Focke-Wulf Ta 152

Focke-Wulf · German Reich · first flew 1944 · glider

The Focke-Wulf Ta 152 was the ultimate development of the Fw 190 lineage, designed specifically for high-altitude interception with an extended wing, pressurised cockpit, and a powerful Junkers Jumo 213E engine. It was one of the highest-performing piston fighters of the war.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	1 × none, embedded-mounted
F — Fuselage	10.71 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Elongated high-altitude development of the Fw 190 with extended wings
Jumo 213E engine with two-stage supercharger for high-altitude performance
One of the fastest piston fighters of WWII in its operational envelope

Longer and more elegant than the Fw 190D, with distinctly extended wingtips; the Ta 152H has an almost glider-like wingspan compared to the compact Fw 190A.

Specifications

The Focke-Wulf Ta 152 has a length of 10.71 m (35 ft).
It has a wingspan of 14.44 m (47 ft).
Its maximum speed is 755 km/h (469 mph).
Typical crew: 1.

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

History

Developed under Kurt Tank (hence the 'Ta' designation) from the Fw 190D, the Ta 152H entered limited Luftwaffe service in early 1945. Only around 150 were completed before the war ended; they achieved some notable intercepts against Allied fighters.

Variants

The Ta 152H was the high-altitude interceptor with extended wing; the Ta 152C was a lower-altitude variant with the DB 603 engine and shorter span; the Ta 152E was a reconnaissance model.

Where you'll see it

JG 301 and parts of JG 2 operated the Ta 152H in the final months of the war; production was too limited and too late to influence the conflict's outcome.

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