OVERVIEW
At the time of its inception, the BV 238 floatplane was physically the largest aircraft ever to fly for Germany.
At the time of its inception, the BV 238 floatplane was physically the largest aircraft ever to fly for Germany.
YEAR: 1944
MANUFACTURER(S): Blohm and Voss - Germany
PRODUCTION: 1
OPERATORS: Nazi Germany
SPECIFICATIONS
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the Blohm and Voss Bv 238 model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the Blohm and Voss Bv 238 model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
CREW: 12
LENGTH: 142.26 feet (43.36 meters)
WIDTH: 197.41 feet (60.17 meters)
HEIGHT: 43.96 feet (13.4 meters)
WEIGHT (EMPTY): 120,593 pounds (54,700 kilograms)
WEIGHT (MTOW): 187,393 pounds (85,000 kilograms)
ENGINE: 6 x Daimler-Benz DB 603 V-12 engines generating 1,750hp each.
SPEED (MAX): 277 miles-per-hour (446 kilometers-per-hour; 241 knots)
RANGE: 4,474 miles (7,200 kilometers; 3,888 nautical miles)
CEILING: 23,950 feet (7,300 meters; 4.54 miles)
ARMAMENT
Not Available
Not Available
VARIANTS
Series Model Variants
• BV 238 - Base Series Designation of which one was constructed but damaged while docked; two planned prototypes were started but never finished production.
• BV 238 V-1
Series Model Variants
• BV 238 - Base Series Designation of which one was constructed but damaged while docked; two planned prototypes were started but never finished production.
• BV 238 V-1
HISTORY
Detailing the development and operational history of the Blohm and Voss Bv 238 Flying Boat Aircraft. Entry last updated on 6/28/2016. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
Detailing the development and operational history of the Blohm and Voss Bv 238 Flying Boat Aircraft. Entry last updated on 6/28/2016. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
The mammoth Blohm & Voss Bv 238 was the next evolution in the Blohm & Voss flying boat series for Germany during World War Two. The system was built as the largest aircraft ever produced by any of the Axis powers and was to provide The Reich with extended flying boat capabilities should the series have entered full-scale production. In the end, all the BV 238 project had to show for itself was one damaged prototype and two planned production prototypes started but never finished.
The Bv 238 was powered by a series of six Daimler-Benz piston engines producing upwards of 1,750 each. The powerplants were mounted on a high monoplane wing design with three engines per wing. The initial Bv 238 prototype was airborne by 1944, though it would later be damaged and sunk by allied fighter aircraft while the Bv 238 lay docked. The Bv 239 offered up tremendous range, payload capabilities and respectable speeds for an aircraft of this size and in this role.
The Bv 238 was powered by a series of six Daimler-Benz piston engines producing upwards of 1,750 each. The powerplants were mounted on a high monoplane wing design with three engines per wing. The initial Bv 238 prototype was airborne by 1944, though it would later be damaged and sunk by allied fighter aircraft while the Bv 238 lay docked. The Bv 239 offered up tremendous range, payload capabilities and respectable speeds for an aircraft of this size and in this role.
MEDIA
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Our Data Modules allow for quick visual reference when comparing a single entry against contemporary designs. Areas covered include general ratings, speed assessments, and relative ranges based on distances between major cities.
Relative Maximum Speed Rating
Hi: 300mph
Lo: 150mph
This entry's maximum listed speed (277mph).
Graph average of 225 miles-per-hour.
City-to-City Ranges
NYC
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Graph showcases the Blohm and Voss Bv 238 V-1's operational range (on internal fuel) when compared to distances between major cities.
Aviation Era
Useful in showcasing the era cross-over of particular aircraft/aerospace designs.
Unit Production Comparison
Comm. Market HI*: 44,000 units
Military Market HI**: 36,183 units
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Altitude Visualization
