Hamburger Flugzeugbau
| Industry | Aircraft manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | Blohm & Voss |
| Founded | 1933 |
| Founder | Rudolf and Walther Blohm |
| Defunct | 1969 |
| Fate | Integrated into another entity |
| Successor | Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB) |
| Headquarters | , |
Hamburger Flugzeugbau (abbreviated HFB) was an aircraft production company based mainly in the Finkenwerder district of Hamburg, Germany. Founded in 1933 as a subsidiary of the shipbuilding firm Blohm & Voss, it operated as a division within its parent organization, known as Abteilung Flugzeugbau der Schiffswerft Blohm & Voss from 1937 until its closure at the conclusion of World War II. After the war, it was reestablished as an independent firm bearing its original name, later participating in various partnerships before merging to form Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB). Today, it contributes to ongoing Airbus and broader European aerospace initiatives.
History
In 1933, the Hamburg-based shipbuilder Blohm & Voss faced financial difficulties due to insufficient orders. The company's proprietors, Rudolf and Walther Blohm, opted to diversify into aircraft manufacturing, anticipating a demand for all-metal, long-distance flying boats—particularly from the German national airline, Deutsche Luft Hansa. They believed their expertise in all-metal marine construction would offer a competitive edge. At that time, it was widely expected that transatlantic air travel would soon replace the role of the era's luxury ocean liners. Furthermore, seaplanes and flying boats were favored because they could utilize existing seaport infrastructure, whereas land-based facilities were not yet equipped to handle such large aircraft.[1][2]
Initial phase
In June 1933, the Blohm brothers appointed their brother-in-law and fellow board member Dipl-Ing Max Andreae along with seasoned aviator Robert Schröck to the management team. Schröck secured designer Reinhold Mewes from Heinkel, who together with four additional designers began work on 1 July.[3] Officially, Hamburger Flugzeugbau GmbH was established on 4 July.[4]
Initially, company offices occupied the upper floor of Blohm & Voss’s administrative building in Hamburg’s Steinwerder district, while production took place within underused shipbuilding facilities.[1] Concurrently, construction began on an inland airfield and final assembly plant for land-based aircraft at Wenzendorf Aircraft Factory, which opened in 1935.[5]
During this era, the ruling Nazi regime was intensifying its rearmament efforts across Germany’s aviation sector. The government prioritized rapid production capabilities for large quantities of military aircraft intended for the newly formed Luftwaffe. Consequently, Hamburger Flugzeugbau undertook subcontracting work producing components for the Junkers Ju 52, which provided essential experience in all-metal aircraft construction. Much of the company’s output consisted of such contract manufacturing for firms including Dornier Flugzeugwerke, Focke-Wulf, Heinkel, Junkers, and Messerschmitt.[2]
Aircraft developed under the company’s own designation used the official RLM code "Ha". The initial model produced was the Ha 135. Since Mewes lacked familiarity with advanced methods like all-metal design, he created a conventional fabric-covered biplane. The Blohm brothers had envisioned a more progressive design approach and dissatisfied with Mewes’s work, consulted the Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM). Following their advice, they appointed Richard Vogt—then chief designer at Japan’s Kawasaki Aerospace Company with expertise in all-metal construction—as Chief Designer. Vogt joined late autumn while Ha 135 was still being developed. For some time two separate design teams operated independently.[6][2]
The Ha 135 completed its maiden flight on 28 April 1934 but failed to secure orders; subsequently Mewes and his group departed.
Vogt introduced many innovative concepts; among them was a tubular steel wing main spar that doubled as a fuel tank—a feature incorporated from his earliest designs. He directed development of all subsequent models until the company's closure in 1945.[2]
In May 1934 Vogt's team expanded with the arrival of Hans Amtmann, also formerly of Heinkel, bringing valuable experience with large flying boats. Amtmann was soon promoted to Head of Preliminary Design.[6] Other key personnel included Richard Schubert as Head of Aerodynamics and George Haag leading wing design.
Only one aircraft type entered operational service during this timeframe—the four-engine long-range seaplane mail carrier Ha 139. Despite its considerable size, it was engineered for catapult launch from ships to extend operational range and saw limited use by Deutsche Luft Hansa. A landplane variant known as the Ha 142 was also developed for airline service.
Integration of Blohm & Voss
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Although the aircraft manufactured by Hamburger Flugzeugbau were still widely linked with Blohm & Voss, this association led to misunderstandings. Consequently, in September 1937, Hamburger Flugzeugbau was renamed to Abteilung Flugzeugbau der Schiffswerft Blohm & Voss ("Aircraft manufacturing division of the Blohm & Voss shipyard"). The Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM) updated the official aircraft designation prefix to "BV". Aircraft designs initially developed under Ha designations were reassigned BV codes; for instance, the Ha 138 was redesignated as the BV 138.
By 1939, with shipbuilding activities resuming and production facilities fully occupied, Blohm & Voss relocated its aircraft subsidiary—including administrative offices and seaplane production—to a dedicated facility on the banks of the river Elbe at Finkenwerder, known today as a purpose-built site.[7]
The company’s most prominent output consisted of flying boats primarily operated by the Luftwaffe for maritime patrol and reconnaissance missions. The BV 138 Seedrache (originally developed as Ha 138), a twin-boom trimotor, was the most produced model. Larger in scale was the BV 222 Wiking, while the BV 238 prototype held the distinction as the largest aircraft constructed by any Axis nation. Among other noteworthy designs was the asymmetric BV 141 tactical reconnaissance plane; although 20 units were built, it did not proceed to full-scale production due to preference for the Fw 189 Uhu.
The Finkenwerder facility was intended for manufacturing Blohm & Voss’s own designs; however, subcontracted production soon occupied much of the space. As a result, even some in-house projects such as the BV 138 were outsourced to firms like Weser Flugzeugbau. Remarkably, this site survived the extensive Allied bombing campaigns targeting Hamburg during World War II and remained under company control.
As wartime demands intensified, chief designer Richard Vogt’s responsibilities expanded significantly, prompting the recruitment of Hermann Pohlmann—known for designing the Junkers Ju 87—as his deputy. Late-war efforts included several innovative bomber and fighter concepts, culminating in an order for three prototypes of the jet-powered P 215 night fighter just weeks before hostilities ceased.[2]
Revival after World War II
Following Germany’s defeat, all aircraft manufacturing activities were halted. Vogt and Amtmann were recruited under the American Operation Paperclip program and established new careers abroad, while Pohlmann remained in Germany.
In 1955, civil aircraft production was permitted again in Germany. The main Finkenwerder plant was intact, and in 1956 Hamburger Flugzeugbau GmbH (HFB) reformed under Walther Blohm’s ownership but no longer affiliated with Blohm & Voss. Efforts to bring Vogt back from the United States were unsuccessful; instead, Pohlmann returned to lead as chief designer.[8] Another key figure joining at this time was Hans Wocke, who directed engineering activities.[9]
Consistent with prior practice, HFB primarily functioned as a subcontractor on various German and increasingly European aviation projects through participation in multiple consortiums. Its initial contract involved fuselage fabrication and final assembly of the Nord Noratlas. Other notable contributions included work on the Luftwaffe’s Lockheed F-104G Starfighter and collaboration on the Transall C-160 military transport.[10]
In 1958 HFB proposed two civil transport designs: the twin-turboprop HFB 209 with a capacity for 48 passengers and the short-range twin-jet HFB 314. However, anticipated government funding failed to materialize, leading to cancellation of both projects in the early 1960s.[10]
In 1961, HFB joined forces with Focke-Wulf/Weserflug (later part of VFW-Fokker) to establish Entwicklungsring Nord (ERNO), focusing on aerospace development. Their work encompassed contributions to the Dornier Do 31 V/STOL transport and collaborative efforts on the Fokker F28 Fellowship.[4]
The sole aircraft entirely designed and produced by postwar HFB was the forward-swept wing business jet HFB 320 Hansa Jet, which first took flight in 1964 and saw moderate production volumes.
In May 1969, HFB merged with Messerschmitt-Bölkow to create Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB), which was subsequently acquired by Deutsche Aerospace (DASA) in September 1989.[4] DASA has since been integrated into Airbus, which has maintained a significant presence around HFB’s original team and continues to operate the airfield privately as Hamburg Finkenwerder Airport.[2]
Aircraft and Associated Products
Hamburger Flugzeugbau (Pre-World War II)
Several models were still in production when the company transitioned to the Blohm & Voss name, and these aircraft only took flight under the new designation. However, only those designs that continued development under Blohm & Voss received a redesignation.
- Ha 135: A traditional biplane trainer prototype, crafted by Reinhold Mewes.
- Ha 136: An all-metal monoplane trainer prototype, notable for being the first to feature Vogt's signature cylindrical main spar with an integrated fuel tank.
- Ha 137: Prototype dive bomber.
- Ha 138: Twin-boom flying boat prototype, which later entered production as the BV 138 (see below).
- Ha 139: Long-range seaplane designed for mail transport, operated in limited numbers by Deutsche Luft Hansa. It was subsequently redesignated as the BV 139.
- Ha 140: Torpedo bomber seaplane prototype, later renamed BV 140.
- Ha 141: Asymmetric reconnaissance aircraft prototype, further developed into the BV 141 (refer below).
- Ha 142: Landplane variant derived from the Ha 139; prototypes were later utilized as the BV 142.
- Ha 222: Initial design proposal that was eventually constructed as the BV 222.
Aircraft Designed and Flown
- BV 138 Seedrache (sea-dragon), initially identified as Ha 138. This trimotor maritime patrol flying boat was the sole model to reach series production and operational deployment. Some units were produced under subcontract by Weserflug.
- BV 141, originally designated Ha 141. These asymmetric reconnaissance prototypes saw around twenty pre-production units delivered, although none entered active service.
- BV 144: Transport aircraft featuring variable-pitch wings; two units were manufactured in France by Breguet.
- BV 155: High-altitude interceptor prototype developed from the Messerschmitt Me 155 project.
- BV 222 Wiking (Viking): Six-engine transport flying boat, with approximately twelve pre-production models seeing active deployment.
- BV 238: Flying boat prototype representing the largest Axis aircraft constructed and flown during World War II.
- BV 40: Glider interceptor prototype; several units were flown but did not become operational before the end of hostilities.
Among these aircraft, only a few reached operational status. The sole model to achieve serial production was the BV 138, nicknamed "Fliegende Holzschuh" (flying clog). The remainder remained at prototype stage or were produced in limited pre-series or special-purpose quantities. Despite this, production demands warranted establishing a second manufacturing facility at Finkenwerder.
The largest aircraft ever designed and built by any Axis power during World War II was the BV 238. Resembling an enlarged version of the BV 222, only one prototype was constructed and flown.
Developed Munitions
In addition to aircraft production, Blohm & Voss also engineered several air-deployed munitions during the Second World War, including glide bombs and torpedoes. Although thousands were manufactured during the development phase, none proceeded to active deployment. These munitions comprised:
- BV 143 – a prototype glide bomb.
- BV 246 Hagelkorn (meaning Hailstone), initially known as BV 226, which was a long-range glide bomb equipped with radar homing guidance.
- BV 950 – a gliding torpedo prototype produced in two versions:
- L 10 Friedensengel, featuring a torpedo with a glider attachment.
- L 11 Schneewittchen, an advanced subsequent variant.
Design Initiatives
Vogt demonstrated exceptional creativity as a designer, with numerous projects attracting attention within Germany’s aviation circles. Blohm & Voss pursued several primary themes through various design proposals and concepts. These included developing large maritime aircraft, replacements for the Junkers Ju 87 dive bomber/ground attack role, fast bombers, and sophisticated fighter aircraft. Many of these designs exhibited unconventional features such as asymmetrical layouts, unique multi-engine arrangements with crew positioned in unusual locations, wings swept forward or backward (sometimes both), and occasionally tailless configurations. These experimental approaches continued into the jet era, some incorporating combined piston and jet propulsion systems.
Key internal projects during World War II encompassed:
Transports:
Bombers:
- BV 237 – a single-seat dive bomber and ground attack aircraft derived from the asymmetric Bv 141. This model was personally commissioned by Hitler to replace the outdated Ju 87 Stuka, but the project was eventually cancelled.
- P 163 – a fast bomber featuring twin engines coupled to a central contra-rotating propeller and manned wingtip pods.
- P 170 – a high-speed bomber powered by three engines: one central and two mounted on unmanned wingtip nacelles.
- P 188 – a jet-powered bomber with W-shaped wings.
Fighters:
- P 202 – a variable-geometry jet fighter equipped with slewed wings.
- P 203 – a multi-role attack aircraft utilizing combined piston and jet propulsion.
- P 208 – a tailless pusher fighter powered by a piston engine with swept wings.
- P 211 – jet fighter designed for the Volksjäger Emergency Fighter Program competition.
- P 212 – single-engine jet fighter concept.
- P 213 – miniature pulsejet-powered fighter developed for the Emergency Fighter Program's Miniaturjäger contest.
- P 215 – tailless, swept-wing twinjet derived from earlier P 208 and P 212 designs; an order for three prototypes was placed just weeks before the war’s conclusion.
Hamburger Flugzeugbau (Postwar Era)
- HFB 209: Conceptualized as a twin-turboprop airliner.
- HFB 314: Designed as a short-range twin-jet aircraft.
- HFB 320 Hansa Jet: A business jet featuring wings swept forward.
- Transall C-160: Military transport aircraft developed with significant partnership involvement.
- Airbus consortium: Played an important role in both design and production phases.
See also
- Aircraft list § Blohm & Voss
- Aircraft list § Hamburger Flugzeugbau
- Aircraft list § HFB
- German aircraft projects, 1939–45 § Blohm & Voss
References
- Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Amtmann, "Remembered" (1998) Pt.1.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Pohlmann (1979).
- ↑ Pohlmann (1979), 1982 edition, pages 8-11.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Bill Gunston; World Encyclopedia of Aero manufacturers, 2nd Edition, Sutton, 2005.
- ↑ Hans Walden; Wie Geschmiert: Rüstungsproduktion und Waffenhandel im Raum Hamburg ("Well Oiled: Armament Production and Arms Trading in the Hamburg Area"), Loeper, 1997. B+V Geschichte v. 1933-1938 (retrieved 1 May 2017)
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Amtmann, Paperclips (1988)Template:Page needed
- ↑ Amtmann (1998) Paperclips, Page 67.
- ↑ Pohlmann (1979), 1982 edition, Page 242.
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 "The German Industry", section on Hamburger Flugzeugbau, Flight, 19 October 1961, Pages 619-670.
- Sources
- Hans Amtmann; "Blohm und Voss Remembered", Aeroplane Monthly, February 1998 pp. 22–27 (Part 1) and March 1998 pp. 12–15 (Part 2).
- Hans Amtmann; The Vanishing Paperclips, Monogram, 1988.
- Pohlmann, Hermann. 'Chronik Eines Flugzeugwerkes 1932-1945. B&V - Blohm & Voss Hamburg - HFB Hamburger Flugzeugbau (in German). Motor Buch Verlag, 1979 ISBN 3-87943-624-X.
External links
- Wehrmacht History: Blohm & Voss
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