Focke-Wulf Fw 189 Uhu

The Focke‑Wulf Fw 189 Uhu was a German twin‑engine, twin‑boom aircraft developed in the late 1930s for short‑range reconnaissance and observation. Designed by Kurt Tank’s team at Focke‑Wulf, the prototype first flew on 26 May 1938 and entered service with the Luftwaffe in 1940. Its most distinctive feature was the all‑wooden, glazed forward cockpit that gave the two‑man crew an unobstructed 360‑degree view, ideal for artillery spotting and battlefield scouting. Powered by two Argus As 410 V‑12 engines delivering 465 hp each, the Fw 189 could reach 340 km/h and operate from rough forward airfields thanks to its sturdy under‑carriage and low wing loading.

The aircraft’s construction combined a steel tube fuselage with wooden wing panels, striking a balance between durability and ease of repair. Armament was modest – usually a single 7.92 mm MG 15 machine gun for defense – but several variants carried additional weapons for night‑fighter and ground‑attack roles. Over 6,000 units were built, serving on every front from the Eastern to the Western theater. Its reliability, exceptional visibility, and versatility made the Fw 189 one of the most effective reconnaissance platforms of World War II, influencing post‑war liaison aircraft design.

Focke-Wulf

Focke-Wulf Fw 189 Uhu

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Design & Classification