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Dornier Merkur "Gaúcho"
1927-1930

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VARIG’s second hydroplane was called “Gaúcho”, in tribute to people who live in Rio Grande do Sul state, and registered as P-BAAA. Besides “Lagoon Line”, it flew to north beaches: Cidreira, Tramandaí and Torres. This aircraft came partially disassembled from Germany, on the Rio de Janeiro transatlantic ocean liner, arriving on August 16, 1927 at the Rio Grande port, in Rio Grande do Sul state.
Although faster than train, many passengers gave up at the last minute venturing into those flying machines. Those who did not give up had their names published in newspaper and told enthusiastic details about the flight.
VARIG's staff created an unusual way to help night landing. A lead weight in a rope about 10 meters below the aircraft. When the lead weight touched the water, the pilot knew it was time to pull the stick to land. Anyway the pilot still had to be careful because it could have a trunk or a canoe ahead. At that time there was no airfields.
In 1930 it was transferred, together with “Atlântico”, to Syndicate Condor (Brazil) and then in 1933, it was disassembled and its parts sold as scrap iron. “Gaúcho” was an Dornier Merkur seaplane, monoplane, semi-metallic with "Heine" type propeller
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Operated units

01

Constructor

Dornier Werke G.M.B.H., Germany

Model

Dornier B Merkur

Construction number

92

Engine

One BMW VI de 600 C.V.

Wingspread

64,30 feet

Length

41,34 feet

Height

14,10 feet

Cruising speed

111,85 miles/hr.

Flight reach

652,47 miles

Maximum flight altitude

17,061 feet

Empty aircraft weight

5,402 pounds

Maximum take-off weight

7,938 pounds

Technical crew

02 (1 pilot 1 and one flight mechanic)

Maximum number of passengers

09

 

 

 

 

 

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