OVERVIEW
The Focke-Wulf Fw 189 Owl was utilized in the reconnaissance and the nightfighting role, particularly on the Eastern Front.
The Focke-Wulf Fw 189 Owl was utilized in the reconnaissance and the nightfighting role, particularly on the Eastern Front.
YEAR: 1940
STATUS: Retired, Out-of-Service
MANUFACTURER(S): Focke-Wulf - Germany
PRODUCTION: 848
OPERATORS: Nazi Germany
SPECIFICATIONS
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the Focke-Wulf Fw 189 Uhu (Owl) model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the Focke-Wulf Fw 189 Uhu (Owl) model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
CREW: 3
LENGTH: 39.47 feet (12.03 meters)
WIDTH: 60.37 feet (18.4 meters)
HEIGHT: 10.17 feet (3.1 meters)
WEIGHT (MTOW): 9,193 pounds (4,170 kilograms)
ENGINE: 2 x Argus As 410A-1 12-cylinder engine developing 465 horsepower each.
SPEED (MAX): 217 miles-per-hour (350 kilometers-per-hour; 189 knots)
RANGE: 416 miles (670 kilometers; 362 nautical miles)
CEILING: 23,950 feet (7,300 meters; 4.54 miles)
ARMAMENT
2 x 7.92mm machine guns (in wing roots)
2 x 7.92mm twin-barrel machine gun (in dorsal gun position)
2 x 7.92mm twin-barrel machine gun (in tail turret cone position)
Maximum bomb load of up to 441lbs.
2 x 7.92mm machine guns (in wing roots)
2 x 7.92mm twin-barrel machine gun (in dorsal gun position)
2 x 7.92mm twin-barrel machine gun (in tail turret cone position)
Maximum bomb load of up to 441lbs.
VARIANTS
Series Model Variants
• Fw 189A - Base Production Model Designation
• Fw 189A-2 - Improved defensive armament
• Fw 189A-3 - Trainer with dual-control arrangement.
• Fw 189A-4 - Tactical Attack Model with improved underside armoring and 20mm cannon.
Series Model Variants
• Fw 189A - Base Production Model Designation
• Fw 189A-2 - Improved defensive armament
• Fw 189A-3 - Trainer with dual-control arrangement.
• Fw 189A-4 - Tactical Attack Model with improved underside armoring and 20mm cannon.
HISTORY
Detailing the development and operational history of the Focke-Wulf Fw 189 Uhu (Owl) Tactical Reconnaissance Aircraft. Entry last updated on 1/7/2018. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
Detailing the development and operational history of the Focke-Wulf Fw 189 Uhu (Owl) Tactical Reconnaissance Aircraft. Entry last updated on 1/7/2018. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
The Focke-Wulf brand Fw 189 Uhu (translated to "Owl") was of the most peculiar aircraft design for the German Luftwaffe in the Second World War, but by no means made less lethal by its appearance. The system accounted for a successful operational run across the Eastern Front against the Russians, where it was used in a short-range tactical reconnaissance role with limited usage in a nightfighting capacity. In all, the 848 examples would produce several variants, each with specialized changes and modifications to suit required roles.
The Fw 189 was of a twin-engine design, made up of a long-spanning wing element and twin booms. The Fw 189 system was crewed by three personnel (consisting of the pilot and two gunners) positioned in a cockpit sitting high above and between the engine booms featuring a nearly all-glazed greenhouse-type design. The three crew consisted of the pilot and two gunners - one gunner manning a twin barrel dorsal machine gun mounting and the other a twin-barrel machine gun mounting in a tail cone turret assembly. An additional 441lbs of external stores were afforded the system.
The Fw 189 was of a twin-engine design, made up of a long-spanning wing element and twin booms. The Fw 189 system was crewed by three personnel (consisting of the pilot and two gunners) positioned in a cockpit sitting high above and between the engine booms featuring a nearly all-glazed greenhouse-type design. The three crew consisted of the pilot and two gunners - one gunner manning a twin barrel dorsal machine gun mounting and the other a twin-barrel machine gun mounting in a tail cone turret assembly. An additional 441lbs of external stores were afforded the system.
The real dedicated role of the Fw 189 was as a reconnaissance aircraft and the systems were fielded en masse against the Soviets. Though range limited the system to just 416 miles, no fewer than 30 Fw 189's were converted to the nightfighter role to combat light Soviet fighter incursions occurring on a regular basis along the front. In all, the Fw 189 system maintained a successful service record and played an important - albeit limited role - in the Eastern Front offensives.
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Our Data Modules allow for quick visual reference when comparing a single entry against contemporary designs. Areas covered include general ratings, speed assessments, and relative ranges based on distances between major cities.
Relative Maximum Speed Rating
Hi: 300mph
Lo: 150mph
This entry's maximum listed speed (217mph).
Graph average of 225 miles-per-hour.
City-to-City Ranges
NYC
LDN
LDN
PAR
PAR
BER
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MSK
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TKY
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SYD
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LAX
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NYC
Graph showcases the Focke-Wulf Fw 189 Uhu (Owl)'s operational range (on internal fuel) when compared to distances between major cities.
Aviation Era
Useful in showcasing the era cross-over of particular aircraft/aerospace designs.
Unit Production Comparison
Comm. Market HI*: 44,000 units
Military Market HI**: 36,183 units
848
848
Altitude Visualization
