Messerschmitt M 17

Messerschmitt · Germany · first flew 1925 · light aircraft

The Messerschmitt M 17 was an early German high-wing light touring monoplane, representing one of Willy Messerschmitt's first commercially successful designs. It demonstrated the clean aerodynamic thinking that would characterise all of his later work.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — WingsHigh-mounted, tapered
E — Engines1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage5.85 m fuselage
T — TailConventional

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Spot it by:

Small high-wing strut-braced monoplane with a flat-four engine, fixed undercarriage, and side-by-side seating; the tapered wing is braced by V-struts from the lower fuselage.

Specifications

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

First flown in 1925, the M 17 was produced in small numbers and used for touring and sport flying. Its light construction and pleasant handling attracted attention, helping establish Messerschmitt's reputation as a designer before his later military projects.

Variants

Only a small series was built; the type led directly to the slightly larger M 18 and subsequent Messerschmitt touring aircraft.

Where you'll see it

Used by private owners and flying clubs in Germany during the late 1920s; no military service.

Related aircraft

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