Messerschmitt M 24

Messerschmitt

Industry	Aerospace
Headquarters	Germany
Products	Aircraft

The Messerschmitt M 24, also referred to as the BFW M.24, was an airliner designed in Germany during the late 1920s as an evolution of the series of aircraft developed by Messerschmitt, deriving from the earlier M 18. Similar to both the M 18 and its successor, the M 20, it featured a high-wing cantilever monoplane configuration, incorporating a fully enclosed passenger cabin and fixed tailwheel landing gear. The M 24 was marginally smaller than the M 20, accommodating eight passengers compared to the ten-seat capacity of its predecessor.

Initially, two prototype units were constructed, equipped respectively with BMW and Junkers inline engines. Subsequently, an additional pair of prototypes was produced, this time powered by BMW-manufactured Pratt & Whitney radial engines. Despite these developments, Messerschmitt was unsuccessful in marketing the aircraft, a situation potentially influenced by opposition from Deutsche Luft Hansa executive Erhard Milch, who reportedly held animosity towards Messerschmitt.

The first M 24a model, powered by a Junkers engine and registered as D-1767, entered commercial service in 1930 operated by Nordbayerische Verkersflug on the Dresden-Chemnitz-Plauen-Nuremberg route. This aircraft remained in operation until it was lost in 1934.

Variants

• M 24a - experimental models equipped with BMW Va and Junkers L5G powerplants (two units produced)
• M 24b - prototype versions fitted with BMW-manufactured Pratt & Whitney Hornet engines (two units produced)