The Focke-Wulf Fw 190 is a single seat German fighter designed by Kurt Tank.
The design concept of the Fw 190 was not to compete with the speed of the Bf 109 but to provide an aircraft that was relatively easy to fly and maintain and also absorb a lot of battle damage.
It was thought that the larger frontal area of a radial engine would cause too much drag to be used on a fighter but with the streamlined cowl fitted around the cylinder heads and air flow through the spinner, this proved not to be the case.
Unlike the BF 109, it had wide-tracked, inwards-retracting landing gear making it easier to handle and more forgiving to the inexperienced pilot.
The tailwheel was also retractable and had a triangular access panel in the tailfin for access to the mechanism.
The twin-row BMW 801 radial engine which powered most versions of the Fw 190 enabled it to carry larger loads than the Me 109 and so not only was it a fighter but also took on fighter-bomber and ground attack roles.
PRODUCTION
The Focke-Wulf Fw 190 was produced from 1941 to 1945, with over 20,000 built.
ENGINE
BMW 801D, producing 1700 hp.
Press play to hear the FW190
ARMAMENT
2 x MG 151 20mm cannon
2 x MG 131 13mm machine guns
1 x 1,100 lb (500 kg) Bomb
The Focke-Wulf Fw 190 is a fighter aircraft, which along with the Messerschmitt Bf 109, was the backbone of the Luftwaffe's fighter force during World War II.
The Fw 190A was operational in France August 1941 and proved superior to the Spitfire Mk. V in all but its turn radius, maintaining its air superiority until the introduction of the Spitfire Mk IX.
The Fw 190 was liked by its pilots who generally thought it was one of the best fighters of WWII.
