A free-flying model, built in 1934 and propelled by a small two-stroke engine, brought the promise of success.

[6] Each main rotor consisted of three articulated and tapered blades, driven by the engine through gears and shafts.

[13] Focke-Achgelis began work on a two-seat sports version of the Fw 61, the Fa 224, which would have used an Argus As 10C engine and had greater performance.

[14] In February 1938, the Fw 61 was demonstrated by Hanna Reitsch indoors at the Deutschlandhalle sports stadium in Berlin, Germany.

[13] Neither of these machines appear to have survived World War II, although a replica is on display at the Hubschraubermuseum in Bückeburg, Germany.