The Bü 181 was a single-engine, low-wing monoplane with a fixed undercarriage, split flaps, dual controls, and two side-by-side adjustable seats.
The cabin’s fuselage featured a tubular steel frame, while the rear fuselage was encased in wood.
The wings and tail units also boasted a wooden shell structure.
The rudders, elevators, and ailerons were constructed with wooden ribs and fabric covering.
Metallic flaps were characteristic of the B models, and wooden flaps were used on the C models.
A 78 kW (105 hp) Hirth HM 500A or B four-cylinder piston engine powered the Bü 181 Bestmann.
Designed for training, leisure flying, and aerobatics, this aircraft saw extensive use by the Luftwaffe during World War II.
Variants
Bu 181V Prototype
Bü 181 B-0
Pre-production series with Hirth HM 504 A-2 engine
Bü 181 B-1
With Hirth HM 500 A engine
Bü 181 B-2
As B-1 but no electrics
Bü 181 B-3 (Schlachtflugzeug)
The night harassment variant, created from modified B-1s and C-1s, was equipped with enhanced instrumentation, Revi gunsights, and three ETC 50 bomb racks.
Bomb loads
Either 3 x SC50 or 3 x SD50 or 3 x SD70 or 3 x AB70 droppable clusters.
Maximum bomb load
210 kilograms (463 pounds).
Bü 181 C-1
Enhanced range with a Hirth HM 500B engine.
Bü 181 C-2
As C-1 but no electrics
Bü 181 C-3 (Panzerjäger)
B-2 or C-2 subtype aircraft modified for the anti-tank role are equipped with four Panzerfaust 100 single-use anti-tank grenade launchers, mounted in pairs on each wing.
