Overview

This the first of a comprehensive three-volume reference book on the iconic Focke Wulf FW190 - arguably the finest fighter aircraft of World War 2. The books are the product of years of research by two of the leading experts into this complex aircraft to produce the complete work on the FW190. Each volume contains some 400 photographs including those showing factory and manufacturing, close ups of weapons and equipment and operational units as well as numerous facsimiles of Focke-Wulf handbook drawings. Colour artwork will also be included, plus an extensive selection of original manufacturer's technical drawings. When it first appeared in the in the skies over France in late 1941, the pugnacious, radial-engined Focke-Wulf Fw 190 represented a formidable and ominous foe to the RAF. Despite initial technical problems with the engine, as well as with the ailerons, elevators and undercarriage on the early A-1 and A-2 variants, the Fw 190 soon proved itself as a dependable fighter aircraft. The aircraft's considerable armament package blended with manoeuvreability on the ground pleased pilots; the wide undercarriage track of the Fw 190 was an improvement over the Bf 109F, as was the air-cooled engine technology. By June 1942, some 250 Fw 190s were operational in the West. This was a shock to the Allies and provided a new dimension to air combat on the Western Front . The encounters with the USAAF's heavy bombers which would follow over the next three years between the B-17 and the Fw 190 would form some of the most titanic and bitter contests of the air war. Meanwhile, the Eastern Front provided the German fighter force with an abundance of targets and quickly, the Fw 190 - known as the'Butcher Bird' - proved to be the best piston-engined fighter of the war. Many German aces were created flying the Fw 190. Flying over extensive distances often in extreme weather conditions, the Fw 190 also excelled in the ground-attack role, inflicting devastating destruction and damage to Soviet armour and ground defences. This new volume is in the large hardback Classic format, densely packed and illustrated, representing a 'one-stop' reference work to be used by enthusiasts and modellers for easy access to information on the FW190.

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9781906537296

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Reviews

The Focke-Wulf Fw190 was probably the finest piston-engined fighter of WWII. First proposed in 1938 and finally entering service in 1941 it became known as the Butcher Bird, with many aces shooting down over 100 enemy aircraft.This superb book covers the full history of the Focke-Wulf company from early beginnings through to 1943 with particular reference to the Fw190. This is a popular aircraft for Warbird enthusiasts and for anyone contemplating a true scale model this book makes essential reading. It is packed with photographs, squadron markings, internal detail and full type history. With two more volumes yet to be published this series will form the most comprehensive 'one-stop' reference on this superb German WWII aircraft published to date. -- Colin Usher * Aviation Modeller International *

Author Information

J. Richard Smith and Eddie J. Creek have been researching Luftwaffe aircraft for over 40 years, publishing their first book, German Aircraft of the Second World War, in 1972. After retiring as an architect in 1991, Eddie established Classic Publications with Robert Forsyth. He again co-operated with Richard Smith in the production of an acclaimed four-volume history of the Me 262, published by Classic, and this was followed by several volumes on the Luftwaffe fighter and bomber units and their markings for Classic.

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