Denmark and Aviation History

You may be surprised to learn that Denmark has a rich aviation heritage.

On September 12 1906 Jacob Ellehammer became the first man in Europe to make a powered flight. The location was the tiny island of Lindholm in southern Zeeland not that far from Copenhagen. Ellehammer was an accomplished inventor who came to his first powered aircraft via a motorcycle and engine of unique design.

Whilst there is no dispute that Ellehammer’s Sept 12 flight occurred.,there is controversy as to whether the ‘event’ actually qualified as a flight.
The aircraft was tethered and flew around a pole (over a distance of 140 ft and an altitude of about 1 – 1.5 ft) In the opinion of the Danish Flight Museum, Ellehammer’s flight cannot really be considered a true free flight, which leaves first European flight honours to either Trajan Vuia (France – Mar 18 1906) or Santos Dumont (France – Sept 13 1906).

But does it really matter? Those familiar with the early history of aviation will know that the annals are full of claims and counterclaims of ‘firsts’ but however you view these, you have to admire all those who tried and marvel at those who flew at all.

Which is a good point to further introduce the Danish Flight Museum. They aim to preserve Denmark’s aviation heritage from Ellehammer through to today and in doing so they intend to keep as many original aircraft flying as is possible. On display today are 48 aircraft, 17 of which are airworthy with many on regular Air Show duty.

There are many gems in the collection. My favourites are the KZ series of aircraft which were designed and built in Denmark over the period 1937 -1954. They are primarily sports or training aircraft built mainly of wood and canvas. Perhaps the most graceful of these is the KZ IV , a twin engined , twin tailed monoplane designed as an ambulance plane and used towards the end of the war by Swedish Count Bernadotte as a courier aircraft during peace negotiations. Only two of these craft were built and one still flies today as the museums flagship.

The museum’s and Denmark’s oldest flying airplane is a DH 87B Hornet Moth. This particular Moth was built in 1935 and first flew with the Kuala Lumpur Flying Club. If you’ve read Ken Follett’s book Hornet Flight you’ll appreciate both this aircraft and its location.

On the non-flying roster, a Hawker Danecock captures attention. This is a Hawker Woodcock modified to Danish specifications. Only 3 Danecocks were built (and only 64 Woodcocks for that matter) so, if like me you don’t have a ready recollection of the type its perhaps not surprising.

Turning to more recent times, the museum has only just opened a new hangar which houses a ‘cold war’ collection of aircraft that have served with the Royal Danish Air Force. These include a Republic F84F Thunderflash, a Mark 8 Meteor, an F86D Sabre and two mean but beautiful looking Draken F35s. Looking ahead, the museum has exciting plans to expand this collection, in fact some of the exhibits already have their display signs and allocated floor spaces! A Fairey Firefly is under restoration for viewing in 2009 but of possibly greater interest is a Republic F84G Thunderjet which rumour has it is being restored to an airworthy state by 2008.
Being a New Zealander its maybe easy to forget the intensity of the Cold War days of the 50s and 60s – not so for the Dane’s who were in the front line of those uncertain and trying times. This collection provides a thought-provoking memorial of that recent history.

As you will have gathered I think this museum is well worth making an effort to visit. And an effort you will have to make! The location is near the village of Stauning in mid Jutland. The nearest town of any size is Ringkobing and it’s about a 4-hour drive west of Copenhagen. If you are traveling with children the journey may not be that far off your itinerary – Legoland is close by.


The museum is open from May 1 to Oct 31. The best time to visit though is during July and August when they hold flying evenings every Thursday.

You can check out their website at http://www.flymuseum.dk - the main site is in Danish but there is a smaller English version. I’m assured this will be updated soon – just as soon as they can find the right volunteer!