Willy Messerschmitt designed a number of low wing two seat monoplane sport aircraft in the 1920s-early 30s for Bayerische Flugzugwerke. The M35 was one of the last ones, first flying in 1934. The aircraft, powered by a 150 hp radial, won several competitions and modified to a one seater, was used by both the men’s and women's 1935 German aerobatic champions. Despite the competition success, only about 15 were built.
3 comments:
Narrow-spaced landing gear! Seems to have been a Messerschmidt trademark, however. The somewhat better known Bf 109 also had it.
I understand it was a way to reduce weight, the wing spar could be lighter if the pivots were closer to the fuselage.
Thin wing spars proved to be a design flaw when copied in the Bf 109. It limited the number of machine guns and the length of their ammunition belts.
Also, thin wing spars made Luftwaffe pilots leery of sharp pullouts after high-speed dives as they feared high-G forces might snap a wing. Spitfire and Hurricane pilots noticed this and used it to their benefit.
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