MESSERSCHMITT 209 “MONSUN”€

1970’€“80

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The Messerschmitt Bolkow-Blohm (MBB) 209 Monsun is a German-built, two-seater light aircraft produced in multiple versions (125-160 hp Lycoming or Rolls-Royce/Continental engines) since 1970.
  • It features a low-wing design, tricycle gear (with optional retractable nose gear), all-metal construction, and excellent visibility from a large bubble canopy.
  • A key design innovation on the 150 and 160 models is folding wings, allowing for easy storage and towing, complete with automatic control line reconnection.
  • The 160 hp model offers strong performance, including a top speed of 170 mph, a cruise speed of 158 mph, and a range of 745 miles.
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STANDARD DATA: Seats 2. Gross wt. 1,807. Empty wt. 1,067. Fuel capacity 37. Engine 150-hp to 160-hp Lycoming.
PERFORMANCE: (160 hp). Top mph 170. Cruise mph 158. Stall mph 62. Initial climb rate 1,180. Range 745. Ceiling 18,100. Takeoff run 590. Landing roll 655.

The 209 Monsun is built by the largest aerospace company in Germany, the Messerschmitt Bolkow-Blohm Gmbh. The Messerschmitt part of the name comes from the company that produced the famous ME-109 during World War II. MBB’s light two-seater called the Monsun (Monsoon) is produced in three versions: the B0209 150 with a 150-hp Lycoming engine, the B0209-160 with a 160-hp fuel-injected Lycoming, and the B0209S, which is the trainer model with a non-retractable nose wheel and the choice of a 125-hp Lycoming or a 130-hp Rolls-Royce/Continental engine.

Flown for the first time in 1969 and produced in 1970, the low-wing Monsun features tricycle gear with retractable nose gear as an option. The main gear is non-retractable. Wings on the 150 and 160 models can be unbolted and folded back along the fuselage for ease in storage or for towing the airplane behind a car. The control lines to the ailerons and flaps automatically dismount and reconnect when the wings are folded and unfolded. With a large clear bubble canopy, the visibility in the 209 is excellent. Construction is all metal except for a fiberglass cowling.

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