Focke-Wulf A 17 Möwe
Focke-Wulf · Germany · first flew 1927 · airliner
The Focke-Wulf A 17 Möwe (Seagull) was a German single-engine high-wing monoplane airliner introduced in 1927, representing one of the early commercial transport designs from the newly established Focke-Wulf company.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 14 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- 1920s German single-engine high-wing passenger monoplane
- Braced parasol-wing configuration
- Fixed undercarriage with spatted wheels
A 1920s high-wing braced monoplane airliner with a single radial or inline engine, fixed spat undercarriage, and a slab-sided passenger cabin beneath the high wing — typical of German commercial transport designs of the period.
Specifications
- The Focke-Wulf A 17 Möwe has a length of 14 m (46 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 20 m (66 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 160 km/h (99 mph).
- Typical crew: 2, up to 8 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Focke-Wulf was founded in 1923, and the A 17 Möwe was among its earliest successful designs, entering service with Norddeutscher Lloyd and Deutsche Luft Hansa in 1927. It carried eight passengers on short regional routes and helped establish Focke-Wulf as a credible aircraft manufacturer before the company pivoted toward military designs.
Variants
A small number of A 17 variants were built with slightly different engine installations; no major sub-variants entered widespread service. The design was soon superseded by more modern airliner types.
Where you'll see it
Operated by early German regional airlines in the late 1920s on domestic routes; retired as more capable aircraft such as the Junkers designs entered service in the early 1930s.
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