Arado Ar 234

Arado Ar 234

Country: Germany

Type: Reconnaissance bomber

Manufacturer: Arado

Service: 1944 - 1945

First Flight: 15 June 1943

Production: 210

The Arado Ar 234 Blitz (Lightning) was the first operational jet powered bomber in the world. It was built by the German Arado company in the closing stages of World War II. In the field it was used almost entirely in the reconnaissance role, but in its few uses as a bomber it proved to be nearly impossible to intercept.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ( Ar 234B)

General characteristics

Crew: 1
Length: 12.63 m (41 ft 5½ in)
Wingspan: 14.10 m (46 ft 3½ in)
Height: 4.30 m (14 ft 1¼ in)
Wing area: 26.40 m (284.16 ft)
Empty weight: 5,200 kg (11,460 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 9,850 kg (21,720 lb)
Powerplant: 2 x Junkers Jumo 004B-1 turbojets, 8.80 kN (1,980 lbf) each

Performance

Maximum speed: 742 km/h at 6,000 m (461 mph at 19,700 ft)
Combat radius: 1,100 km (684 miles (with max bombload))
Service ceiling 10,000 m (32,800 ft)

Armament

2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon in tail firing to the rear (optional)
up to 1,500 kg (3,300 lb) of disposable stores on external racks