Focke-Wulf Fw 187

The Focke‑Wulf Fw 187 “Falke” was a German twin‑engine, two‑seat fighter‑reconnaissance aircraft developed in the late 1930s by the Focke‑Wulf company. First flown on 27 June 1937, the prototype demonstrated exceptional speed—reaching 560 km/h (350 mph) with only 860 hp from its two Daimler‑Benz DB 601 engines—making it one of the fastest land‑based fighters of its era. Its sleek, low‑drag airframe featured a plywood‑covered wing, retractable undercarriage, and a compact fuselage that housed a crew of pilot and observer with a clear canopy for excellent visibility. Armament typically comprised two 7.92 mm MG 17 machine guns and a rear‑firing 13 mm MG 131, allowing both offensive and defensive roles. Although promising, the Fw 187 suffered from production delays, limited Luftwaffe interest, and competition from the single‑engine Messerschmitt Bf 109, which could be built more cheaply and in larger numbers. Only a few dozen were built, but the aircraft influenced later twin‑engine designs and showcased Focke‑Wulf’s aerodynamic expertise. Its legacy endures as a testament to innovative German engineering on the eve of World War II. After the war, several surviving examples were examined by Allied engineers, who praised its handling and contributed insights that fed into early jet fighter concepts.

Focke-Wulf

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