the model b was the first powered aircraft designed by brothers howard and joe funk, whose previous experience was in homebuilt gliders and sailplanes. the model b was a strut-braced high-wing monoplane with a conventional tail unit and fixed tailwheel landing gear. the design uses mixed construction with fabric-covered wooden wings and a welded steel-tube fuselage. the aircraft was powered by the brothers' own model e engine developed from a ford "b" motor-car engine. the prototype first flew in late 1933.