Blohm & Voss BV 138
Blohm & Voss · Germany · first flew 1937 · transport aircraft
The Blohm & Voss BV 138 was a German three-engine maritime patrol flying boat used extensively by the Luftwaffe over the Atlantic and Arctic during World War II. Its twin-boom layout and central hull gondola gave it a highly distinctive silhouette.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 3 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 19.85 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Three-engine flying boat with twin booms and twin fins
- Central gondola slung below shoulder wing
- Nicknamed 'der fliegende Holzschuh' (flying clog)
The BV 138 is immediately identified by its three Jumo diesel engines (one between the cockpit booms and two on the wing), twin boom tail, twin fins, and the distinctive deep central hull gondola forming the lower fuselage.
Specifications
- The Blohm & Voss BV 138 has a length of 19.85 m (65 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 26.94 m (88 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 285 km/h (177 mph).
- Typical crew: 5–6.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1937, the BV 138 entered Luftwaffe service in 1940 after significant development problems with the original design. The definitive BV 138C-1 proved a capable long-range patrol aircraft, cooperating with U-boats in the Atlantic. Over 270 were built.
Variants
The BV 138A and B were early versions with various teething troubles; the BV 138C-1 was the main production variant with Junkers Jumo 205 diesel engines and improved armament. A minesweeping version carried large degaussing loops.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the Luftwaffe's maritime aviation units over the North Sea, Atlantic, and Arctic throughout the war. It worked in concert with U-boat wolf packs, relaying convoy positions. No examples are known to survive.
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