Messerschmitt M 18
Messerschmitt · Germany · first flew 1926 · transport aircraft
The Messerschmitt M 18 was a German high-wing commercial transport monoplane of the late 1920s, designed by Willy Messerschmitt before his company merged with Bavarian Aircraft Works. It carried a small number of passengers and was used on early German air routes.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.4 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Late 1920s Messerschmitt high-wing light transport monoplane
- Strut-braced parasol wing with enclosed cabin
- Early Messerschmitt commercial design predating the Bf 108
A high-wing braced monoplane with a radial engine, enclosed four-seat cabin, and fixed undercarriage; the tapered wing and clean fuselage lines were ahead of their time for a late-1920s transport.
Specifications
- The Messerschmitt M 18 has a length of 9.4 m (31 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 15.8 m (52 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 212 km/h (132 mph).
- Typical crew: 1+3 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed and built by Messerschmitt Flugzeugbau in Augsburg, the M 18 first flew in 1926 and represented an early example of Messerschmitt's clean monoplane design philosophy. It was used by early German airlines including Luft Hansa in a feeder capacity. The design foreshadowed the later M 20 and contributed to Messerschmitt's reputation as a monoplane designer.
Variants
The M 18 was built in several sub-variants (M 18a, M 18b, M 18d) with progressively more powerful engines and minor structural refinements.
Where you'll see it
Used by small German commercial operators and Luft Hansa in the late 1920s for passenger and mail services; retired as the larger M 20 became available.
Related aircraft
- Messerschmitt M 17
- Messerschmitt M 24
- Messerschmitt S 14
- Messerschmitt M 28
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- Fairey IIIF
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