Nazi Germany (1939)
Close-support ground attack aircraft : Two prototypes built
The Luftwaffe (Eng. German Air Force) entered the Second World War without a dedicated close air support aircraft, with their more infamous dive bombers carrying out their missions independently of ground forces. As this need became increasingly apparent, attempts were made to identify a suitable design, but any new aircraft would have to be as inexpensive as possible, as other aircraft projects were prioritized. With limited options, Focke-Wulf proposed adapting its Fw 189 reconnaissance aircraft for this role. While promising in theory, the adaptation proved flawed and ultimately unsuccessful in practice. Despite this, two prototypes were built and tested, but by 1940, the project was abandoned.
A Modern Reconnaissance Aircraft
The rise of Nazism in Germany during the 1930s led to a massive military buildup, defying the limitations imposed by the Treaty of Versailles, which by this time was little more than a formality, with few parties motivated to uphold it. Among the most rapidly expanding branches was the Luftwaffe, which received substantial investment and development, leading to the introduction of a series of modern aircraft designed for various military roles.
One of these roles, tactical reconnaissance, was initially assigned to the Henschel Hs 126. Despite its somewhat outdated design, this high-wing aircraft proved reasonably effective for its intended purpose. However, its relatively low speed and the absence of a dedicated observer limited its effectiveness in reconnaissance missions.
Even as the Hs 126 entered service, the Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM), or German Air Ministry, took steps to develop a more advanced replacement. In 1937, they initiated a program to explore new designs. Although multiple projects were tested, the Focke-Wulf Fw 189, headed by the engineer Kurt Tank, ultimately emerged as the chosen design. While RLM officials were initially uncertain about the Focke-Wulf proposal, they eventually placed an order for three prototypes. Construction on the first prototype designated the Fw 189V1, began in April 1937 and was completed in 1938. It was soon followed by two additional prototypes.
As preparations for production were underway, the RLM initially decided to rely solely on the Hs 126. However, after the successful conclusion of the Western campaign against the Allies in France in June 1940, Luftwaffe officials reconsidered their stance on the Hs 126. It became evident that this aircraft would soon be extremely obsolete in its intended role, necessitating an urgent search for a replacement. The only aircraft that could potentially fulfill this role within a short timeframe was the Fw 189. Production began in the summer of 1940, and by 1944, fewer than 900 units of this aircraft had been built. Despite the limited production, the Fw 189 saw extensive service and proved to be both popular and highly effective throughout the war.
A Modern Air Force With No Ground Attack Aircraft?
While the rearmament of the German military forces was underway, Luftwaffe officials recognized the need for a dedicated ground-attack aircraft to provide close air support. Although the Ju 87 Stuka was designed for precision bombing to neutralize fortified targets, it was clear that they needed a heavily armed and well-protected aircraft for close-in support near friendly units. Despite this need, early Luftwaffe development in this area lagged, for reasons that remain unclear. Kurt and his team at Focke-Wulf saw a potential business opportunity and decided to repurpose their Fw 189 aircraft to meet this demand.
Recognizing that the Fw 189’s glazed, unarmored fuselage was not equipped for the ground-attack role, the Focke-Wulf team set out to develop a more protected fuselage design, which would house both a pilot and a rear gunner. Eager to proceed quickly, Focke-Wulf engineers decided to modify the first prototype of the Fw 189. The aircraft was returned to the Focke-Wulf factory in 1938 so that work on the modifications could begin immediately. After several months of redesign and construction, the new prototype designated Fw 189V1b (later marked with the code NA+BW) was completed and underwent its first flight tests in 1939. It was powered by the two 430 hp Argus As 410 engines.
The results of these tests were disappointing, to say the least. The prototype was difficult to control, and its overall flight performance was poor. The added weight significantly affected its handling and maneuverability. Furthermore, the small armored glass windshield provided a limited view for the pilot, making it challenging to fly. To make matters worse, the rear gunner’s visibility was almost nonexistent.
With few other options, the aircraft was returned to Focke-Wulf for further modifications. Both the pilot’s and rear gunner’s visibility issues had to be addressed, necessitating adjustments to the overall design. After a series of modifications, the aircraft was deemed ready and submitted to the Luftwaffe for evaluation. Despite the promise of close-support ground attack aircraft, it attracted little interest from major German aircraft manufacturers, leaving the Henschel Hs 129 as its only real competitor.
After a series of test flights with both aircraft, Luftwaffe officials grew increasingly annoyed and disappointed. The Fw 189 and the Hs 129 performed quite poorly. As a result, both aircraft were sent back for further improvements. However, the story of the Fw 189V1b came to an abrupt end shortly after this competition. During one demonstration flight, the pilot miscalculated his approach and collided with a building while attempting to land. Although he survived with injuries, the prototype was so severely damaged that it was written off entirely.
Future Development
Despite a rough start, the project was not abandoned. Though the initial prototype failed, it still held interest with some Luftwaffe officials, leading to an order for Focke-Wulf to produce another prototype for further testing. Expectations were high, as this version was intended to enter production as the Fw 189C and to have corrected all the faults of the disappointing first attempt. To meet these demands, Focke-Wulf developed the Fw 189V6 prototype, which carried the code D-OPVN.
In appearance, the Fw 189V6 closely resembled the previous model, but it featured a slightly modified fuselage and was powered by a more powerful 465-horsepower Argus As 410 engine. The prototype was completed and tested in 1940, with trials conducted by the 5 Staffel of Lehrgeschwader 2. During testing, pilots who had the chance to fly both the Fw 189V6 and its competitor, the Henschel Hs 129, overwhelmingly favored the Focke-Wulf design.
However, the pressures of the ongoing war and reduced production capacity meant that the Luftwaffe needed an option that was quicker and cheaper to mass-produce. Ultimately, the Hs 129 was chosen, despite its reputation as a more cumbersome design. The fate of the Fw 189V6 is unclear, though it was likely scrapped. The close support role was later taken up by the Fw 190, with special fighter bomber variants being created to take up the mission and phase out the dated dive bombers.
Although the Fw 189C never entered production, some Fw 189A models were modified for ground-attack roles during the war. Designated as the Fw 189A-4, these variants were armed with two forward-mounted 20 mm cannons and two MG 17 machine guns. Additional armor was installed to protect vital components, including the fuel tanks, engines, and fuselage. An unknown number of these modified aircraft were produced starting in late 1942.
Technical characteristics
The Fw 189C prototypes incorporated several components from the original Focke-Wulf design. The original glazed fuselage was replaced with a fully enclosed, two-man armored compartment. This updated cockpit featured an armored, pointed nose, designed to provide an improved forward view while maintaining some degree of aerodynamic efficiency. The canopy had three small windows, and directly behind it was a compact compartment for the rear gunner. The aircraft’s overall construction consisted of rounded metal frames covered with a stressed duralumin skin. The new fuselage was reinforced with armor plating, though specific details about the placement and thickness of the armor are not mentioned in available sources. Unfortunately, the design proved to be cramped and lacked consideration for the comfort of both the pilot and the gunner.
The aircraft’s wings consist of two primary sections: a central, square-shaped segment connecting the nacelles and engines, and an outer section extending from the booms. The wing structure has a steel spar framed by duralumin, while the ailerons and split flaps are covered in fabric. At the rear, the twin-tail assembly includes two large rudders connected by a single, extended elevator, with both tail control surfaces also being fabric-covered. Since the wing root was designed to support heavy armament, the central part of the wing had to be reinforced to withstand the recoil forces.
The first prototype was powered by a 430-horsepower engine, while the second prototype featured 465-horsepower Argus As 410 A-1, both 12-cylinder air-cooled engines. Unfortunately, specific details about the aircraft’s flight characteristics were not mentioned in available sources. It is known, however, that the added weight of the armor and armament degraded its flight performance, though the extent of this impact remains unclear.
The main landing gear extended from beneath each engine nacelle, with smaller wheels extending from the rear tail assembly. Later in the war, the second prototype received reinforced landing gear to improve durability.
As it was intended for ground attack operations, the second prototype was armed with two 20 mm MG 151/20 cannons and four 7.92 mm MG 17 machine guns. For rear self-defense, a dual MG 81 machine gun mount was installed. Had it entered production, it is likely that bomb racks would have been added
Conclusion
The Fw 189C was an intriguing attempt to develop a ground-attack aircraft based on the successful reconnaissance version. While it performed effectively in its original reconnaissance role, the ground-attack variant proved far less successful, proving cumbersome and difficult to fly. Only two prototypes were ever built before the project was discontinued in 1940, with the Hs 129 deemed a more cost-effective alternative.
Fw 189C (Estimated) Specifications |
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| Wingspans | 18.4 m / 60 ft 4 in | |
| Length | 12 m / 39 ft 5 in | |
| Height | 3.1 m / 10 ft 2 in | |
| Wing Area | 38m² / 410 ft² | |
| Engine | Two 465 hp Argus As 410A-1 engines | |
| Crew | pilot, rear gunner | |
| Armament |
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Illustration
Credits
- Article written by Marko P.
- Edited by Henry H.
- Illustration by Oussama Mohamed “Godzilla
Source:
- D. Donald (1996) German Aircraft of World War II, Orbis Publishing
- D. Nesic (2008) Naoružanje Drugog Svetsko Rata-Nemacka
- D. Monday (2006) The Hamlyn Concise Guide To Axis Aircraft OF World War II, Bounty Books
- J. R. Smith and A. L. Kay (1972) German Aircraft of the WW2, Putnam
- G. Punka (1993) Focke-Wulf Fw 189 in Action, Signal Publication
- Captain E. ‘Winkle’ Brown (2010) Wings of the Luftwaffe, Hikoki Publication
- https://vintageaviationnews.com/warbirds-news/unique-focke-wulf-fw-189-offered-for-sale.html