In 1923 Focke-Wulf Flugzeugbau was founded by Henrich Rocke, Georg Wulf, and Werner Naumann. The Fw 190 Wūrger (Shrike) was designed by Kurt Tank in 1938 and was produced in quantity from 1941-1945 during which time over 20,000 were produced. The Flying Heritage and Combat Armor Museum in Everett, Washington has two World War II German Focke-Wulf 190 airplanes on display.
According to the Museum:
“Its appearance in the fall of 1941 was a rude awakening for Allied designers and pilots. The new German plane was an ideal dogfighter—fast, light, and small. It was more than a match for the contemporary versions of the British Spitfire. The Focke-Wulf 190 was also heavily-armed and immensely strong, giving it the ability to fly in ground attack roles as well.”
The Fw 190 maintained superiority over Allied fighters until the production of the British Spitfire Mk. IX. The Fw 190 was used as a day fighter, fighter-bomber, and ground-attack aircraft.
Focke-Wulf Fw 190 A-5
When compared with the Messerschmitt Bf 109, many German fighter pilots considered the Fw 190 to be a better plane at low to medium altitudes. The Fw 190 A-5 on display was factory-modified for ground attacks and was used in the Eastern Front.
It has a top speed of 392 mph, a range of 538 miles, and a ceiling of 32,808 feet. It is powered by a 14-cylinder, air-cooled, radial BMW engine. It is armed with two Rheinmefall MG 17 7.9mm machine guns in the nose and two Mauser MG 151 20mm cannons in the wings.
Focke-Wulf Fw 190-D-13 (Dora)
The D-model Fw 190 used the V-12 Junkers Jumo engine instead of the BMW radials. The long-nosed D-models had a stretched aft fuselage to maintain the center of gravity. According to the Museum:
“The D-model fighters proved to be the most successful examples of the 190 series, competing with the P-51 Mustang and late-model Spitfires on even terms. However, Germany’s lack of well-trained pilots and shortage of fuel at the late stages of the war made the new Fw 190 D a less than effective weapon.”
The airplane on display in the Flying Heritage and Combat Armor Museum is the only Fw 190 D-13 to have survived the war. It was surrendered to the Allies in May 1945. According to the Museum:
“It will not be flown because it is the only one of its type left in the world.”
It has a top speed of 426-440 mph, a range of 519 miles, and a ceiling of 39,370 feet. It is armed with three 20 mm MG 151 cannons.
Note: These photos were taken on July 11, 2024.
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