Abandoned Fw190 coded “Yellow 2” somewhere in Germany, Summer 1945
The Rationale for Using Wooden Components in the Fw 190
By the turn of 1944, Germany was facing a critical shortage of strategic materials due to the Allied bombing campaign and the demands of wartime production. To address this issue, the Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM) deemed it necessary to explore using wooden substitutes for components in the Fw 190. This primarily applied to tail parts, flaps, and ailerons.
It is worth noting, however, that using wood in aircraft construction was not unprecedented. Wood had been a primary material in aircraft construction in the early days of aviation and was still used in some aircraft designs during World War II. For example, the British de Havilland Mosquito was a highly successful multi-role combat aircraft constructed primarily of wood.
The rationale for using wood in the Fw 190 was likely driven by several factors:
- Material Shortages: As mentioned, Germany faced severe shortages of strategic materials like aluminum and steel by late in the war. Wood, being more readily available, offered a potential alternative.
- Reduced Production Costs: Wood was generally cheaper and easier to work with than metal, potentially reducing production costs and time.
- Strategic Considerations: Using wood could free up vital metal resources for other critical war production needs.
However, using wood also presented certain disadvantages:
- Strength and Durability: Wood was generally weaker and less durable than metal, potentially compromising the structural integrity of the aircraft, especially under combat conditions.
- Weight: While certain types of wood could be strong, they were also often heavier than metal alloys, potentially impacting the aircraft’s performance.
- Fire Risk: Wood was more susceptible to fire than metal, a serious concern in combat aircraft, especially those powered by flammable avgas fuel and carrying explosive ordnance.
Despite these disadvantages, the critical situation facing Germany likely prompted the RLM to explore all possible avenues for maintaining aircraft production, including using wood.