Otto Flugmaschinenfabrik

[1] In 1917, a Bavarian aircraft engine maker called Rapp Motorenwerke changed its name to Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH (BMW).

[4] Through their passion for these flying machines, they helped transform aviation from a do-it-yourself hobby into a genuine industry that became vital to the military, especially after the breakout of World War I. Ernst Udet, the second-highest scoring German flying ace of World War I (second only to the Red Baron), earned his pilot's license from private training with Otto during this time.

While the designs by Otto were initially successful, he was continually experiencing problems related to cost-effective production, as well as generating profits.

The stress of wartime and ongoing financial problems with the company proved too great a burden for Otto, who suffered health issues.

At the insistence of the Bavarian and Prussian War Ministries (and in particular the Inspectors of the Engineering Corps), the unprofitable aircraft manufacturer was taken over by the German government, and Otto was forced to resign from his company.