Focke Wulf 190

In 1937, even as the Bf 109 was just beginning to realize its potentials, the RLM ( Reuchsluftfahr Ministerium) issued a request for a new generation of fighters in order to stay one step ahead of the allied powers. It was clear that the new plane needed to be faster, better protected and better armed. Focke Wulf company's response based on the DB601 engine drew little attention. It was at that time that they turned towards Kurt Tank, a well known aeronautics engineer. He proposed to use an 18 Cylinder, air cooled , Radial BMW139 engine in the new aircraft. For all the genius of the design it self , it was probably the choice of BMW to power the plane, le to its quick acceptance by the RLM, because Daimler Benz and Junkers factories were already strechted into capacity. the air cooled engine also had an advantage over water cooled engines due to ability to better withstand bullet damage.

the first FW190 prototype flew on June 1st 1939 and was called FW190V-1. This prototype flew over Bremen airport. the extensive tests how ever, showed both advantages and disadvantages of this plane. the BMW proposed its 801 engine which led to the redesign of the plane. The new design proved to be perfect despite some cases of engine overheating.  Production and deliveries started in May 1940. The FW 190 was first flown in to comabt over the english channel, conducting small group raids at low alltitudes. the German quickly learned that the british Spifire MKV was unable to intercept this highly maneuverable and fast aircraft. the German raids over england , followed no fixed pattern and randomly hit, Trains, cities , towns and barracks. Prompting the British to put their Spitfires and typhoons in the air on a constant basis in order to patrol the skies. for 360 flights made by the FW190 there were 52000 patrol flights made by the British and still the British were unable to Garanty a reliable protection agaisnt the German airraids.

the FW190 was also successful due to wide variaty of weapons that could be fitted to its airframe as well as other modification s that made it a truly multi purpose plane, intercepter, attack and night fighter. this Versatile plane was constantly upgraded and modified, and its usefulness kept it in production until the very end of the war. 20000 units were manufactured until april 1945.