By Kevin Wilkins
Forged from equal parts metal and devotion, the Langhurst Stuka stands as more than a replica—it’s a tribute to a defining chapter of aviation history. From his farm in Carriere, Mississippi, Louis Langhurst embarked on an extraordinary mission to recreate the fearsome Junkers Ju 87 Stuka. Driven by an unshakable passion for the past, he built a flying homage that reflects not only meticulous craftsmanship, but a deep personal connection to one of WWII’s most iconic warbirds. 
Louis Langhurst’s flying replica of the Junkers Ju 87 Stuka was built by hand over the course of several years in the 1970s, this remarkable 7/10-scale reproduction of Germany’s infamous WWII dive bomber is not only a rare flying tribute—it is a story of personal passion and ingenuity that continues to captivate aviation enthusiasts today. This replica is offered for sale by Sovereign Warbird Brokerage.
A Vision Takes Flight
The project began in 1970 when Louis Langhurst, a farmer from Mississippi, set out to build his own Stuka replica. At a time when few original examples of the Junkers Ju 87 remained—let alone blueprints—Langhurst was determined to recreate the aircraft using whatever resources he could muster. He spent three years compiling aerodynamic data, photographs, and detailed notes to design a flyable, scaled-down version of the Stuka B-2 variant, the most prolific model of the type.
Working largely alone, Langhurst crafted the aircraft with an all-metal structure—steel tubing covered with aluminum skin—painstakingly replicating the Stuka’s distinctive inverted gull wings, large wheel spats, and greenhouse canopy. Even without access to original Luftwaffe plans, the finished product was impressively faithful to the iconic silhouette that terrorized Allied forces during the early years of the Second World War.
First Flight and Public Debut
After more than 8,000 hours of construction, the Langhurst Stuka took to the skies for its maiden flight in 1979. A year later, the aircraft made a dramatic appearance at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 1980, completing a 900-mile cross-country flight to Wisconsin that served as a triumphant debut for the ambitious homebuilt project. In 1980, PM Magazine featured a segment on Louis Langhurst and his remarkable 7/10-scale replica of the WWII-era German Junkers Ju 87B-2 Stuka dive bomber.
Powered by a Lycoming GO-435-B engine and fitted with a handcrafted wooden three-blade propeller, the replica flew for several years and accumulated approximately 175 flight hours. Though it never carried real armament, it was outfitted with convincing replica ordnance, including dummy forward and rear machine guns, a centerline bomb, and four wing-mounted bombs—adding to its visual authenticity.
Museum Display and Preservation
In 1981, Langhurst loaned the aircraft to the San Diego Aerospace Museum, where it remained on display until 1991. It later passed through a series of private owners, including warbird enthusiast Mitch Sammons in Maine. In 2018, the aircraft was generously donated to the Commemorative Air Force’s Big Easy Wing in New Orleans, further preserving its legacy and making it accessible to the public. That same year, the aircraft was featured in an episode of Air Warriors on the Smithsonian Channel, underscoring its historical significance and uniqueness as the only flying Stuka replica of its kind in the United States.
A Rare Opportunity
Today, the Langhurst Ju 87 replica is offered for sale through Sovereign Warbird Brokerage. Priced at $75,000, the aircraft represents an extraordinary opportunity for collectors, museums, or airshow operators seeking a unique and fully operational piece of WWII aviation history. As of its most recent inspection in August 2023, the aircraft had 649 hours total time and remained in taxiable condition. While not an original Luftwaffe artifact, the aircraft serves as a powerful visual and auditory representation of the Stuka’s place in aviation history. Its famous siren—the “Jericho Trumpet” once used to instill fear during dive attacks—is replicated in spirit by the sheer presence and form of Langhurst’s tribute.
A Tribute to Determination
What began as one man’s dream in rural Mississippi has become a standout example of historic aviation dedication. The Langhurst Stuka is more than a replica—it is a flying sculpture, a teaching tool, and a testament to the commitment required to bring the past to life through aviation craftsmanship. In a world where fewer original warbirds survive each year, efforts like Langhurst’s ensure that even the rarest aircraft continue to inspire awe and educate future generations. For more information about the aircraft or to inquire about the sale, visit Sovereign Warbird Brokerage.
