This was designed as a sea patroller flying boat. It had a twin boom and a high wing. This high wing configuration was to provide a high mounting point for the engines to keep them clear of sea spray on landing and taking off.

I is difficult to confuse this aircraft with any other aircraft of the time. The high wing and twin booms are enough to set it apart but the fact that it had diesel engines was also unusual. The design proved to be rather successful but the first versions were grossly underpowered to the point that it could not be used as a warplane. It was not until 1941 that the BV 138 really started the reconnaissance duties that were its original purpose.

My information is that the first model flew on Thursday the 15^th of July in 1937. There were 279 examples of this model made. There were three derivatives of the original model and these were known as the BV 138A-1; BV 138B-1 and BV 138C-1.

Blohm und Voss 138A-1

This was the first derivative of the 'Global' and was introduced in 1940 to take part in the invasion of Norway. However, it proved to be a disappointing version and remained confined to transport duties during the campaign and afterwards. There were only 25 examples built during 1940. It carried a crew of six and it had three Junkers 'Jumo 205C' engines. The total power output of these three engines was 1,800 horsepower.

Blohm und Voss 138B-1

The B-1 remedied the problem of the underpowered BV 138A-1 by using engines almost 50% more powerful. With this improvement it was in a position to full fill the reconnaissance duties for which it was intended. It was quickly superseded by the BV 138C-1 with better equipment. There were only 21 examples built from the end of 1940. It carried a crew of six and it had three Junkers 'Jumo 205D' engines. The total power output of these three engines was 2,640 horsepower.

Blohm und Voss 138C-1

This, the final version of the BV 138 retained the engines of the 138B-1 but got an additional dorsal turret, a new propeller and greatly improved equipment. It was the version with the greatest production figures and it fulfilled its reconnaissance duties above all the seas that the Luftwaffe could provide air cover for. There were 227 examples built from the end of 1941 to 1943. It carried a crew of six. It was used to rendezvous with U-Boats on station on the high seas as this rare photo shows. Below also, are the specifications of the 138C-1 model.

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