Focke-Wulf Fw 58 Weihe

Focke-Wulf · Germany · first flew 1935 · transport aircraft

The Focke-Wulf Fw 58 Weihe ('Kite') was a German twin-engine high-wing monoplane used extensively as a crew trainer, communications aircraft, and air ambulance by the Luftwaffe. Its docile handling and enclosed cabin made it a workhorse of the German training system.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	2 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	14 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Twin-engine high-wing monoplane trainer and communications aircraft
Glazed nose and greenhouse cabin windows
Fixed undercarriage with fairings

A high-wing twin with a greenhouse-style cabin glazing and a somewhat blunt nose; the fixed undercarriage with fairings and the extensive cabin glazing distinguish it from military bombers of similar configuration.

Specifications

The Focke-Wulf Fw 58 Weihe has a length of 14 m (46 ft).
It has a wingspan of 21 m (69 ft).
Its maximum speed is 250 km/h (155 mph).
Typical crew: 2.

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

History

First flown in 1935, the Fw 58 was ordered in large numbers and served throughout World War II in training, liaison, and utility roles. It equipped instrument flying schools and was used to convert crews onto multi-engine aircraft throughout the Luftwaffe's expansion.

Variants

The Fw 58B was the primary trainer version with dual controls; the Fw 58C was a six-passenger transport; the Fw 58K was an ambulance variant.

Where you'll see it

Served widely with the Luftwaffe and was exported to Brazil, Argentina, Romania, and several other nations before the war.

Related aircraft

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