The following article on the German FW-190 fighter was originally printed in Tactical and Technical Trends, No. 6, August 27, 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 FW-190 The British were recently fortunate enough to capture, undamaged, a new FW-190 fighter. This is the plane the Germans claim to be the world's fastest and most maneuverable fighter. In any event it is not a copy of existing German types, but a very much improved combat aircraft. The FW-190 is a cantilever-type, low-wing, all-metal monoplane of stressed skin construction with retractable landing gear and split flaps. A very clean-cut long N.A.C.A.-type cowling blends smoothly into a large cross-sectioned fuselage which tapers sharply to the tail. In appearance the fuselage somewhat resembles our Curtiss P-36 and Vultee Vanguard while the wings are similar to the British Spitfire. Powered with a new BMW (Bavarian Motor Works) 801, 14-cylinder, twin-row, air-cooled, radial engine which is reported to develop about 1,700 H.P., it is believed capable of a top speed of about 390 m.p.h. The service ceiling is estimated around 39,000 feet and the range approximately 380 miles. Both the engine cowling and the cockpit are fully armored. The windshield is of very heavy bullet-proof glass and the fuel tanks are self-sealing. Reports vary as to armament, but the captured plane carried four 20-mm. cannons and two 7.9-mm. machine guns. No equipment for bombs was found but it is believed that a 2,200-lb. bomb could be carried, or that racks for smaller bombs can be fitted similar to those used on other German fighters.

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