Focke-Wulf Fw 187 Falke (Falcon)
Nazi Germany (1937)
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The Focke-Wulf design of the Fw 187 Falcon compared favorably in most respects to the Messerschmitt Bf 110 design - but was not ordered in quantity.
Detailing the development and operational history of the Focke-Wulf Fw 187 Falke (Falcon) Heavy Escort Fighter. Entry last updated on 7/29/2015. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com
Design of the Fw 187 was conventional for a twin-engine fighter type of the times. The ever-increasing power of piston engines allowed for more radical airframe designs thus giving birth to the multi-engine fighter philosophy. the Fw 187 featured twin Junkers Jumo 12-cylinder engines straddling either side of the cockpit and mounted low on low-monoplane wings. Upward and directional visibility was deemed good with the extreme-forward cockpit positioning done in only by the wing area and engines. The green-house style cockpit sat in a slender and longish fuselage which ended in a traditional T-type empennage. The powerful offensive armament of the aircraft was a mix of cannon and machine guns culminating in a battery of 2 x 20mm cannons and an array of 4 x 7.92mm machines - a formidable armament certainly capable of bringing down any bomber or fighter alike.
Performance from the Jumo engines was better than expected with a top reported speed of 329 miles per hour. The achievable service ceiling was well above 32,000 feet though the optimal operating range for the aircraft is unknown in many sources. Despite these statistics, the Fw 187 was done in by the internal workings of the RLM and thusly the Messerschmitt BF 110 "Destroyer" was green-lighted against the Fw 187 design. Only three of the seven ordered Fw 187A-0 pre-production models were delivered.
Picture of the Focke-Wulf Fw 187 Falke (Falcon) Heavy Escort Fighter
Any available statistics for the Focke-Wulf Fw 187 Falke (Falcon) Heavy Escort Fighter are showcased in the areas immediately below. Categories include basic specifications covering country-of-origin, operational status, manufacture(s) and total quantitative production. Other qualities showcased are related to structural values (namely dimensions), installed power and standard day performance figures, installed or proposed armament and mission equipment (if any), global users (from A-to-Z) and series model variants (if any).
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: 400mph
Lo: 200mph
This entry's maximum listed speed (329mph).
Graph average of 300 miles-per-hour.
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
9
9
* Commercial Market High belongs to Cessna 172.
** Military Market High belongs to Ilyushin Il-2.
Altitude Visualization
Compare this entry against other aircraft using our Comparison Tool
Supported Mission Types:
Air-to-Air
Interception
Unmanned
Ground Attack
Close-Air Support
Training
Anti-Submarine
Anti-Ship
Airborne Early Warning
MEDEVAC
Electronic Warfare
Maritime/Navy
Aerial Tanker
Utility/Transport
Passenger Industry
VIP Travel
Business Travel
Search/Rescue
Recon/Scouting
Special Forces
X-Plane/Development
Origin: Nazi Germany
Year: 1937
Type: Heavy Escort Fighter
Manufacturer(s): Focke-Wulf - Germany
Production: 9
Global Operators:
Nazi Germany
Nazi Germany
Historical Commitments / Honors:
* Ribbons not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective campaigns/operations.
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the Focke-Wulf Fw 187A-0 Falke (Falcon) model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
Operational
CREW
Personnel
2
Dimension
LENGTH
Feet
36.42 ft
Meters
11.1 m
Dimension
WIDTH
Feet
50.20 ft
Meters
15.3 m
Dimension
HEIGHT
Feet
12.63 ft
Meters
3.85 m
Weight
EMPTY
Pounds
8,157 lb
Kilograms
3,700 kg
Weight
LOADED
Pounds
11,023 lb
Kilograms
5,000 kg
2 x Junkers Jumo 210Ga 12-cylinder engines developing 700 horsepower.
Performance
SPEED
Miles-per-Hour
329 mph
Kilometers-per-Hour
529 kph
Knots
286 kts
Performance
CEILING
Feet
32,808 ft
Meters
10,000 m
Miles
6.21 mi
Performance
CLIMB RATE
Feet-per-Minute
3,445 ft/min
Meters-per-Minute
1,050 m/min
Supported Weapon Systems:
Armament - Hardpoints (0):
2 x 20mm MG FF cannons
4 x 7.92mm MG 17 machine guns
2 x 20mm MG FF cannons
4 x 7.92mm MG 17 machine guns
Variants:
Series Model Variants
• Fw 187V-1 - Developmental Model
• Fw 187V-2 - Developmental Model
• Fw 187V-3 - Developmental Model; would lead to pre-production design model.
• Fw 187V-4 - Developmental Model
• Fw 187V-5 - Developmental Model
• Fw 187V-6 - Developmental Model
• Fw 187A-0 - Pre-Production Designation of which seven were ordered but only 3 placed into service; based on the Fw 187V-3 developmental model.
• Fw 187V-1 - Developmental Model
• Fw 187V-2 - Developmental Model
• Fw 187V-3 - Developmental Model; would lead to pre-production design model.
• Fw 187V-4 - Developmental Model
• Fw 187V-5 - Developmental Model
• Fw 187V-6 - Developmental Model
• Fw 187A-0 - Pre-Production Designation of which seven were ordered but only 3 placed into service; based on the Fw 187V-3 developmental model.