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The Wing Pilot
Blohm and Voss Bv 141
The popular German aircraft manufacturer “Blohm und Voss” is well remembered for their massive contributions of floatplanes used by the Luftwaffe for the strategic bombing in the Second World War. The engineers working on this particular model which is considered one of the most unique light bombers from the Second World era have thought that keeping the engine in the nose on the plane with no cockpit above it will offer better aerodynamics rather than a bomber with engines on each wing.
This, in theory, would prove that developing an asymmetric design would help maintain symmetric performance and handling. Another interesting factor that Blohm had in mind whilst working on the Bv 141 is confusing the enemy by the unique shape and at the same time making the enemy think that they are faced with a fighter rather than a bomber because of the engine being in the nose of the aircraft. The design for this plane begun in 1938 so the Luftwaffe was only facing Hurricane MK1’s in the western front and pre-war aircraft in the eastern front.
However, this design has brought many problems that were not taken into consideration during the production of prototypes. The first being the rudder in the rear being assaulted by the powerful air produced by the propeller engine in front as there was no cockpit to stop the air. The second was the pilot…
