Difference between revisions of "BV 138 C-1"

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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=bv-138c-1
 
|code=bv-138c-1
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 7: Line 7:
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Direct Hit"]].
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Direct Hit"]].
 +
 +
The first regular tree seaplane for the Germans was the main unit of the Luftwaffe for ocean patrols from nearly the beginning of the war. Called the "Flying Clog" by her crew, it was capable and versatile machine although under powered, unique in using opposed-piston diesel engines and a steel tube spar. The C-1 model chosen for the game comes with a formidable defensive armament and average bomb load for Rank I.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 12: Line 14:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
Even though the plane has 3 engines, it is very slow. Its top speed is only 253 kph (RB). This is not enough to escape from enemies.
+
 
 +
Even though the plane has 3 engines, it is very slow and its top speed is not high enough to escape from enemies. Take-off from water takes a good deal of distance, and the plane does not manoeuvre well on rudder alone, so give yourself room. In the air, save flaps for when absolutely needed, it is better to keep airspeed. If trying to land in a naval cap point, fly very low and start slowing well before cap zone, drop flaps when possible. It is recommended to practice water landing in Test Flight to learn landing distance and how far the plane will drift (there is no water brake).
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
Line 28: Line 31:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
−
|302||283||37.3||39.0||4.0||2.2
+
| 302 || 283 || 37.3 || 39.0 || 4.0 || 2.2
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 54: Line 57:
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || ___ || ___ || ___ || ~__ || ~__
+
| 405 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 405 || 320 || ~4 || ~2
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 64: Line 67:
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < ___ || < ___ || < ___ || > ___
+
| < 220 || < 220 || < 210 || > ___
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 71: Line 74:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
−
The plane gets no armour, but is pretty survivable. When you get hit in one of the engines, the plane can survive without one of them. One more thing to add to the survivability are three self sealing fuel tanks. When you get hit in them, they will not cause a long fuel leak. Overall the plane is pretty survivable.
+
The plane has no dedicated armour, but its sturdy airframe makes it pretty survivable. When one of the engines is damaged, the plane can keep flying with the two remaining engines. A hit to the self-sealing fuel tanks will cause a fire and some damage to the airframe but the fire will not last long enough to destroy the plane.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 +
It is most important to unlock the MG 131 and MG 151 belts to select the best ammo, with the Compressor, Engine, and Wings repair being next. After that, you can unlock the rest as you please.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
Line 86: Line 91:
  
 
* 6 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (300 kg total)
 
* 6 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (300 kg total)
 +
 +
Being a small bomb, precision is important, however it is dangerous to get close to player vehicles. Fixed targets are the preferred choice.
  
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
Line 96: Line 103:
 
* 1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon, nose turret (1,000 rpg)
 
* 1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon, nose turret (1,000 rpg)
 
* 1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon, tail turret (900 rpg)
 
* 1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon, tail turret (900 rpg)
−
* 1 x 13 mm MG 131 machine gun, dorsal turret (1,450 rpg)
+
* 1 x 13 mm MG 131 machine gun, dorsal-rear turret (1,450 rpg)
 +
 
 +
This is exceptional defensive armament for this aircraft, especially for its BR. Most opponents one will face have rifle or heavy calibre machine guns, rarely will it be 20 mm, let alone Minegeschoß shells. Be familiar with the blind spots for the rear guns and manoeuvre for the best advantage, you might have a good chance to punish an attacker who dares to attack you!
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
With a small bomb load of six 50 kg bombs, do not expect to play a big role in Air battles in terms of bombing; however the 20 mm and 13 mm defensive weapons makes up with a potent sting if attacked. Be familiar of the turret arcs, and fly low to cover your unprotected belly. The BV 138 can be used as a low-altitude slugger in Air RB where its powerful turret-based cannons are able to blast through any monoplane or biplane it may face at its BR. Uptiers with the BV 138 can be much more unforgiving with this tactic, but the potency of its defensive armament still remains.
 +
 
 +
It is naval missions where "the Clog" will shine, capping unguarded points or sinking boats with its armament, being more durable than the single-engine seaplanes often used. Make sure to have this in your Naval lineup!
 +
 
 +
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
 +
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
 +
! colspan="3" | Radiator
 +
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
 +
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 +
|-
 +
! Oil !! Water !! Type
 +
|-
 +
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 107: Line 135:
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
 +
* One engine can be knocked out and can still fly fine
 +
* Good manoeuvrability
 +
* Effective glider with a low stall speed, even with all engines knocked out
 
* Excellent defensive armament
 
* Excellent defensive armament
−
* Spare engine
+
* Can capture naval points
−
* Effective glider, even with all engines knocked down
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Small bomb load
 
 
* Can't land on runways since it is a hydroplane
 
* Can't land on runways since it is a hydroplane
 
* Poor climb rate
 
* Poor climb rate
 +
* Slow flight speed
 +
* No offensive armament
 +
* Small bomb load
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
Not immediately obvious, the BV 138 is one of the more unique vehicles in game: a twin boom fuselage is very rare for a seaplane design, the '''Sikorsky S-38''' the closest analogue and possibly inspiration for this one. The little known but brilliant aircraft designer Dr Richard Vogt was hired away from Kawasaki Aircraft in Japan to join the Hamburger Flugzeugbau (HFB), bringing with him some highly innovative aircraft technologies. One of his first projects was the '''Ha 138''', a twin-engine seaplane with gull wing similar to the PBM or the Be-6 but with twin booms to the tail plane, all to keep them high above the water. Unfortunately, the also highly innovative Jumo 205 diesel engines were underperforming so a third engine was mounted on the fuselage as an expedient modification.
+
Not immediately obvious, the BV 138 is one of the more unique vehicles in game: a twin boom fuselage is very rare for a seaplane design, the Sikorsky S-38 the closest analogue and possibly inspiration for this one. The little known but brilliant aircraft designer Dr Richard Vogt was hired away from Kawasaki Aircraft in Japan to join the Hamburger Flugzeugbau (HFB), bringing with him some highly innovative aircraft technologies. One of his first projects was the '''Ha 138''', a twin-engine seaplane with gull wing similar to the PBM or the Be-6 but with twin booms to the tail plane, all to keep them high above the water. Unfortunately, the also highly innovative Jumo 205 diesel engines were underperforming so a third engine was mounted on the fuselage as an expedient modification.
 
The first Ha 138 (V1) was, well, a failure. The fact it did not crash in tests was a minor miracle. The next one (V2) redesigned to be a straight wing with integrated middle engine was not much better, but the lessons from these early experiments were learned and V3 was scrapped half started.
 
The first Ha 138 (V1) was, well, a failure. The fact it did not crash in tests was a minor miracle. The next one (V2) redesigned to be a straight wing with integrated middle engine was not much better, but the lessons from these early experiments were learned and V3 was scrapped half started.
  
−
With the company now called ''"Abteilung Flugzeugbau der Schiffswerft Blohm & Voss"'', "Blohm & Voss" for short, the manufacturer prefix was changed from "Ha" to "BV" (the only all capital letter Reichsluftfahrtministerium code) and the completely redesigned BV 138A-0 (V4) was built. All the shortcomings from the first two designs were eliminated and the Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM) and the Luftwaffe (LW) was happy with the design and ordered it into production. There were still shortcomings with the underpowered engine, so to compensate mounting points for the HWK 109-500 booster rockets where added.
+
With the company now called "Abteilung Flugzeugbau der Schiffswerft Blohm & Voss", "Blohm & Voss" for short, the manufacturer prefix was changed from "Ha" to "BV" (the only all capital letter Reichsluftfahrtministerium code) and the completely redesigned BV 138A-0 (V4) was built. All the shortcomings from the first two designs were eliminated and the Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM) and the Luftwaffe (LW) was happy with the design and ordered it into production. There were still shortcomings with the underpowered engine, so to compensate mounting points for the HWK 109-500 booster rockets where added to aid in takeoff.
  
 
The original 138 was well armed aircraft for the period, sporting an early 20 mm cannon in the nose turret, very likely to attack boats and ships. Interestingly the bomb racks were added much later in the B version. It was literally a rack bolted under the right wing (and only the right wing), and could also carry small depth charges too. This was clearly an afterthought, and possibly a field modification for older units. The B version also sported standardized with MG 151 cannons (not clear if 15 mm was used at one time), the top turret being MG 15 or with the C model the MG 131. The BV138 also enjoyed an armoured fuel tank! The signature "Dr Vogt steel tube spar" was the main fuel tank, the wall was thick enough to resist machine gun rounds short of heavy AP cannon shells.
 
The original 138 was well armed aircraft for the period, sporting an early 20 mm cannon in the nose turret, very likely to attack boats and ships. Interestingly the bomb racks were added much later in the B version. It was literally a rack bolted under the right wing (and only the right wing), and could also carry small depth charges too. This was clearly an afterthought, and possibly a field modification for older units. The B version also sported standardized with MG 151 cannons (not clear if 15 mm was used at one time), the top turret being MG 15 or with the C model the MG 131. The BV138 also enjoyed an armoured fuel tank! The signature "Dr Vogt steel tube spar" was the main fuel tank, the wall was thick enough to resist machine gun rounds short of heavy AP cannon shells.
Line 134: Line 166:
  
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=bv-138c-1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=bv-138c-1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|d1SLIe-9Vmc|'''The Shooting Range #367''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:24 relates a rescue at sea of a BV 138.}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
 
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->'''Aircraft of similar configuration or role'''
  
 
* [[PBY-5 (Family)]]
 
* [[PBY-5 (Family)]]
 +
* [[H6K4]]
 +
* [[BV 238]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 151: Line 188:
 
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120210025648/http://home.swipnet.se/our_stuff/Planes/BV138.htm <nowiki>[SwipNet]</nowiki> BV 138]
 
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120210025648/http://home.swipnet.se/our_stuff/Planes/BV138.htm <nowiki>[SwipNet]</nowiki> BV 138]
  
 +
{{AirManufacturer BlohmVoss}}
 
{{Germany bombers}}
 
{{Germany bombers}}

Latest revision as of 06:08, 10 August 2024

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
BV 138 C-1
bv-138c-1.png
GarageImage BV 138 C-1.jpg
ArtImage BV 138 C-1.jpg
BV 138 C-1
Germany flag.png Germany
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.3 1.7 1.7
Class:
Research:2 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:2 100 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The BV 138 C-1 is a rank I German bomber with a battle rating of 1.3 (AB) and 1.7 (RB/SB). It was introduced in Update "Direct Hit".

The first regular tree seaplane for the Germans was the main unit of the Luftwaffe for ocean patrols from nearly the beginning of the war. Called the "Flying Clog" by her crew, it was capable and versatile machine although under powered, unique in using opposed-piston diesel engines and a steel tube spar. The C-1 model chosen for the game comes with a formidable defensive armament and average bomb load for Rank I.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 0 m283 km/h
Turn time39 s
Max altitude2 800 m
Engine3 х Junkers Jumo 205D
TypeInline
Cooling systemWater
Take-off weight16 t

Even though the plane has 3 engines, it is very slow and its top speed is not high enough to escape from enemies. Take-off from water takes a good deal of distance, and the plane does not manoeuvre well on rudder alone, so give yourself room. In the air, save flaps for when absolutely needed, it is better to keep airspeed. If trying to land in a naval cap point, fly very low and start slowing well before cap zone, drop flaps when possible. It is recommended to practice water landing in Test Flight to learn landing distance and how far the plane will drift (there is no water brake).

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 0 m - sea level) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 266 253 2800 41.0 44.2 0.6 0.6 700
Upgraded 302 283 37.3 39.0 4.0 2.2

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
405 450 N/A 405 320 ~4 ~2
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 220 < 220 < 210 > ___

Survivability and armour

Crew5 people
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear450 km/h

The plane has no dedicated armour, but its sturdy airframe makes it pretty survivable. When one of the engines is damaged, the plane can keep flying with the two remaining engines. A hit to the self-sealing fuel tanks will cause a fire and some damage to the airframe but the fire will not last long enough to destroy the plane.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB229 → 291 Sl icon.png
RB337 → 429 Sl icon.png
SB477 → 607 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications4 440 Rp icon.png
2 670 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost300 Ge icon.png
Crew training600 Sl icon.png
Experts2 100 Sl icon.png
Aces45 Ge icon.png
Research Aces110 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
20 / 40 / 80 % Sl icon.png
100 / 100 / 100 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
180 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
180 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
200 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
290 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
200 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
290 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
mg131_turret_belt_pack
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
180 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods ammo.png
mg15120_turret_belt_pack
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
200 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods turret gun.png
mg131_turret_new_gun
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods turret gun.png
mg15120_turret_new_gun
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
290 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png

It is most important to unlock the MG 131 and MG 151 belts to select the best ammo, with the Compressor, Engine, and Wings repair being next. After that, you can unlock the rest as you please.

Armaments

Suspended armament

List of setups (1)
Setup 16 x 50 kg SC50JA bomb
Main article: SC50JA (50 kg)

The BV 138 C-1 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 6 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (300 kg total)

Being a small bomb, precision is important, however it is dangerous to get close to player vehicles. Fixed targets are the preferred choice.

Defensive armament

Turret20 mm MG 151 cannon
Ammunition1000 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
Turret20 mm MG 151 cannon
Ammunition900 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
Turret13 mm MG 131 machine gun
Ammunition1450 rounds
Fire rate900 shots/min
Main articles: MG 151 (20 mm), MG 131 (13 mm)

The BV 138 C-1 is defended by:

  • 1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon, nose turret (1,000 rpg)
  • 1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon, tail turret (900 rpg)
  • 1 x 13 mm MG 131 machine gun, dorsal-rear turret (1,450 rpg)

This is exceptional defensive armament for this aircraft, especially for its BR. Most opponents one will face have rifle or heavy calibre machine guns, rarely will it be 20 mm, let alone Minegeschoß shells. Be familiar with the blind spots for the rear guns and manoeuvre for the best advantage, you might have a good chance to punish an attacker who dares to attack you!

Usage in battles

With a small bomb load of six 50 kg bombs, do not expect to play a big role in Air battles in terms of bombing; however the 20 mm and 13 mm defensive weapons makes up with a potent sting if attacked. Be familiar of the turret arcs, and fly low to cover your unprotected belly. The BV 138 can be used as a low-altitude slugger in Air RB where its powerful turret-based cannons are able to blast through any monoplane or biplane it may face at its BR. Uptiers with the BV 138 can be much more unforgiving with this tactic, but the potency of its defensive armament still remains.

It is naval missions where "the Clog" will shine, capping unguarded points or sinking boats with its armament, being more durable than the single-engine seaplanes often used. Make sure to have this in your Naval lineup!

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Not controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Separate Not controllable
1 gear 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • One engine can be knocked out and can still fly fine
  • Good manoeuvrability
  • Effective glider with a low stall speed, even with all engines knocked out
  • Excellent defensive armament
  • Can capture naval points

Cons:

  • Can't land on runways since it is a hydroplane
  • Poor climb rate
  • Slow flight speed
  • No offensive armament
  • Small bomb load

History

Not immediately obvious, the BV 138 is one of the more unique vehicles in game: a twin boom fuselage is very rare for a seaplane design, the Sikorsky S-38 the closest analogue and possibly inspiration for this one. The little known but brilliant aircraft designer Dr Richard Vogt was hired away from Kawasaki Aircraft in Japan to join the Hamburger Flugzeugbau (HFB), bringing with him some highly innovative aircraft technologies. One of his first projects was the Ha 138, a twin-engine seaplane with gull wing similar to the PBM or the Be-6 but with twin booms to the tail plane, all to keep them high above the water. Unfortunately, the also highly innovative Jumo 205 diesel engines were underperforming so a third engine was mounted on the fuselage as an expedient modification. The first Ha 138 (V1) was, well, a failure. The fact it did not crash in tests was a minor miracle. The next one (V2) redesigned to be a straight wing with integrated middle engine was not much better, but the lessons from these early experiments were learned and V3 was scrapped half started.

With the company now called "Abteilung Flugzeugbau der Schiffswerft Blohm & Voss", "Blohm & Voss" for short, the manufacturer prefix was changed from "Ha" to "BV" (the only all capital letter Reichsluftfahrtministerium code) and the completely redesigned BV 138A-0 (V4) was built. All the shortcomings from the first two designs were eliminated and the Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM) and the Luftwaffe (LW) was happy with the design and ordered it into production. There were still shortcomings with the underpowered engine, so to compensate mounting points for the HWK 109-500 booster rockets where added to aid in takeoff.

The original 138 was well armed aircraft for the period, sporting an early 20 mm cannon in the nose turret, very likely to attack boats and ships. Interestingly the bomb racks were added much later in the B version. It was literally a rack bolted under the right wing (and only the right wing), and could also carry small depth charges too. This was clearly an afterthought, and possibly a field modification for older units. The B version also sported standardized with MG 151 cannons (not clear if 15 mm was used at one time), the top turret being MG 15 or with the C model the MG 131. The BV138 also enjoyed an armoured fuel tank! The signature "Dr Vogt steel tube spar" was the main fuel tank, the wall was thick enough to resist machine gun rounds short of heavy AP cannon shells.

Called the "Flying Clog" for its wooden shoe-like hull shape, the plane was well liked by the crews. With an exceptionally long range and a comfortable cabin to work in, it was the eyes of the Kriegsmarine. Because the engines were diesel, it was common for the Flying Clogs to refuel from submarines at very distant locations.

Media

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The Shooting Range #367 - Pages of History section at 03:24 relates a rescue at sea of a BV 138.

See also

Aircraft of similar configuration or role

External links


Blohm & Voss (Abteilung Flugzeugbau der Schiffswerft Blohm und Voß)
Interceptors  BV 155 B-1
Bombers  BV 138 C-1 · BV 238

Germany bombers
Arado  Ar 196 A-3
Blohm & Voss  BV 138 C-1 · BV 238
Dornier  Do 17 E-1 · Do 17 Z-2 · Do 217 E-2 · Do 217 E-4 · Do 217 K-1 · Do 217 M-1
Focke-Wulf  Fw 189 A-1 · Fw 200 C-1
Henschel  Hs 123 A-1
Heinkel  He 111 H-3 · He 111 H-6 · He 111 H-16 · He 115 C-1 · He 177 A-3 · He 177 A-5
Junkers  Ju 87 B-2 · Ju 87 R-2 · Ju 87 R-2 Libya · Ju 87 D-3 · Ju 87 D-5 · Ju 88 A-1 · Ju 88 A-4 · Ju 188 A-2 · Ju 288 C
Messerschmitt  Me 264
Savoia-Marchetti  ▀S.M.79 serie 1 · ▀S.M.79 B · ▀S.M.79 serie 4 · ▀S.M.79 serie 8
  ▀S.M.79 AS · ▀S.M.79 bis/N · ▀S.M.79 bis/T.M
Trophies  ▀Wellington Mk Ic

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