Blohm & Voss BV-138

In 1938 the former company Hamburger Flugzeugbau had designed a seaplane for long-range maritime patrol missions, the Ha-138. Shortly after the company was absorbed by Blohm & Voss, which continued the development that would end in the Bv-138 “Seedrache” (Sea Dragon) flying boat. After six prototypes built, it was decided to start production of the Bv-138A.1, of which 25 examples were manufactured with 600 hp diesel engines that entered service in 1940. Six units of B-0 model and fourteen B-1 were then manufactured with more powerful engines and reinforced airframe. Finally, the production of the Bv-138C.1, the most numerous version, began in 1941, with reinforced structure and more defensive armament. They could carry depth charges or bombs for antisubmarine missions or 10 passengers instead of weapons load. They were one of the most numerous seaplane type within the Luftwaffe, and an anti-ship versions were built installing a FuG-200 “Hohentwiel” search radar. There was also a minesweeping version called Bv-138MS with specialized degaussing equipment to detect magnetic fields on the sea.

BV-138 gallery and more info