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Type: Point-defence interceptor glider Origin: Blohm und Voss (Abt. Flugzeugbau) Models: V1 to V19 and A First Flight: May 1944 Service Delivery: None Final Delivery: None POWERPLANT: None DIMENSIONS: Wing span: 7.90m (25 ft. 11 in) Length: 5.70m (18 ft. 8½ in.) Height: 1.66m (5 ft. 4½ in.) Wing Surface Area: N/A |
WEIGHTS: Empty: 1,844 lb. (836kg) Maximum: 2,094 lb. (950kg)
PERFORMANCE: ARMAMENT: Two 30mm MK 108 each with 35 rounds. |
Its key features were a very narrow and fairly heavily-armored cockpit, and two 30 mm (1.18 in) MK 108 cannons in the wing roots with very limited ammunition. The fuselage was constructed almost entirely of wood, a non-strategic material. During its short attack time, the glider would fire its weapons, then glide back to earth, although for a time, the idea of carrying a bomb on a cable behind the glider was entertained.
The first flight was in the May of 1944. Several prototypes were completed, but the project was stopped later in the year as the end of the war drew near.

Sources:
Gunston, Bill & Wood, Tony - Hitler's Luftwaffe
Wikipedia - Blohm und Voss Bv 40
LUFTWAFFE RESOURCE CENTER > FIGHTERS/DESTROYERS > PREVIOUS PAGE