Blohm & Voss BV 155
Blohm & Voss · Germany · first flew 1944 · fighter
The Blohm & Voss BV 155 was a German high-altitude interceptor developed late in the Second World War to combat Allied high-flying bombers and reconnaissance aircraft, featuring an exceptionally long wingspan to maintain lift in thin air at extreme altitudes. It underwent extensive redesigns and only the BV 155B flew before the war's end.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 12 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Extremely long-span high-altitude interceptor
- Radiator gondolas hanging beneath each wing
- Tall narrow undercarriage with spindly legs
Unmistakable long-span mid-wing monoplane with prominent underwing radiator gondolas, a large piston engine, and very tall narrow main undercarriage legs; the wing proportions are far greater than any other single-engine piston fighter.
Specifications
- The Blohm & Voss BV 155 has a length of 12 m (39 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 20.5 m (67 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 690 km/h (429 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Originally conceived by Messerschmitt as the Me 155 carrier-based fighter, the project was transferred to Blohm & Voss in 1943. Richard Vogt's team undertook a near-complete redesign, stretching the wings dramatically and adding prominent radiator gondolas. The BV 155B first flew in August 1944, but development continued until the war ended.
Variants
Three major configurations existed: BV 155A (cancelled), BV 155B (flew), and BV 155C (detailed design only). The BV 155B was the only variant to fly.
Where you'll see it
Never entered operational service; development was still ongoing at the German defeat in May 1945. One BV 155B was captured and evaluated by the United States.
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