The Junkers F13 and the Rimowa suitcase – two icons of German engineering that have been married for an exciting new commercial venture…
An entrepreneur's life dream
“For me it was the mother of all commercial aircraft,” said Dieter Morszeck, President and CEO of Rimowa, at the presentation of the new Junkers F13 recreation. For years, he dreamt of using his family’s Duralumin suitcase company to revive Hugo Junkers’ pioneering aircraft. The old F13 revolutionised aviation when it first took to the skies in 1919 and, following World War I, the engineer realised that redundant military aircraft could be used for quick and comfortable commercial transportation instead.
True to the original
Rimowa’s F13 recreation was built from the same blueprints as the original, though certain aspects such as the chassis were upgraded to comply with modern safety regulations. With space for four passengers, the plane is powered by a Pratt & Whitney radial Mini Wasp engine, developing 450HP and capable of over 200km/h. Inside, the interior is lined in beautiful quilted leather, exposed to the elements thanks to the open cockpit. You’ll be able to order a Rimowa F13 from May, priced at around 2.2m euros.
Photos/video: Rimowa
