World War II Database

Contributor: C. Peter Chen

ww2dbaseThe Ar 232 Tausendfüssler ("Millipede") transport aircraft were the results of a German Air Ministry's request in late 1939 for a modern transport to replace the Ju 52 transport aircraft in the German military. Engineer Wilhelm van Nes at Arado Flugzeugwerke headed the design team, and his design was so revolutions that the Ar 232 aircraft were often noted as the first of modern transport aircraft with features such as low-slung box-like fuselages, hydraulic-powered rear loading ramps, and high tails so trucks could drive right up to the bottom of the ramps for quick loading and unloading. Additionally, Ar 232 aircraft were also equipped with large flaps, and sometimes even rockets, to assist with takeoffs from shorter air strips. Their landing gears were also unique; in addition to the standard tricycle landing gears, they were each supported by two sets of 11 smaller wheels, which led to the Tausendfüssler ("Millipede") nickname.

ww2dbaseDespite Ju 52 transports' obsolescence, only about 20 Ar 232 aircraft were built, in part due to engine production not being able to meet demands. Two of them were captured by the British at the end of the war; they were given great remarks after test flights, and were used by the British Royal Air Force for several years.

SPECIFICATIONS

B

Machinery	Four BMW Bramo 323R-2 Fafnir 9-cylinder radial engines rated at 1,200hp each
Armament	1x13mm MG 131 machine gun in nose, 1x13mm MG 131 machine gun in rear, 1x20mm MG 151 cannon in dorsal turret, optional 8x7.92mm MG 34 machine guns when transporting infantry
Crew	4
Span	33.50 m
Length	23.52 m
Height	5.69 m
Wing Area	142.60 m²
Weight, Empty	12,780 kg
Weight, Maximum	21,150 kg
Speed, Maximum	308 km/h
Speed, Cruising	288 km/h
Service Ceiling	6,900 m
Range, Normal	1,062 km

Photographs