Blohm und Voss BV 222

The Blohm und Voss BV 222, Wiking, was a long-range, maritime reconnaissance flying-boat. Used by the Luftwaffe during World War II, it was the largest flying-boat to achieve operational status during this armed conflict. It had originally been designed by Dr. Richard Vogt and Herr R. Schubert to meet a 1937 Lufthansa requirement for a long-range passenger transport. A total of 13 flying-boats were built in three versions; BV 222A, 222B, and 222C.

The first prototype of the Blohm und Voss BV 222, the V1, made its maiden flight on September 7, 1940. The test pilot was the Flügkäpitan Helmut Rodig. Since it was a satisfactory performance, it would be fitted with enlarged doors for transport duties, being introduced into service with the Luftwaffe on July 10,1941. After flying sorties on the route to Norway, it was soon transferred to the Mediterranean theater. It was used to carry supplies for German forces in Libya, North Africa. Transport operations increased during 1942; however, two were shot down. In 1943, the Wikings were moved to Biscarose to carry out maritime patrol missions, with Aufklärungstaffel See 222.

Below, front view of the V1 prototype in flight in 1940, showing its large wing span.

Technical Description

The Blohm und Voss BV 222 was a six-engine, monoplane flying-boat. It was fitted with straight, rectangular shoulder-wing. The all-metal wing was supported by a single, stout and strong spar, measuring 1.45 m in diameter. This spar was divided into sections to contain six fuel tanks. The BV 222C variant was powered by six Junkers Jumo 207C, inline, diesel engines, each producing 1,000-HP.

The underbelly of the fuselage consisted of a boat hull, which was shaped to float and land on water. It was covered by corrosion-resisting alloy sheets, which measured about 3mm in thickness. The fuselage was divided into two portions; the lower one was allotted to passengers, or cargo, while the upper portion was for the flight crew of seven.

Specifications

Type: transport, maritime reconnaissance flying-boat.

Length: 37 m (121 feet, 5 inches)

Wing Span: 46 m (150 feet, 11 inches) Wing Area: 255 m2 (2,745 sq. feet)

Height: 10.90 m (35 feet, 9 inches)

Power Plant: six 1,000-HP, Junkers Jumo 207C, inline piston engine.

Maximum Speed: 390 km/h (242 mph)

Range: 6,095 km (3,787 miles)

Service Ceiling: 7,300 m (23,950 feet)

Armament:  three 20-mm MG-151 cannons; five 13mm MG-131 machine guns.

Below, the Blohm & Voss BV 222A, Lufthansa passenger version of the flying-boat.

The  BV 222B in flight over the Mediterranean in 1943.

Below, the BV 222C variant in 1943.

The BV 222 V5 prototype in 1941.