Focke-Wulf Flugzeugbau GmbH

Focke-Wulf aircraft production began in 1924 with the introduction of the A 16 light transport which saw service with several airlines. Focke-Wulf aircraft were characterized by their thick, high-mounted wings and bulky fuselages. Later aircraft included the Möwe range of transports, the S 24 Peewit light aeroplane and the A 39, A 40 and Fw 43 high-winged monoplanes.

Focke-Wulf saw no great success with these aircraft but 1931 saw the amalgamisation of Focke-Wulf with Albatros-Flugzeugwerke and the arrival at the Bremen plant of Kurt Tank who was to become one of the world's leading aeronautical engineers. Tank took up leadership of the design department and also flight testing. Work began on Tank's first design for Focke-Wulf, the Fw 44 biplane, at Stieglitz in 1931. The prototype flew for the first time in late summer 1932 and, after considerable redesign, became the first aeroplane for which Focke-Wulf received considerable orders thus establishing Focke-Wulf Flugzeugbau.

The Fw 56, the first of the Focke-Wulf single-engined monoplanes, was built in 1934. This was the first aircraft for which Kurt Tank had full responsibility. The next important aircraft was the Fw 58, a twin-engined model. It was the first Focke-Wulf of all-metal construction.

By far the most important aircraft built by Focke-Wulf was the Fw 190, considered by many to be the finest single-seat fighter of WW2. The first Fw 190 flew in 1939 and production ran until the end of the war in 1945.

This web site deals with the more famous products of Focke-Wulf Flugzeugbau. In common with many german aircraft manufacturers during the war, Focke-Wulf undertook the planning and design of some experimental flying machines towards the end of WW2 some information about which is included.

Anyone interested in flying an FW 190 can have a look at the Flugwerke website where, for a mere half a million euros, you can buy a kit to build yourself a 'new' one.