Arado Ar 232 Tausendfussler (Millipede)

The Arado aircraft firm produced one of the more identifiable transport aircraft of the Luftwaffe during the Second World War in the form of the Ar 232. Known unofficially as the "millipede" (or "Tausendfussler") thanks to the many sets of wheels utilized in the undercarriage arrangement, the Ar 232 system saw only a limited production run with no more than 22 total examples made. To that end, the Ar 232 served in an equally-limiting capacity for Luftwaffe special operations missions and one other transportation air group.

The Arado Ar 232B was built around the stout monocoque fuselage, designed with cargo-carrying capacity in mind. The system was powered by four Bramo-brand piston engines, two mounted on each wing, with each engine generating 1,200 horsepower. The wings were of a high monoplane design with a slim tail system extending aft of the main fuselage, ending in a twin-fin tail assembly. The nose/cockpit area was highly glazed offering up good observation advantages. Armament was limited to defensive works - common to systems of this type - and included a nose-mounted 13mm machine gun, a 20mm cannon in a dorsal turret mounting and a choice of one or two 13mm machine guns mounted at rear.

The Ar 232 was first flown in 1941, to which the series was branched in an "A" and "B model. The distinct difference between the two systems was in the choice and number of powerplants utilized. Both featured the multi-wheel landing gear assembly and the advantageous low-mounting cargo hold fuselage. When fully loaded, the Ar 232B could weight well over 46,000lbs. In any case, the Arado 232 was a limited success in the role it played for the Luftwaffe.

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Last Revision: 9/11/2008