Focke-Wulf Fw 57
Focke-Wulf · Germany · first flew 1936 · bomber
The Focke-Wulf Fw 57 was a twin-engine heavy fighter and Zerstörer prototype that competed in the Luftwaffe's 1934–36 competition ultimately won by the Messerschmitt Bf 110. It was a large, three-seat aircraft that proved too heavy and underpowered for its intended role.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Long slim fuselage with mid-set straight wing |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin-engine heavy fighter prototype that lost to the Bf 110
- Large glazed nose with gun positions
- Long slim fuselage with mid-set straight wing
Recognisable by its very large twin-engine layout with a long, slender fuselage, extensively glazed nose gondola, and mid-set straight wings of considerable span.
Specifications
- The Focke-Wulf Fw 57 has a length of 16.4 m (54 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 25 m (82 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 404 km/h (251 mph).
- Typical crew: 3.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Flown in 1936, the Fw 57 crashed during testing and was outperformed by both the Messerschmitt Bf 110 and the Henschel Hs 124. Only three prototypes were completed before the programme was cancelled, with the contract going to Messerschmitt.
Variants
Three prototypes with slightly different engine and armament fits; no production standard was finalised.
Where you'll see it
Never entered operational service; evaluated by the Luftwaffe only as prototypes.
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- Focke-Wulf Fw 187 Falke
- Focke-Wulf Fw 58 Weihe
- Focke-Wulf Fw 62
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- Blenheim
- Breda Ba.88 Lince
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