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The Arado 240/440 had problems of behaviour at low speeds, especially on landing.
I have the Arado 240 at 454 mph and the Arado 440 at 464 mph. According to what I read, the 240 had bad handling characteristics. The 440 was stretched by 35.5 inches, just under 1 meter, and apparently did not cure the handling woes.
But the speed was so good I'm surprised they didn't pursue a handling cure. Of course, the handling woes aren't described, but stretching the fuselage indicate yaw issues ... if I were to extrapolate. Without data, though, it's just a guess and we'd need more to make anything like an informed opinion.
So I'm with you ... I don't know but think they should have pursued the type a bit farther.
It appears to me Me-110 had superior climb and probably superior maneuverability (i.e. lower wing loading) when both aircraft were powered by similar engines. Me-110 already had a proven track record as night fighter and recon aircraft.
Ju-88A and Me-210C/Me-410A were probably superior dive bombers.
If developed to production status what role would Ar-240 perform?
Dave, what on earth are you talking about? You have been taking too much about what-if scenarios that you have lost your sense of realityU.S. Strategic Bombing Survey Aircraft Division Industry Report
149 DB603 engines were produced during March 1943. Even if the entire production were reserved for Ar-240C that amounts to about 50 aircraft plus a few spare engines.
Doesn't sound realistic to me. Especially when other aircraft programs such as Fw-190C and Me-309 would like those same DB603 engines.