When Advanced Technology Means Absolutely Nothing: Arado Ar 240

Video Description

In this video, we take a look at the Arado Ar 240, a heavy fighter/destroyer/dive bomber/ground attacker/night fighter from Germany during World War II that was intended to replace the Messerschmitt Bf 110. We first talk about the issues surrounding the Bf 110 and heavy fighters, and why despite these problems, the Bf 110 served with Germany until the war ended. We then talk about the start of the pre-war attempts to replace it in both the Me 210 and the Ar 240. We then talk about the early stages of Arado as a company, and how they became a small but interesting element of German aircraft production. We talk about the proposed technologically advanced features of the Ar 240, from new self-sealing tanks to remote-controlled defensive turrets. We then talk about the early flight testing of the Ar 240 prototype, and how it controlled terribly. We talk about why the project likely continued regardless, and look at the many prototypes and proposed variants. We look at the very small production run and extremely limited combat use, before then finishing by comparing the Ar 240 to a "raw" NFL prospect.