[Nick Beale]

Interesting question.

Pure guesswork but the better defensive armament and payload of the Bv 138 may have been factors in the overwater reconnaissance and submarine hunting roles. Also I wonder if we should see the Do 24 as the Do 18’s replacement? The Do 18 was serving in the sea rescue role in the Battle of Britain and the first Do 24’s were arriving to take over that work. I don’t remember that the Bv 138 was used by Seenot units (don’t hold me to that, I haven’t checked).