Sikorsky CH-53 (used by the German military) and the Bell 206, while civilian examples feature helicopters like the Eurocopter EC135, which is widely used for emergency medical services.
4. Innovative Helicopter Technology:
   • The Hubschraubermuseum Bückeburg highlights the technological advancements in helicopter design, including the evolution of rotary-wing technology, powertrains, flight controls, and aerodynamics.
   • It showcases the transition from early experimental helicopters to more modern, multi-role aircraft used today, with a focus on safety features, advanced avionics, and the increasing use of computerized systems in flight management.
5. Restoration and Preservation:
   • A key aspect of the Hubschraubermuseum is its commitment to preserving and restoring vintage helicopters. Many of the aircraft on display have been carefully restored to their original condition, and the museum often works with aviation experts and engineers to ensure the accuracy and historical value of its collection.
   • Visitors can observe the intricate details of these restored helicopters, learning about the processes involved in their conservation.
6. Interactive Exhibits and Educational Programs:
   • The Hubschraubermuseum Bückeburg provides a range of interactive exhibits designed to engage visitors of all ages. These include displays that allow guests to explore the mechanisms of helicopter flight, learn about the principles of rotary-wing aerodynamics, and see how helicopters have been used in various emergency scenarios or military operations.
   • The museum also offers educational programs, guided tours, and workshops for schools and aviation enthusiasts, providing deeper insights into the history, science, and mechanics of helicopters.
7. Special Exhibitions:
   • Throughout the year, the museum hosts special exhibitions that explore particular aspects of helicopter history, such as military operations, rescue missions, or the evolution of helicopter design.
   • These exhibitions may focus on notable individuals in the field of helicopter engineering, groundbreaking helicopter flights, or significant events in aviation history.
8. Indoor and Outdoor Displays:
   • The Hubschraubermuseum Bückeburg‘s collection is displayed in both indoor and outdoor areas, with helicopters showcased in spacious hangars, allowing visitors to get up close to the aircraft. Some helicopters are even displayed in open-air settings, offering a chance to see them from different angles.
   • The open spaces also allow for larger helicopters, including military transport helicopters and heavy-lift aircraft, to be displayed in their full size, allowing visitors to appreciate their scale and capabilities.
9. Access and Location:
   • The Hubschraubermuseum Bückeburg is located in the town of Bückeburg in Lower Saxony, Germany. It is easily accessible by car and public transport from major cities like Hannover and Bielefeld.
   • The town of Bückeburg itself is a charming location, and visitors can explore other nearby attractions, such as the Bückeburg Palace, making it a great destination for aviation enthusiasts and families alike.

Summary:

The Hubschraubermuseum Bückeburg is a must-visit for anyone interested in helicopter aviation. With its extensive collection of both military and civilian helicopters, the museum provides a thorough look at the evolution of rotary-wing flight. From the early days of helicopter design to modern technological innovations, the museum offers visitors a chance to explore the history and science behind these versatile aircraft. Its interactive exhibits, educational programs, and carefully restored aircraft make it an engaging and informative experience for aviation fans and history buffs. Whether you’re interested in the engineering of helicopters or their role in military operations and emergency services, the Hubschraubermuseum is an excellent place to explore the world of rotorcraft.

Photos Stephan Stahlkocher