Any modeler who has been active in the German or International soaring scene, whether scale or competition F3J, has noticed one consistent name. The German model company HKM. Who has not heard of the Sharon or the Space, both of which have settled on top of any competition not only by quantity, but also quality? The idea to open a hobby business came to fruition in 1994, when an extremely frustrated family Helpenstein noticed the lack of required available parts for sailplanes. In 1995 the deed was done, and a business was opened in Moenchengladbach, Germany. A Standard array of assorted of model parts now grew to include more and more composite models. Soon after, in 1996, came the merger of the Czechoslovakian company Jasa. Currently available models were refined and newly developed by Mr. Jan Stanek and Mr. Willi Helpenstein. This led HKM to specialize in composite airplanes and especially sailplanes. Willi Helpenstein successfully entered the F3J scene and up to today is regularly seen at any large F3J competition. Many top pilots regularly fly the flagship of his assortment, the Sharon. Well worth motioning are the efforts of Dr. Stephan Lämmlein, who has since day one assisted in the advancement of HKM products. In 1999 came the development of the PRO-Series with the combined efforts of HKM, Dr. Stephan Lämmlein, Phillip Kolb, and Karl Hinsch who helped the Sharon attain its current fame. ON the junior scene is Tobias Lämmlein, who has become the calling card for HKM´s success. In the mean time, the development of the Scorpio (successful through Herbert Locklair) and the Simba (1st place, Dutch championships 2000/2001, Harry van Melik) in the 10 and 27 cell class. The scale soaring scene was entered in 1998 with the 4.29m ASW 27 and recently designed 6.66m Nimbus 4. The newest additions are the 5/6m Ventus 2c/2cM as well as the 4.8/5.33m DG-1000. With the "Simply the best", "Sputnik" and "Pearl" sailplanes, the HLG and DLG market was successfully entered. Most of the construction of the composite models is done in the check republic, but Willi Helpenstein doesn´t just sell the models in kit form. Completely assembled and per customer request test flown models are in his line of services. Noteworthy is HKM´s assistance and advancement of the German, Dutch, French and Belgian national F3J teams.