BFW M.19

Bayerische Flugzeugwerke (BFW)

Industry	Aerospace
Founder	Willy Messerschmitt
Headquarters	Germany
Key people	Willy Messerschmitt
Products	Aircraft, including the BFW M.19

The BFW M.19, also referred to as the Messerschmitt M 19, represents the initial model in a series of German low-wing, single-engine sports aircraft designed by Willy Messerschmitt during his tenure at Bayerische Flugzeugwerke (BFW).

Development

Conceived to participate in the Sachsenflug contest aimed at single-seat light aircraft, the M.19 was created according to specifications issued by the Deutsche Versuchsanstalt für Luftfahrt (DVL). This model marked Messerschmitt’s introduction to low-wing cantilever monoplane design, although its fuselage and empennage bore a close resemblance to the high-wing, two-seat M.17 from 1925. The fuselage structure consisted of five principal longitudinal members: four forming the lower rectangular section and one elevated central dorsal member creating a triangular upper cross-section. These structural elements tapered sharply toward the tail, resulting in a slender rear fuselage. The vertical tail assembly was notably rectangular and taller than wide, with the rudder dominating this area; the fin’s chord was minimal, essentially serving as a streamlined rudder support. The landing gear featured a fixed conventional setup with a single-axle main gear and a tailskid.

Propulsion was provided by an 18 kW (24 hp) ABC Scorpion engine.

Operational history

The M.19 participated in the Sachsenflug contest, piloted by Theo Cronweiss, and secured both the technical accolade and the overall victory. This success awarded Messerschmitt a prize of 60,000 RM, which he subsequently invested in BFW.

Although only two units were produced, the sleek, low-wing M.19 served as a foundation for a series of two-seat models, including the notable M.23, along with the M.27, M.31, and M.35 variants.

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