Focke-Wulf Ta 152

The Focke‑Wulf Ta 152 was the culmination of the German fighter development program in the final year of World War II. Developed by Focke‑Wulf as a high‑altitude interceptor, it evolved from the earlier Fw 190 series and incorporated lessons learned from the Messerschmitt Bf 109G and the prototype Fw 190D. First flown in early 1944, the Ta 152 entered limited service in early 1945, when Allied bombing raids reached altitudes above 8,000 metres. Its most distinctive feature was the long, tapered wing – the “Hängeele” or high‑aspect‑ratio wing – which gave a span of 12.6 m and dramatically improved lift at altitude. Powered by the Daimler‑Mercedes DB 603A engine delivering 1,800 hp, the aircraft achieved a top speed of 750 km/h at 12,000 m and a service ceiling exceeding 13,000 m. Armament typically consisted of a 30 mm MK 108 cannon paired with two 20 mm MG 151/20 guns, providing formidable firepower against heavy bombers. Although only a few dozen were built, the Ta 152 demonstrated advanced aerodynamic concepts and high‑altitude performance that influenced post‑war jet and swept‑wing designs, marking it as a noteworthy milestone in aviation history. Its legacy endures as a symbol of German engineering ingenuity.

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