Focke-Wulf Fw 191

Focke-Wulf · Germany · first flew 1942 · bomber

The Focke-Wulf Fw 191 was a twin-engined medium bomber prototype developed as part of the Bomber B programme, intended to replace the He 111 and Do 17 with a faster, more capable design. The aircraft was beset by engine problems and never reached production.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	2 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	19.63 m fuselage
T — Tail	Twin fin

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German twin-engine Schnellbomber prototype with twin-fin tail
Plagued by engine unreliability with the BMW 801 and Junkers Jumo 222
Remote-controlled gun barbettes — an ambitious but troublesome design

A large twin-engine mid-wing bomber with a distinctive twin-fin tail — similar in configuration to the Heinkel He 177 concept but twin-engined, with remote-controlled gun barbettes giving it a distinctive clean silhouette.

Specifications

The Focke-Wulf Fw 191 has a length of 19.63 m (64 ft).
It has a wingspan of 26 m (85 ft).
Its maximum speed is 565 km/h (351 mph).
Typical crew: 4.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Designed by Focke-Wulf alongside competing designs from Junkers and Heinkel, the Fw 191 was flown in 1942 but suffered persistent problems with its intended BMW 801 engines, which were needed for fighter production. The alternative Jumo 222 engine was also unreliable, and the programme was cancelled in 1943.

Variants

Several prototypes were completed with different engine installations; no production followed.

Where you'll see it

Never entered operational service.

Related aircraft

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