        The Blohm und Voss BV 40A Glider-Interceptor

Early results of the defensive war against the Allied bomber
offensive indicated that the frontal area of a FW190 was 17
square feet, and this was a target capable of being hit by
the average B17 gunner at a range of more than 1,000 yards.
One way to reduce the frontal signature would be, as noted by
Dr. Ing. Vogt, to eliminate the engine altogther!  Thus was
born the idea of the "glide-fighter" unpowered interceptor.
It would be made of "non-strategic" materials and towed to
interception heights by a normal, powered fighter (the
Bf109).  Its very small frontal area would make it a
difficult target.
The pilot was prone, protected by a 120mm thick armored glass
windshield, with front armor of 20mm of steel, and sliding
8mm plates to cover the side windows.  The roof hatch and
side armor were also 8mm.  The takeoff trolley was
jettisonable, with a semi-retractable skid for landing.
There was only room for two Mk108 cannon with 35 r.p.g., this
seen as sufficient as only one or possibly two passes would
be made.
Additionally, it was proposed to arm the BV 40 with "a
variety of small bombs fitted with proximity fuzes" to be
dropped on enemy bomber formations.

Top speed: 344 mph when towed by a Bf109G, maximum calculated
dive speed of 560 mph.

Armament: 2 x Mk108 cannon, 35 r.p.g., OPTIONAL: 8 x 110
pound aerial-fuzed bombs.

HOW TO USE THIS MOD:
Use your normal plane swapping technique to swap the
BV40A.EXP file into an .SPC file.  You must have the P80
add on disk to use this plane.  A realistic scenario would
have a BV40A accompanied by its towing Bf109G attacking a
bomber formation.

TO USE THE BOMBS:  The 110 pound aerial bombs are dropped 4
at a time.  After arming the bombrack, press once to drop
four bombs, and press twice in rapid succession to drop all
eight.  They have the same delay as the standard FW190 551
pound aerial bomb.

Created by Gregory M. "Sturmer" Smith