Focke Wulf Jet Fighters

The Focke Wulf company's biggest success during the Second World War was the choice of a radial engine for the Fw 190 fighter, avoiding competition with Messerschmitt for in-line engines. The Kurt Tank team proposed a centrifugal turbojet in the nose of an Fw 190 A/3, which was later replaced with a Jumo 004 B in 1943. Focke Wulf could finally overcome its competitors with the Ta 183 design, inspiring numerous designs of other countries during the Cold War.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 256 pages
\n Publication date: 25 January 2018
\n Publisher: Fonthill Media
\n

The Focke Wulf company achieved remarkable success during the Second World War by opting for a radial engine for their iconic Fw 190 fighter. This strategic decision allowed them to bypass direct competition with Messerschmitt for in-line engines, thereby enhancing their competitiveness. However, the challenges faced by fighter designers during this period were manifold. The Oberkommando der Luftwaffe's allocation of scarce turbojets to the Messerschmitt and Arado firms, coupled with the discovery of the aerodynamic phenomenon known as compressibility buffeting by mid-1942, posed significant obstacles.

In response, the Kurt Tank team proposed an innovative solution. They suggested installing a centrifugal turbojet of their design in the nose of an Fw 190 A/3, with the intention of replacing it with a more powerful Jumo 004 B when it became available in 1943. This forward-thinking approach marked a significant milestone in the evolution of fighter aircraft.

Following this proposal, a series of designs emerged that capitalized on the use of various turbojets, turboprops, ramjets, and rocket engines, both projected and available at the time. These designs formed the foundational documentation for this book.

Despite facing initial setbacks in contests such as the TL Jagdfleugzeug, Volksflugzeug, and Hochleitungs Nachtjäger in March 1943, September 1944, and January 1945, respectively, Focke Wulf finally emerged victorious with their groundbreaking Ta 183 design. While it was too late to make a significant impact on the Second World War, the Ta 183 program served as a source of inspiration for numerous designs in other countries during the early years of the Cold War.

The Focke Wulf company's innovative approach and strategic decision-making during the Second World War set the stage for future advancements in fighter aircraft technology. Their commitment to pushing the boundaries of aviation engineering has left a lasting legacy in the history of military aviation.

\n Weight: 804g\n
Dimension: 182 x 255 x 20 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781781556641\n \n