Bölkow Bo 209 Monsun ("Monsoon")
The two-seater light airplane Bo 209 "Monsun" was developed originally by a project group. It was named "Entwicklungsgemeinschaft Leichtflugzeuge" (Developmental Project Committee Light Aircraft) which consisted of three engineers, Hermann Mylius, Walter Heynen, and Johannes Krauss, who developed the aircraft on their own initiative, after working hours. Ludwig Bölkow supported the project group with, among other things, materials at base cost.
After its maiden flight on December 12, 1967, Bölkow arranged for the airplane to be displayed at the Hanover Airshow 1968. Immediately the aircraft which was known until then as MHK 101 was taken for being the successors of the light airplane Bo 208 Junior. As a consequence of a promising market analysis, large-scale production under the administration of MBB started shortly thereafter, after some small modifications - such as the lengthening of the wing span - had been done on the design of the new designated Bo 209 "Monsun", such as the size of the wing span.
Bo 209 Monsun became one of the most popular light airplanes in Germany in the early 1970's. The wings were foldable and the front-wheel was retractable. This sport aircraft was offered with motors having 96, 110 or 118 kilowatt performance, and with an adjustable airscrew. One Monsun version was licensed for stunt-flying.
At the 1970 Hanover Airshow, 57 purchase contracts were closed. In 1972, however, Messerschmitt- Bölkow- Blohm gave up its in total loss-oriented light aircraft production. Several later attempts to continue the large scale production failed. However, "Monsun" is regarded as one of the most excellently designed German sporting and light passenger airplanes ever built.
Technical data
Bo 209
| Power Plant | Lycoming O-320 with 110 kW | |
| Construction year | 1971 |
Performance
| Maximum speed | 275 km/h |
| Crusing speed | 259 km/h |
| Climb speed | 5.2 m/sec |
| Range | 1200 km |
Weight
| Empty weight | 515 kg |
| Take-off weight | 820 kg |
Dimensions
| Lenght | 6.40 m |
| Wing span | 8.40 m |
| Wing aera | 10.2 qm |
| Crew | 1 person |
| Passengers | 1 person |
