Militärhistorisches Museum der Bundeswehr - Flugplatz Berlin-Gatow.
During one day in March 2026, I visited to the well-known Militärhistorisches Museum der Bundeswehr at Flugplatz Berlin-Gatow. It was a lovely day and sunshine was abundant. I enjoyed my visit to this interesting museum very much.
It is located at the site of the no-longer functional former RAF Berlin-Gatow Airport. This airfield was established by the Nazi's in 1935. After WO II the airport was occupied by the British and it became a RAF Airbase for many years. In 1994 the airfield was transferred to the Bundeswehr, who started the museum.
During one day in March 2026, I visited to the well-known Militärhistorisches Museum der Bundeswehr at Flugplatz Berlin-Gatow. It was a lovely day and sunshine was abundant. I enjoyed my visit to this interesting museum very much.
It is located at the site of the no-longer functional former RAF Berlin-Gatow Airport. This airfield was established by the Nazi's in 1935. After WO II the airport was occupied by the British and it became a RAF Airbase for many years. In 1994 the airfield was transferred to the Bundeswehr, who started the museum.
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This is the line up of ex-NVA (apart from the first two in line obviously), Soviet era aircraft to be seen at the super Luftwaffenmuseum der Bundeswehr at Gatow.
Republic RF-84F Thunderflash, serial EB+344, formerly 'EB+244' lateron transferred to 3rd Staffel as 'EB+344'.
The Thunderflash was the first jet to be developed specifically to fill a reconaissance role. The Luftwaffe received 102 examples that served until 1965-66 when they were replaced by the RF-104G Starfighter. This particular example served with the USAF 66th TRW as 52-7436 at Sembach before being transferred to the Luftwaffe AG-52 and ending up at the Luftwaffenmuseum der Bundeswehr at Gatow.
Fiat G.91R/4, serial 35/41 actually BR-239, painted for some unknown reason in false marks as 3541 (an RF-4E serial).
Former Nationale Volksarmee Sukhoi Su-22M Fitter K (c/n. 25018).
Ex NVA. Final operational period within the Luftwaffe it carried, serial '25+11'.
Former Nationale Volksarmee Su-22M4 Fitter K, serial 798, became a museum piece in the 90's.
This aircraft flew for MFG-28 'Paul Wieczorek' at Laage and was in 1990 painted into the state blue/yellow/red colours of Meclenburg-Vorpommern to mark the last ever flight of a Fitter in German service.
An anonymous Sukhoi Su-20 caught on camera.
In November 1984 the German Air Force obtained two Su-20 fighters from Egypt. These aircraft provided Erprobungststelle 61 (the test unit) with a great opportunity to test Soviet built hardware. Between 26 June and 21 October 1985 a total of 26 flights were made with this exotic plane. Here is it seen stored without markings. Later the aircraft was transferred to the Gatow museum.
Face to face picture.
Close-up of a big Suhoi fighter jet.
On display at the Luftwaffenmuseum with UB-32 rocket pods on the pylons. This is one of two aircraft acquired from Egypt by West German intelligence for evaluation by Wehrtechnische Dienststelle 61 (WTD 61) at Manching. It received the Luftwaffe s/n 98+61. The Su-20 (S-32MK) was the export version of the Su-17M (S-32M). It could carry the R-3S AAM and 24 cm S-24 rockets that were not carried by the Su-17M. The Su-20 was equipped with a SRD-5MK Quantum radio rangefinder for the R-3S missiles.
A weathered former NVA MiG-23MF can be found on outside display with the excellent museum in Gatow.
Workhorse of the NVA for many years was this MiG-23, serial 01/41.
RAF Hawker Hunter F.6A, serial XG152/20 on display at the Luftwaffenmuseum. This Hunter was built as an F.6A and taken on charge on 26 Oct 1956. The F.6A standard to which several F.6 airframes were converted allowed for ground attack capability and the ability to carry 230 gal. drop tanks on the inboard pylons. The aircraft wears the badge of No. 4 Sqn with the lighting flash that was approved in May 1936.
This airframe was based with the RAF at Gütersloh (No.20 Squadron ?) and then turned over to be an instructional airframe with the serial 8843M. Fortunately she has ended up at the super Luftwaffenmuseum der Bundeswehr at Gatow.
Former Nationale Volksarmee MiG-23, serial 20/13.
Dassault Mirage 3E, with serial 13-QL.
Canadair CL-13B, serial JD-249.
Canadair CL-13B Sabre 6, serial D-9542. This Sabre began her Luftwaffe career with JG-73 and ended it as an instructional airframe with TSLw 3 based in Faßberg. Now she is part of the Luftwaffenmuseum der Bundeswehr at Gatow.
Czech AF Aero S-103 (MiG-15bis), serial 3905.
This Fagot-B flew in service with the Czecheslovak AF fighter/bomber squadron 30 'Ostrava' based at Hradec Kralove and now spends her retirement as part of the Luftwaffenmuseum at Gatow. Note there is nice white horse, coat-of-arms nose art but only, unfortunately, on the port side.
Crisp spring sunshine glints off the polished aluminum fuselage of Super Mystere, serial 10-SA.
This exhibit at the Luftwaffemuseum at Gatow arrived from France in 2005 after serving with the Escadron de Chasse 1/13 'Artois' based at Colmar-Meyenheim.
On display at the excellent Luftwaffemuseum at Gatow. This aircraft served with the 10 Escadron de Chasse (Fighter Squadron) based at Creil but arrived at Gatow via the Technical School in Perpignan.
Former Nationale Volksarmee Su-22UM-3K Fitter G, serial 112.
Former Nationale Volksarmee MiG-23, serial 20/13. This Flogger flew after 1983 as 333 with JG-9 'Heinrich Rau' based in Peenemunde. After unification she was allocated the GAF serial 20+13 and has ended up in the super Luftwaffenmusem at Gatow.
The MiG-23UB is powered by a R27F2M-300 turbojet. The trainer with aft-hinged canopy sections has full dual controls. LSK received its first UB's in April 1978 with the last of eleven delivered in Aug 1985. This aircraft was delivered to LSK/LV on 27 Apr 1979. It wore the code 105 Black, serving with JG 9 "Heinrich Rau" before it was transferred to 2./JBG 37 "Klement Gottwald." It went to the museum on Augustus 1994.
Former Nationale Volksarmee MiG-21UM serial 256. This aircraft served with the NVA in JG-2 'Juri Gargarin' before being allocated the GAF serial 2377 (23+77) upon reunification. She is now one of many super exhibits at the Luftwaffenmuseum der Bundeswehr Gatow.
Former German Air Force Lockheed T-33A serial 9444.
Former Nationale Volksarmee Aero L-29, serial 338, resplendent in her refurbished NVA scheme. Just one of many interesting planes to be seen at the Luftwaffenmuseum der Bundeswehr Berlin-Gatow
Luftwaffe Lockheed F-104G Starfighter DB/127 at the Luftwaffenmuseum. Attached is the disposable Rocketdyne RS-B 202 rocket accelerator that was used for the Zero-length launch (ZeLL) program tests. Successful ZeLL launches were made by an F-104G of Jagdbombergeschwader 31 (JaboG 31) "Boelcke" at Edwards AFB in 1963, followed by JaboG 32 at Lechfeld. The idea was to launch an interceptor after airfields were destroyed in a nuclear attack. In 1966 the Luftwaffe decided not to make ZeLL operational.
First flew in 1960. Coded as DA-102. Modified for the ZELL (Zero-Length Launch) program in 1962 and tested at Edwards AFB, CA. Shipped to West Germany in 1965 and coded as DB-127 for further testing at Lechfeld. Modified to standard configuration as 2002 in 1968 after the program was cancelled. Withdrawn from use in 1984 and preserved at Karlsruhe. Modified back to ZELL configuration in 1995 and preserved at Gatow as DB-127.
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Transall C-160D, serial 50+56 is on display at the Luftwaffenmuseum der Bundeswehr in Berlin-Gatow.
This aircraft served previously with the NVA as '369' before being transferred to the GAF upon unification and finally ending up as the superb Luftwaffenmuseum.
Formerly with the East-German Nationale Volksarmee's Transportfliegerstaffel 24 with serial 369. Absorbed into the Luftwaffe in 1990 and retired in 1994.
Former NVA Mil Mi-8T serial 927 at the Luftwaffenmuseum Berlin-Gatow.
Taken on charge in November 1975, this Mi-8T was used by the East German Air Force for SAR-duties as can still be seen in this picture.
Hunting-Percival P.66 Pembroke C.54, serial AS-558 is seen glinting in the spring sun.
This Pembroke was TOC by the West German AF in October 1957. In May 1966 it was assigned the serial YA-558 and then around November 1967 this was changes again to 5407 Luftwaffe. The plane was retired in 1974 and given the false markings XA-109 for display at the Luftwaffenmuseum at Uetersen. From 1995 to 1996 the museum was relocated to the former airbase at RAF Gatow and AS-558 received its original serial once more.
English Electric Canberra B.2 serial WK138 at Berlin Gatow.
Stored aircraft outside the museum.
Partenavia Toronado, serial 44/68.
MiG-29, serial 29+03. This Fulcrum served originally from February 1988 as '615' with JG-3 of the NVA at Preschen.
UH-1, serial 91/47.
MiG-15, serial 163.
On display at the Luftwaffenmuseum. The peculiar shaped Gannet had cranked wings and tail finlets, hardly looking aerodynamic but it served well in the RN carrier search and strike role. The aircraft was powered by a Double Mamba 101 engine with complicated gearing that drove contra-rotating four-bladed Rotol propellers. Double-folding wings in a 'Z' shape were another interesting feature. The launching hook can be seen under the leading edge. This Bundesmarine ASW Gannet was UA+110 ex-RN XG849, one of 15 AS.4s and one T.5 flown by Marinefliegergeschwader 3 (MFG-3) at Nordholz from 1958-66.
The German Navy never commissioned an aircraft carrier, but the Marineflieger was installed with British carrier aircraft - Sea Hawks and Gannets - in the 1950's.
Delivered to Luftwaffe as 210968 assigned to JG26. It was flown by Uffz. Karl Froeb. On April 17th, 1945 it was shot down by a Spitfire, it crashed into the lake Schwerin in Germnay. It was recovered and totally restored using also parts from other FW190's and on display at Uetersen from 1990 till 2001. Now owned by the GAF museum, Berlin.
This is a license built HE 111 bomber by CASA for the Spanish Air Force. Now it is repainted to represent the Luftwaffe HE-111 bomber G1+AD which was operated by Stab III/KG 55 and crashlanded in 1944 (Crimea area).
In the Luftwaffenmuseum, a group of Luftwaffe recruits is taught about the bombing of Rotterdam by Heinkel He 111's of KG 54 in May 1940. This machine was on temporary display in the Dutch city in 2015. It is actually a 1951 CASA 2.111, B.2H-109, later to B.2I-117 when re-engined with RR Merlins. Used for the film 'Battle of Britain' in the late 1960's. To the former German air force museum at Uetersen in 1969; moved to Gatow in 1995. The markings are of a KG 55 aircraft.
A V-1 is hanging on the ceiling.
Hanging on the ceiling is a ME-163. This rare rocket-powered fighter is preserved as part of the Museum
Canadair CL-13B, serial BB-150, served previously with the RCAF from February1954 to August1957 as '23105'.
This Bf-108 is thought proably to be DH-DE that belonged to Fighter Pilot School 3 in Stolp-Reitz (today Słupsk-Redzikowo on the west Polish Baltic coast). However, DA-DE, DR-DE or DH-BE are also possible as a definitive assignment is not possible without the missing construction plate. From the visible bullet holes it seems that the plane was attacked over Rügen during WWII and the pilot ditched in the Jasmunder Bodden. He appears to have survived as no human remains were discovered in the cockpit when the wreck was recovered from the water in 2009.
Wreckage of a Taifun at the Luftwaffenmuseum with the Argus As 10c inverted V-8 engine visible and some traces of dark blue paint. Thought to have been built in Regensburg in 1939, its registration could also be DA+DE, DR+DE or DH+BE. It may have been part of Jagdfliegerschule 3 (JFS 3) based at Stolp-Reitz or it is from 2./JG 103 based at Parow as a Taifun was shot down from above over Rügen on December 14, 1944.
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Former Luftwaffe 28+01. Crashed at Memmingen in 1989. Nose section preserved.
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This Fishbed-K nose section on display is to enable visitors examine the cockpit.
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The Tower at Gatow has undoubtedly looked down on many C-47's over the years. This one had spent 30+ years as a gate guard in front of the barracks at Gatow before being refurbished and placed on display to commemorate the Aussie participation in the Berlin Airlift. Based at RAAF Butterworth (Malaysia) from February 23, 1967 to June 3, 1980. She departed for West Germany on June 6, 1980 and arrived there 11 days later. Placed on RAF registry as ZD215 for the final delivery flight to Gatow on June 18, 1980, because only British, US and French aircraft were allowed to pass through the Berlin air corridors up to 1989.
Royal Australian Air Force C-47B, serial A65-69.
Delivered to the USAAF as 43-49837 then to the RAF as KN230 and the RAAF as A65-69 in 1945. Given RAF serial ZD215 for flight to Gatow for preservation in 1980. Preserved at General Steinhoff Kaserne, Gatow from 1997. Moved to the Militärhistorisches Museum in 2012.
Previously USAAF serial number 43-49866 and RAAF serial A65-69 of the RAAF Butterworth station flight. Behind the flagpole is a the plaque that Commemorates stationing of the RAF at Gatow 1945-1994 and the British Airmen and soldiers that were committed to the Berlin Airlift 1948-1949. Given an RAF serial of ZD215 for delivery on 18th June 1980 to Gatow as only British, US, and French serialed aircraft were allowed safe passage through the Berlin air corridors up to 1989. Flown Sqn Ldr Al Culloway RAF and AV Marshall David Evans a veteran of the Berlin Airlift.
RAF Vickers Varsity, with serial WF382.
WF382 was taken on strength by the RAF and saw active duty in a variety of training commands throughout the 1960's and 1970's.
Designed by Vickers-Armstrongs, the Varsity was a dedicated aircrew trainer used by the RAF to simultaneously teach pilots, navigators, bomb aimers, and radio operators. It featured a distinct bulbous ventral (underbelly) pannier equipped with a bomb-aiming station and training bombs.
The Bristol Hercules is a 14-cylinder two-row radial aircraft engine produced by the Bristol Engine Company starting in 1939. It was the most numerous of their single sleeve valve designs, powering many aircraft in the mid-World War II timeframe.
Luftwaffe Mil Mi-8, serial 93+51 was formerly operated by the East German Air Force and thereafter by the Luftwaffe for VIP transport tasks.
This Hip served previously with the NVA as '914' but was allocated the serial '93+51' upon unification. She served until 1997 and is now preserved at the Luftwaffenmuseum der Bundeswehr at Gatow.
Former NVA Mil Mi-4, serial 569 was delivered to the East German Air Force on 3 October 1964, served at Brandenburg-Briest until 1979 when it was relegated to ground instructional use. Moved to Gatow in 1996.
This Hound carries two serials with '569' (its correct identity) on the port side. She served with the NVA HG-31 later 34, (HG = Hubschraubergeschwader or helicopter wing) at Bandenburg-Briest before being decomissioned and used as a training airframe at OHS Bautzen. Fortunately she was handed over to the Luftwaffenmuseum at Uetersen before transferring to Gatow in the mid-nineties.
Former NVA Aero L-39V Albatros with serial 170.
The L-39V version of the Albatros was a target tug, produced to work with the Letov KT-04 target with which it is seen here at the Luftwaffenmuseum. The rear seat was replaced by a cable drum for 1700 m (just over 1 mile) of cable.
On display at Luftwaffenmuseum Gatow. These aircraft served as advanced jet trainers and in the target towing role with Fliegerausbildungsgeschwader 25 (FAG-25) at Bautzen and Zieldarstellungskette 33 (ZDK-33) at Peenemünde. This aircraft was one of two used by ZDK-33 of the NVA from 1980 to 1990 for target towing, in which the rear cockpit contained a cable drum.
This Gina served with Waffenschule 50 and then with the Zieldarstellungsstaffel (target simulation flight) des Condor-Flugdiensts hence the logo on the tail. Now she is one of many inteesting exhibits at the Luftwaffenmuseum der Bundeswehr at Gatow.
Luftwaffe Fiat G91-R/3, serial 99+12 is seen here on display at the Luftwaffenmuseum. This 'Gina' once served with Waffenschule 50. The Luftwaffe received its first G.91s in Sept 1960. The type equipped four light attack wings, two reconnaissance wings and a weapons school which had most of the two-seat T/3 trainer variant. Dornier licence-built the G.91, making it the first jet combat aircraft built in Germany after World War II. Luftwaffe G.91s were phased out by 1982.
Former Luftwaffe North American OV-10B Bronco.
This ex-USN Bronco (BuNo 158309) was one of 18 acquired by the Bundeswehr for use as target tugs. Now on display at the Luftwaffenmuseum der Bundeswehr at Gatow.
The pilot’s position is well illustrated in pic.
I would say, she is not old, she is ancient.
Former NVA Ilyushin IL-28 'Beagle' medium-range jet bomber '208' enjoys the sunshine.
English Electric Lightning F2A with serial XN730. In its heyday, the Lightning was a peerless performer.
This Lightning was delivered to 19 Squadron in 1963. After upgrade to F2A standard she was transferred to 92 Squadron at Gütersloh and served until retirement in 1976. Fortunately she has ended up in the super Luftwaffenmuseum der Bundeswehr at Gatow.
Bréguet 1150 Atlantic, serial 66+17.
Her double bubble fuselage cross section is clearly visible in this pic.
Double bubble is the lightest way to make a pressurized fuselage taller than it is wide. It maintains the pressure hull elements, skins and formers, closest to pure tension, like a balloon, so they can be a bit lighter since they see little bending stress from pressure.
The original double bubble pressure hull was the Curtis C-46, which was originally designed as a pressurized airliner (otherwise they would have used an oval cross section), and used the configuration to make a pressure hull that was a light as possible while keeping it relatively narrow. Then you had the Boeing 377 Stratocruiser, which also went that way in order to graft a passenger cabin on top of a B-29 fuselage and wing without making it too heavy. Also the Boeing 707 and Douglas DC-8 fuselage featured a double-bubble cross-section that produced relatively low drag while providing for a relatively spacious passenger cabin.
The original double bubble pressure hull was the Curtis C-46, which was originally designed as a pressurized airliner (otherwise they would have used an oval cross section), and used the configuration to make a pressure hull that was a light as possible while keeping it relatively narrow. Then you had the Boeing 377 Stratocruiser, which also went that way in order to graft a passenger cabin on top of a B-29 fuselage and wing without making it too heavy. Also the Boeing 707 and Douglas DC-8 fuselage featured a double-bubble cross-section that produced relatively low drag while providing for a relatively spacious passenger cabin.
The Breguet type BR.1150 was designed as a long range maritime patrol aircraft that could also attack submariens. Its development was done in a NATO supported initiative. Known as the Atlantic, it first flew in 1961. It had a double bubble fuselage cross section and a torpedo bay and it could carry various armament including depth charges. Crew was usually 12 and it was powered by 2 Roll Royce Tyne engines giving it a maximum speed of 650 km/hr and patrol speed of 320 km/hr. It was widely used by the French Aeronavale but also used by the Royal Netherlands Navy, Italy, Germany and Pakistan.
The ship is a longtime resident at the museum.
RAF Hawker Sea Hawk with serial WV865 is a fighter/ground attack variant of the Sea Hawk and is on display at the Luftwaffenmuseum der Bundeswehr at Gatow.
Gloster Meteor NF11, serial NF11-14, was originally WM368 (RAF). It is found inside the collection of the German Air Force Museum in Berlin-Gatow in French Air Force markings. In French service it had serial NF11-14, but the last two have been painted over or removed.
Back in 50's the Meteor was a high-tech airplane.
These Sud SE-3130 Alouette II were built for the West German Army in 1961.
The sky over Berlin, with the C-47 candy bomber over the entrance of the Technikmuseum.
Delivered to the USAAF as 45-951 in 1945. Registered as N73856 then to the Spanish Air Force as T.3-54 in 1962. To Aces High as G-BLFL in 1984 but not delivered. Registered as N951CA and back to Aces High as G-BLFL in 1985. Back to N951CA then to the USAF Museum as 45-951 in 1986 and preserved at Berlin-Tempelhof. Moved to the roof of the Deutsches Technikmuseum in 1999.
This old C-47 is mounted on the roof of the Deutsches Technikmuseum Berlin.
October 1987, the Nord-262 N106TA of Tempelhof Airways aircraft skidded its way off the runway. The damage to the plane was repaired, but it remained prone to faults. This made N106TA unsafe, and it was decommissioned a few flights later.
Delivered to Alisarda in April 1967 as I-SARP. To Cimber Air by 1970 as OY-BDM. Re-registered D-CIMA between April 1971 and December 1974. To Altair Airlines between April 1975 and March 1981 as N488A. To Tempelhof Airways USA in August 1987 as N106TA. Permanently withdrawn from use at Tempelhof in 1992.
It was first used by the fire brigade as a trainer aircraft for the rapid evacuation of passengers in emergencies. This is why the engines were removed, and the original brand colors of the Tempelhof Airways were removed and replaced with green.
Fairchild Dornier 728-100 D-ADLH was built as a testbed (TAC 02) in March 2002. Even though 8 customers had placed 125 firm orders and having 164 options, the manufacturing of the Dornier 728 family was never realized due to the insolvency of the manufacturer. As a result, all orders were cancelled. The frame was reportedly sold at an auction for ~€8000, likely by the current owner, which is the Deutsches Technik Museum. The frame was transported by road to Tempelhof in November 2013 and is now stored outside on the airport grounds.