Formed 1933 by Heinrich Focke (ex-Focke-Wulf) and aerobatic pilot Gerd Achgelis. Developed what is often regarded as first successful helicopter, Fw 61, redesignated Fa 61 before first flight on 25 June 1936. Later produced Fw 186 autogyro, Fa 266 Hornisse and Fa 223 Drache (1,000-hp) helicopters, and Fa 330 autogyro kite towed by German U-boats during World War II to allow a lookout to see further.