In the late 19th century, the German designer Dr Waldemar Geest, one of the most talented aviation pioneers, conducted research into the tailless configuration based on observations of bird flight. Between 1896 and 1900, he built a series of glider models, culminating in the patenting of a wing that, thanks to the negative angle of attack at the wingtips, maintained natural stability.
In 1910, using the experience gained, Waldemar Geest designed a glider modelled in shape on a bird – a kite (the bird of prey). The following year, the designer built his first powered aircraft, named Möwe I, powered by an Argus engine. A characteristic feature of the aircraft was the strongly cambered wing, as seen from the front, with the patented wingtips designed by Geest that ensured stability. In 1911, the Möwe II was built, equipped with a 70 hp Gnome engine, on which many flights were made.
Just a year later, at the LVG factory at Berlin Johannisthal airfield, the Möwe III was built, equipped with a 70 hp Argus engine. In 1913, two nearly identical aircraft, Möwe IV and Möwe V, were built with 100 hp Argus engines; the last design also featured additional ailerons. A similar specimen is preserved in the collection of the Polish Aviation Museum.
In May 1913, Swiss pilot Alberto Colombo, during “Aviation Week” organised at the Berlin-Johannisthal airfield, flying a Möwe IV, became famous as the only pilot who flew during very stormy weather conditions and reached an altitude of 300 m.
A characteristic feature of all aircraft designed by Prof. Waldemar Geest was excellent stability. That same year, the designer, as the only one among German aviation pioneers, received 35,000 marks collected by the public as a prize for his contribution to the development of aviation and a fund for future research. With this money, the Möwe VI was built, designed with the participation of the Aviation Research Institute (DVL) in Adlershof.
The Moewe aircraft preserved at the Polish Aviation Museum is the only one of Dr Waldemar Geest’s designs that has survived to this day.
| Wingspan | 12.0 m |
| Length | 8.4 m |
| Takeoff weight | – |
| Maximum speed | – |
| Ceiling | – |
| Range | – |
| Armament | – |
| Engine | 4-cylinder inline Argus with 100 hp output |
