Engineering the Past: Junkers Reviving the Junkers Ju 52 with Danny Wadewitz

In this episode, we welcome Danny Wadewitz, Calculation Engineer and Member of the Executive Board at AeroFEM, to talk about the use of cutting-edge engineering to restore the iconic Junkers Ju 52 aircraft.

Danny highlights the innovative use of 3D scanning for replication and provides fascinating insights into how modern technology aids in reviving and preserving significant pieces of aviation history. 

Key Takeaways:

(00:16) Introduction to the Junkers Ju 52’s historical significance.

(03:31) The enthusiast-led initiative to bring these aircraft back to the skies.

(04:17) Challenges faced in reconstructing the aircraft from scratch.

(06:30) Observations on the asymmetry and wear of the old aircraft.

(08:26) Using Siemens tools for simulation and analysis in the aircraft restoration project.

(10:32) Changes in materials used for the aircraft rebuild.

(13:17) The status of the airworthiness certification for the rebuilt aircraft.

(15:55) Overview of AeroFEM’s work in the aerospace industry and its unique capabilities.

(17:59) AeroFEM's involvement in the Solar Impulse solar aircraft project.

(19:12) AeroFEM's diverse engineering projects, from historical aircraft to future innovations.

Resources Mentioned:

Danny Wadewitz - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-wadewitz-aa664215a/?originalSubdomain=ch

AeroFEM - https://www.linkedin.com/company/aerofem-gmbh/

Siemens NX Reverse Engineering Tool - https://trials.sw.siemens.com/en-US/trials/nx-scan-to-part

AeroFEM’s Aerospace Industry Work - https://www.aerofem.com/en/industries/aerospace

This episode of the Engineer Innovation podcast is brought to you by Siemens Digital Industries Software — bringing electronics, engineering and manufacturing together to build a better digital future.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show, and subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode.

For more unique insights on all kinds of cutting-edge topics, tune in to siemens.com/simcenter-podcast.

#Aviation #AirlinesAndAirplanes

#Aerospace #AircraftMaintenance #AerospaceEngineering #AerospaceIndustries #AerospaceManufacturing #Airplane #Aircraft #AI #Automation #Manufacturing #Machinery #SimcenterAircraft #SimcenterAeroEngine