The following report on the German FW-190 fighter was originally published in Tactical and Technical Trends, No. 11, Nov. 5, 1942. [DISCLAIMER: The following text is taken from the U.S. War Department publication Tactical and Technical Trends. As with all wartime intelligence information, data may be incomplete or inaccurate. No attempt has been made to update or correct the text. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the website.]

FOCKE-WULF 190 COMPARED WITH SPITFIRE IX AND P-38F On the basis of incomplete tests of a captured Focke-Wulf 190, Germany's newest and best fighter plane, the following comparison may be made between the FW-190 on the one hand, and the Spitfire IX and the P-38F on the other. a. FW-190 Compared with Spitfire IX Speed--the two planes are approximately equal at most altitudes. Climb--up to 20,000 ft the two planes are approximately equal, but at higher altitudes the Spitfire is definitely superior. Dive--the FW-190 excels. Maneuverability--except in radius of turn the FW-190 is superior. General conclusion--the Spitfire compares favorably with the FW-190, especially at high altitudes. b. FW-190 Compared with P-38F Speed--while the P-38 is slower at low altitudes, the two planes are approximately equal at 20,000 ft, and at higher altitudes the P-38 rapidly excels. Climb--the FW-190 is superior up to 15,000 ft, but after 20,000 ft, the P-38 has the advantage. Dive--the FW-190 is faster in a dive than the P-38, particularly in the initial stages. Maneuverability--except at lower speed of around 140 mph the FW-190 is superior and will out-turn the P-38.

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