The Bayerische Flugzeugwerke M 18 (BFW M 18), which was later rebranded as the Messerschmitt M 18, was a German-built airliner developed during the late 1920s.
Design and development
The aircraft was conceived in response to a commission from Theodor Croneiss to equip his emerging airline, which ultimately evolved into Nordbayerische Verkehrsflug (NOBA).[1] Featuring a traditional high-wing cantilevermonoplane configuration, it incorporated fixed Conventional landing gear#tailskid undercarriage with a tailskid. The initial prototype utilized wooden construction, whereas the production variants transitioned to metal airframes.[2] At the time, the design received acclaim for its aerodynamic efficiency, lightweight build, and operational cost-effectiveness.[3][4]
The initial M 18 delivered to NOBA was supplied by Messerschmitt in return for a 49% stake in the newly formed company, commencing commercial operations on 26 July.[5] Early achievements by NOBA allowed the airline to place orders for a refined version, the M 18b. Ultimately, twelve units of this variant were acquired,[1] but production demands surpassed the capabilities of Messerschmitt's modest workshop. This limitation prompted a merger with Bayerische Flugzeugwerke (BFW) in 1927. After NOBA was reorganized as DEVAG in 1931, a limited number of an enhanced model, the M 18d, were commissioned; however, this variant was quickly replaced by the comparable yet larger Messerschmitt M 20.[2]
Variants
M 18a
initial three-seat production model powered by a 60 kW (80 hp) Siemens-Halske Sh 11 engine (two units produced)
specialized photographic survey edition fitted with a 164 kW (220 hp) Armstrong Siddeley Lynx engine (two or three units manufactured)
M 18d
an expanded configuration accommodating six to eight passengers, produced with various engines such as the 164 kW (220 hp) Armstrong Siddeley Lynx, 112 kW (150 hp) Walter Mars, and 240 kW (320 hp) Wright Whirlwind (eight units produced)
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