A vision in metal and history, the Langhurst Stuka is more than just an aircraft,it’s a tribute to a bygone era of aviation, painstakingly recreated by a man whose passion for history showed no limits. From a humble farm in Carriere, Mississippi, Louis Langhurst set out to build a masterpiece that would fly and carry with it the weight of history, craftsmanship, and a personal obsession with the legendary Junkers Ju-87 Stuka dive-bomber.

 

The Idea:

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In 1970, while living on his 70-acre property, Langhurst began to dream of recreating the iconic Ju-87 Stuka, a key weapon in Germany’s Luftwaffe during WWII. But this wasn’t just a passion project; it was a deep desire to honour the aircraft that played such a pivotal role in wartime history. Langhurst chose the Ju-87B-2 model, the version that saw the largest production run of the war, making his replica not only historically accurate but a true piece of aviation mastery.

 

The Construction:

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By 1973, Langhurst had drawn up plans and was ready to begin the painstaking process of construction. He opted for all-metal construction, relying on his expertise in metalworking to build a strong, durable aircraft. With steel tubing framing the structure and aluminum skinning covering the wings, fuselage, and tail, every inch of this Stuka was crafted with precision. Langhurst used a NACA 2415 airfoil for the wings, mimicking the original aircraft’s design as closely as possible. But as with any ambitious project, challenges arose. Scaling down the design to a flying replica led to “scaling effects”, subtle but significant changes in aerodynamics, handling, and center-of-gravity. Despite this, Langhurst’s meticulous approach saw him overcome these hurdles to keep the spirit and form of the original design intact. 

 

Langhurst’s dedication didn’t stop there. The aircraft’s iconic three-section “greenhouse” canopy was crafted from tubing and Plexiglas, skillfully covered in aluminum strips. The propeller, a hand-crafted, three-bladed, fixed-pitch wooden masterpiece made by renowned propeller maker Ted Hendrickson, added the finishing touch to an aircraft that, despite its smaller size, would forever hold the weight of history and ingenuity.

 

Throughout the process, Langhurst invested more than 8,000 man-hours into ensuring this Stuka would not just be an aircraft, but a living tribute to the past. His creation wasn’t merely a scale model, it was a testament to the power of passion and determination.

 

Final details and Taking Flight:

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When it came time to paint the aircraft, Langhurst chose the markings of Hans-Ulrich Rudel, Germany’s most decorated Stuka pilot, who led III Gruppe/Stuka Geschwader 2 Immelman during the war.

 

By 1979, the aircraft had passed its flight tests, and Langhurst’s dream finally took to the skies. The momentous journey culminated in a 900-mile flight to the EAA Fly-In at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, in the summer of 1980, where he proudly flew his creation into a world of aviation enthusiasts. This was a personal milestone, a culmination of years of hard work, skill, and unwavering passion.

 

Ongoing History:

 

In 1981, after 175 hours of flight time, Langhurst loaned the aircraft to the San Diego Aerospace Museum, where it would be displayed for a decade, captivating visitors with its historical significance. When the museum declined an offer to acquire the Stuka for its permanent collection, Langhurst made the difficult decision to sell it. The Stuka was acquired by Roland Weeks, a newspaper editor from Biloxi, Mississippi, and continued to perform at airshows, inspiring awe wherever it went. In 2002, it passed to Mitch Sammons of Augusta, Maine, and performed in numerous local airshows, continuing to capture the imagination of aviation enthusiasts.

 

In 2018, the aircraft was donated to the Commemorative Air Force-Big Easy Wing in New Orleans, where it was featured in the Smithsonian Channel’s "Air Warriors" series, in the episode “Stuka,” aired on July 11, 2018. The feature showcased the aircraft’s rich history, adding another chapter to the remarkable journey of a plane that is paving its own way in history.

 

This Stuka is more than just a piece of aviation history; it is a living testament to Louis Langhurst’s dedication, passion, and craftsmanship. For those who recognize the value of history, precision, and an unparalleled legacy, the Langhurst Stuka offers a rare opportunity to own not just an aircraft, but a piece of aviation artistry, one that awaits to soar through the skies again.