The following is a brief preliminary report on the new German fighter, the Focke-Wulf FW190, from the Intelligence Bulletin, September 1942. The British RAF first encountered the FW190 in combat in September 1941. In June 1942, a German pilot landed his FW190 at an RAF airfield by mistake, and the Allies were able to examine the new fighter in detail. [Editor's Note: The following article is wartime information on the German FW190 fighter published for Allied soldiers. More accurate data on the FW190 and other German weapons and equipment is available in postwar publications.]

FOCKE-WULF — FW190 A new addition to the German Air Force is the Focke-Wulf—FW190. The Germans claim that it is the fastest and most easily maneuvered fighter in the world. However, in spite of its speed and maneuverability, the British have been able to destroy a number of these planes and recently captured one almost intact. As shown in the accompanying photograph, the FW190 bears some resemblance to our P36 pursuit plane, which has been in service for several years. The wing form seems similar to that of the British "Spitfire." Focke-Wulf — FW190 Fighter Powered by a new air-cooled, twin-row radial engine of high horsepower, this plane is capable of performing at an extremely high altitude. It is well protected by armor, is heavily armed, and carries more cannons than is usual with planes of similar type. Although the FW190 has not yet been known to carry bombs, it is possible that bomb racks may be fitted to the plane, since the Germans have done this with other fighters.

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