1922 Wasserkuppe Gliding Contest – Vampyr Glider with Secretary of State Ewald & Aviators

This original 1922 press photograph captures a fascinating moment at the legendary Rhön Gliding Competition on the Wasserkuppe, Germany — the birthplace of modern soaring. Shown is Secretary of State Ewald (identified as “Ewalt” in some sources) in conversation with German aviators Kray and Martens beside the pioneering Vampyr sailplane.

The Vampyr, designed by the Akaflieg Hannover, was a groundbreaking high-performance glider with cantilever wings — a radical leap forward in aerodynamic efficiency that would set the standard for future sailplane designs. Its success at Wasserkuppe helped establish Germany as a leader in the sport of soaring during the interwar years.

The men are seen examining the streamlined nose of the Vampyr, with its fabric-covered wings and innovative fuselage design visible in the background. This rare image blends political interest with aviation history, capturing the excitement of early competitive gliding in the post–World War I era.

🗓 Date

1922

🏷 Historical Context

• Wasserkuppe Rhön Gliding Competitions: Began in 1920 to advance glider technology after the Treaty of Versailles restricted Germany from building powered aircraft.

• Vampyr Significance: Considered one of the first true sailplanes capable of soaring flight, influencing designs for decades.

• Figures in Photo: Secretary of State Ewald with pilots Kray and Martens, both notable in early German glider development.