Vereinigte Flugtechnische Werke Fokker GmbH / VFW Fokker
Vereinigte Flugtechnische Werke GmbH (VFW)

Germany
Established late 1963 as Vereinigte Flugtechnische Werke GmbH (VFW), from merger of Focke-Wulf GmbH and Weser Flugzeugbau GmbH, joined in 1964 by Ernst Heinkel Flugzeugbau.
During 1968-1969, acquired 65% holding in Rhein-Flugzeugbau GmbH, later becoming 100% owner of RFB. Henschel joined VFW in 1969. From 1 January 1969 became joint partner with Fokker of the Netherlands, mainly for marketing purposes, renamed VFW-Fokker GmbH, partnership lasting until 1980.
Programmes in late 1960s/early 1970s included VAK-191B V/STOL and VJ 101 tilt-engine research prototypes, H2 (autogyro) and H3 (compound helicopter) experimental rotorcraft.
VFW was involved in major licence production of Lockheed F-104G Starfighters (with Fokker), Sikorsky CH-53Gs (with Dornier and MBB) and Bell UH- 1D helicopters, and was overall programme manager for Transall C-160 heavy military transport (built with Nord/Aerospatiale and HFB/MBB).
Was involved in design/construction of Dornier Do 31E VTOL transport; built major components for Fokker Fellowship, Airbus A300B and Panavia Tornado; was major overhaul facility for several important military and civil aircraft; also member of European Spacelab consortium.
Principal late aircraft programme was VFW 614 twin-turbofan shorthaul transport (first flown July 1971), but production of this halted 1978.
Taken over by MBB 1981.