Focke-Wulf 189 "UHU"

The FW 189 is certainly one of the most strangest shapped planes of WWII. The first flight of this planes take place during 1938, but allied intelligence discover this plane only during 1941.
The FW189 was one of this plane exclusively designed for one mission, the FW189 was the " Wermacht flying Eye ".



The FW189 is a twin tailed plane, with a central fuselage with many windows. The engine was 2 Argus As410A-1 V inverted 12 cylinders air cooling developping 465cv.
The central section of wing hace a straight attack and leading edge. The external wings have a important arrowed attack edge.

The crew of 3 or 4 members ,pilot, observer,rear-gunner and oberver/gunner in rear under position. The armament of the FW189 was heavy for a plane of this category, 2 x 7,92mm cal MG17 in inner wings, a twin 7,92mm MG81 for rear gunner, and an other twin 7,92mm in the rear under position.
The FW189 can carry 4 50kg bombs under wings

The FW189 was not a combat plane, but many time she was used as an infantry close support aircraft on the East front.
With a great agility the FW189 was able to escape the ennemy fighters, and if he can totally escape the strong construction make it able to reach his bas with heavy damage.Most of one time a FW189 was saw returning with only one tail ,or half of a wing ripped appart.

During few month a modified version of the FW189 was tested to replace the Ju87 Stuka and the HS129.
The project was a one seat attack fighter with powerfull engine and heavy guns, several 20mm guns ,but the project was abandonned.

Few models have been equiped for training with a side to side cockpit.

Most of the FW189 builded was built in France at Bordeaux Merignac, the production stopp when the allied advance was near Bordeaux.

The most built versions are A-1,A-2 and A-3
The total number of unit produced was 846 units.