Fw 44 Stieglitz

The Fw 44 Stieglitz was a two‑seat biplane trainer produced by the German company Focke‑Wulf under the direction of chief designer Kurt Tank. First flown in 1932, the aircraft quickly became the standard primary trainer for the Luftwaffe and for many civil flying clubs throughout the 1930s. Its simple, robust construction used a wooden wing structure and a fabric‑covered steel tube fuselage, giving it a light weight that paired well with the reliable nine‑cylinder Siemens‑Halske Sh 14 radial engine delivering about 150 hp. The Stieglitz’s wide cockpit, generous control surface authority and forgiving stall characteristics made it ideal for novice pilots, while the interchangeable upper and lower wings allowed easy maintenance and field repairs. Over 1,300 units were built, and the type saw service in several countries, including Spain, Brazil and Japan, where it was licence‑built. The aircraft also featured a split‑axle landing gear that absorbed rough field impacts, further enhancing its training suitability. Its reputation for durability and ease of handling helped shape early German pilot training doctrine and contributed to the rapid expansion of the Luftwaffe before World War II. Its legacy endures in museums and as a symbol of Kurt Tank’s early design achievements.

Kurt Tank

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification