Warplanes of Germany: Luftwaffe Blohm + Voss BV 141

Blohm & Voss BV 141

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((Bundesarchiv, Bild 146-1980-117-02 / Hoffmann / CC-BY-SA 3.0)

Blohm & Voss BV 141.

The Bv 141 was developed by the German military aircraft designer Richard Vogt, who also happened to be recruited by the United States as part of Operation Paperclip. The aircraft’s signature feature was in the peculiar asymmetrical design that made it appear lopsided. The primary compartment, a Plexiglas-glazed crew gondola, was positioned on the starboard side (right side). It had room for a crew of three that consisted of the pilot, rear gunner, and observer. Both the starboard and port sides were connected via the wing element at the forward portion of the aircraft. Its weight was evenly supported by lift from the wings.

The Bv 141 featured a total of four machine guns that consisted of two rear-mounted flexible 7.92 mm MG 15s and two fixed-forward 7.92 mm MG 17s. The aircraft was also equipped to carry four SC 50 bombs which ranged from 105 to 121 pounds.

The BV 141 was first powered by a BMW 132N radial engine, which ran the aircraft’s three-blade propeller system. This was later upgraded to the more powerful BMW 801, which provided it with a range of 1,200 miles giving the aircraft a maximum speed of 229 mph (368 kph) at sea level and 272 mph at altitude of 16,400 feet.

Eventually, 20 Blohm & Voss Bv 141B models were ordered, produced, and delivered. Several wrecks of the aircraft were uncovered by Allied forces in Germany and one was captured by the British and sent back to the United Kingdom for examination.

(Bundesarchiv, Bild 183-2005-0725-526 / CC-BY-SA 3.0)

Blohm & Voss BV 141.

(Bundesarchiv, Bild 101I-602-B1227-08A / CC-BY-SA 3.0)

Blohm & Voss BV 141.

(Bundesarchiv, Bild 101I-602-B1226-11 / Scholz / CC-BY-SA 3.0)

Blohm & Voss BV 141.

(Luftwaffe Photo)

The definitive layout of the BV 141 was pioneered by the B-01 (V9) NC+QZ, which in effect was the development airframe for the BV 141B-series. The wider-track main undercarriage and redesigned wing can be seen as the aircraft advances through the snow towards the camera