Tamiya 60766 - 1/72 Focke-Wulf Fw190A-3 WWII  [60766]

Towards Focke-Wulf Fw190 A-3

Growth of the FW190 series began into the Autumn of 1937, under an agreement issued by the Reichsluftfahrtministerium (Air Ministry) for an individual seat fighter to supplement the Messerschmitt Bf109. Two proposals were submitted by Kurt Tank, the technical director for the Focke-Wulf Flugzeugbau (aircraft factory). The proposition using the then brand new BMW 801 aircooled radial motor ended up being opted for. This tough and powerful engine ended up being placed in a robust airframe and supplied superb maneuvering, sensible control, and quick acceleration. It joined service in 1941, flying alongside the Bf 109 plus it soon took control of atmosphere superiority within the English Channel. Establishing it self as a mainstay fighter for the Luftwaffe, it outperformed the contemporary Spitfire Mk.V's in nearly every respect and maintained this advantage until the arrival of the Spitfire IX in July 1942. The Fw190 fighter underwent constant improvement throughout its life. The A-3 variation used the improved BMW 801Dg motor that produced 1,700hp. Armament had been increased from 4 to 6 weapons, consisting of two fast firing MG151's in the wing origins; two MG FF's outboard for the landing gear and two fuselage mounted MG 17 machine firearms. Throughout WW2, numerous Luftwaffe squadrons allowed personal pilot markings and distinctive squadron insignia to be used, plus lower cowl, wing tip and rudder color additions towards initial paint schemes.