Fw190 prototype Spring 1939
On 1 June 1939, the Focke-Wulf Fw 190’s first prototype, designated V1 (Werknummer 0001, registration D-OPZE), made its maiden flight with test pilot Hans Sander at the controls. The Fw 190, designed by Kurt Tank, was a compact, low-wing aircraft with a wide-track undercarriage. Tank emphasized simplicity, robust construction, and ease of maintenance, inspired by his experiences in World War I. He aimed to create a high-performance fighter using a powerful air-cooled BMW 139 engine, which offered significantly more horsepower than the water-cooled engines of the time.
The design incorporated a low-wing layout with retractable wide-track landing gear, a cockpit with good visibility, and the reliability advantages of a radial engine. One of the key design elements was a strong undercarriage capable of handling high descent rates, ensuring reliability despite increasing aircraft weight. The Fw 190 featured large rudder and elevator surfaces for good flight handling, and push-rods for control inputs, which provided responsive handling. The aircraft had minimal trim controls, relying on adjustable tabs for stability.
During its first flight, the Fw 190 showed impressive acceleration and climb performance with its 1,500 hp engine. However, there were issues such as excessive cockpit heat, inadequate cockpit sealing allowing exhaust gases to enter, and landing gear that did not lock properly. After resolving these problems, the aircraft was transferred to the Erprobungsstelle Rechlin test center in October 1939. There, test pilots praised its handling and speed, which reached 502 km/h at sea level, surpassing the Bf 109E’s 460 km/h. However, the cockpit heat issue persisted, with temperatures reaching 55°C.
The V1 underwent modifications, including replacing the original engine cowling system—which included a rotating forward nacelle and a cooling fan with a NACA cowling to improve cooling. The cockpit was also better ventilated and sealed. After these changes, the aircraft received the Luftwaffe code FO+LY and remained in service until 1943.