Focke-Wulf Fw 190A
Focke-Wulf · Germany · first flew 1939 · fighter
The radial-engined 'Butcher Bird' that shocked the Allies over the Channel in 1941, the Fw 190A's wide BMW 801 cowl and blunt wing tips make it instantly distinguishable from liquid-cooled contemporaries.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.84 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Wide-chord BMW 801 radial engine with a prominent circular cowling — the widest nose of any German WWII fighter, unmistakably round in head-on view
- Broad, blunt-tipped rectangular wings with squared-off tips distinguish it from the elliptical Spitfire and the tapered Bf 109
- Large annular cooling fan ring visible within the cowl opening; the blunt nose contrasts sharply with the tapered liquid-cooled Bf 109 or Fw 190D
The circular radial cowl immediately separates the Fw 190A from the Bf 109. Against the Fw 190D: the A has a short, blunt radial nose versus the D's elongated inline-engine nose and prominent chin intake.
Specifications
- The Focke-Wulf Fw 190A has a length of 8.84 m (29 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.51 m (34 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 654 km/h (406 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First operational in late 1941, the Fw 190A outperformed the Spitfire Mk V in almost every measure and triggered a crisis that accelerated the Mk IX. It fought on every German front in roles from fighter to fighter-bomber to torpedo carrier.
Variants
A-1 through A-9, progressively heavier armament. The A-8 with four 20 mm cannon and two MG 131s was the definitive sub-type. F-series (fighter-bomber) and G-series (long-range ground attack) are close relatives.
Where you'll see it
Extremely rare airworthy; a handful of examples fly in the USA and Germany. The wide radial cowl makes the type unmistakable in any flying display.
Related aircraft
- Focke-Wulf Fw 190
- Focke-Wulf Fw 189 Uhu
- Focke-Wulf Fw 187 Falke
- Focke-Wulf Fw 190 A-3
- Arsenal VG-33
- Avia B-135
- Beriev MBR-7
- Bisnovat SK-1
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 5,024 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.