Focke-Wulf Fw 238
| Nr. 238 | |
|---|---|
| Role | Strategic bomber project |
| National origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer | Focke-Wulf |
The Focke-Wulf Nr. 238 Fernkampfflugzeug was a four-engine
Design and development
In March 1941 the Reichsluftfahrtministerium (ministry of the air, abbreviated RLM), the ministry that during the Nazi period was responsible for the whole
Focke-Wulf planned the development of an all-encompassing four-engine aircraft in a trailing configuration that could be equipped with the best engines currently being developed, the
In reality none of the versions passed the design phase and their development, which according to some estimates could have been completed with a prototype able to fly by the end of 1944, was terminated by an order dated 14 February 1943 in which the RLM required companies to devote themselves as a priority to the development of models to be used in the air defense of the Reich.
Variants
- Nr 238
- four-engine version equipped with BMW 803 radial engines driving counter-rotating propellers.
- Nr. 238H
- small four-engine variant, length - 30.6 m (100 ft), height - 5.8 m (19 ft), span - 50 m (160 ft), wing area 240 m2 (2,600 sq ft), equipped with BMW 801 engines.
Specifications (Nr. 238, larger design)
Data from Die Deutsche Luftrüstung 1933–1945 Vol.2 – Flugzeugtypen Erla-Heinkel[2]
General characteristics
- Length: 35.3 m (115 ft 10 in)
- Wingspan: 52 m (170 ft 7 in)
- Height: 8.7 m (28 ft 7 in)
- Wing area: 290 m2 (3,100 sq ft)
- Empty weight: 55,620 kg (122,621 lb)
- Gross weight: 114,530 kg (252,495 lb)
- Powerplant: 4 × BMW 803 28-cylinder 7-bank liquid-cooled coupled inline radial engine 3,900 PS (3,800 hp; 2,900 kW)
- Propellers: 8-bladed Contra-rotating propeller
Performance
- Maximum speed: 670 km/h (420 mph, 360 kn) at 8,000 m (26,000 ft)
- Cruise speed: 500 km/h (310 mph, 270 kn)
- Landing speed: 130 km/h (81 mph; 70 kn)
- Range: 14,100 km (8,800 mi, 7,600 nmi)
References
- ^ Sharp, Dan. (2016) Luftwaffe: Secret Bombers of the Third Reich. Mortons.
- ISBN 3-7637-5464-4.
Further reading
- Herwig, Dieter; Rode, Heinz (2000). Luftwaffe secret projects : strategic bombers 1935-45 (English language ed.). Midland. pp. 53–56. ISBN 1857800923.