Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-3

The Fw 190A-3, shown here, was a compact, well armed, single seat fighter. Light weight for a fighter, but very easy to handle, it proved to be the best fighter on the Western Front from the end of 1941 through 1942. Development of the Fw 190 series began in 1937, in response to a directive from the German Air Ministry. First flown in June of 1939, the Fw 190A went into service in July of 1941. It soon became a fearful adversary, and proved superior to the RAF Spitfire Mk V in both speed and maneuverability. Maximum speed for the Fw 190A-3 was 382 mph at 19,685 ft, with a range of 497 miles. Armament for the Fw 190A-3 consisted of four 20-mm cannons and two 7.9-mm machine guns. By the end of WW II, a total of 13,367 Fw 190A series fighters had been built, plus an additional 6,634 Fw 190 fighter bombers.