Southern Aircraft’s BM-11 Introduction
In late 1940, Southern (Southernaire) Aircraft, a division of Portable Products Corp., developed the lightweight, multi-purpose BM-11 aircraft. This innovative design aimed to offer versatility for various applications in the civilian market.
Design and Specifications
The BM-11 was a six-seat, cantilever high-wing monoplane. It was initially powered by two Ranger 6-440 engines, each producing 200 horsepower. Plans for series production included equipping the aircraft with more powerful 270-horsepower Continental engines.
Limited Production Due to War
However, the United States’ preparations for war led to a significant decline in interest for civilian aircraft. As a result, Southern (Southernaire) Aircraft managed to sell only one prototype of the BM-11 (registration NX59783), halting further development and production.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | BM-11 |
| Wingspan, m | 12.80 |
| Aircraft length, m | 8.92 |
| Engine type | 2 Piston engines Ranger 6-440 |
| Power, hp | 2 x 200 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 282 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 267 |
| Practical range, km | 1223 |
| Crew, crew members | 1 |
| Payload | up to 5 passengers |
Image and diagram gallery of the BM-11
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