Details
Rebuilding
Junkers F13: An icon of Aviation
The Junkers F13 was the world's first allmetal airliner; its impressive characteristic was the corrugated metal outer skin. The rebuilding of this "primordial mother" of passenger transportation began in 2009 on the basis of vintage fabrication plans and using state-of-the-art surveying technology. The decisive factor in the success of this prototype was the right mix of special precision mechanical craftsmanship and the necessary know-how - one of Kaelin's greatest strengths.
The airframe of the F13 alone consists of 2,600 single parts; it took over 10,000 hours to assemble.
35,000 rivets and 60,000 single parts later, the time had come: on September 15, 2016, the first handcrafted prototype of the "new" F13 made its maiden flight in Dübendorf, Switzerland. Two years later and after intensive flight testing, commercial flight approval was granted by the Swiss aviation authorities.
The rebuilding of this unique prototype was a very special experience for Kaelin and one of the reasons why we are now considered the first port of call for aircraft rebuilding.
35,000 rivets are precisely fixed and set
Iconic design - the characteristic corrugated sheet metal structure of the F 13
Wherever metal is shaped, experience, concentration and a feeling for the material count
Over 2,600 single parts make up the Fuselage of the legendary F13
Workflow
Our job
1
Data acquisition through 3d scan of a museum machine
2
Structure of the Cad model
3
Creation of single part and assembly drawings as well as parts lists
4
Development and manufacture of forming tools
5
Development and manufacture of jigs and workpiece holders for the production of assemblies
6
Integration of modern aircraft and navigation systems
7
Prototype construction
8
Performing breaking tests and flight tests
9
Refinements for series readiness