Blohm und Voss BV 238

Blohm+Voss · Germany · first flew 1944 · transport aircraft

The Blohm und Voss BV 238 was a massive six-engine flying boat that was the heaviest aircraft to fly during the Second World War. Only one prototype was completed and flown before being destroyed by Allied fighter aircraft.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, straight
E — Engines	6 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	43.36 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Largest aircraft to fly during World War II by gross weight
Six-engine flying boat
Destroyed on Lake Schaal by RAF Mustangs before any operational use

An enormous high-wing flying boat with a very deep hull, six radial engines in the leading edge of a broad straight wing, and a large single-fin tail; its sheer size is the primary identifying feature.

Specifications

The Blohm und Voss BV 238 has a length of 43.36 m (142 ft).
It has a wingspan of 60.17 m (197 ft).
Its maximum speed is 425 km/h (264 mph).
Typical crew: 10-14.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Design work began in 1941 as Germany sought a very long-range maritime patrol and transport aircraft. The sole prototype first flew in March 1944 from Lake Schaal in northern Germany. It was strafed and sunk by RAF North American Mustangs in April 1944 before any operational evaluation could be completed, ending the programme.

Variants

Only one prototype (BV 238 V1) was completed; projected production variants and a planned bomber conversion were never built.

Where you'll see it

The BV 238 never entered operational service; the sole prototype was destroyed by Allied action before evaluation was finished.

Related aircraft

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