1/48 WWII German Fw 189A-1 Night Fighter

1/48 Focke-Wulf Fw 189A-1 & A-2 w. Night Fighter & Schneekufen version 3 in 1, cat. no. 140-GWHS4820

This highly detailed kit from Great Wall Hobby contains parts to complete one of three very different versions: night fighter / reconnaissance-battle / winter version with skis.

This kit includes a complete interior, complete engine assemblies, photo-etched metal parts, and exterior masks of clear parts.

Includes decals for 8 different machines, including Eastern Front markings - WWII Germany, WWII Hungary, WWII Bulgaria.

Unassembled and unpainted plastic model. To successfully complete this kit you will need to purchase paints, plastic model glue, thinner, brushes which are not included.

Focke-Wulf Fw 189 Uhu (Owl)

The Focke-Wulf Fw 189 was a German twin-engine, three-crew reconnaissance aircraft designed by Focke-Wulf and used by the Luftwaffe during World War II. It was the only mass-produced Luftwaffe reconnaissance aircraft with an unusual "tadpole" configuration, with the crew nacelle and engines located at the rear of the fuselage and the tailplane at its forward end.

Design and development

The Fw 189 was developed in response to a 1938 Luftwaffe request for a long-range reconnaissance aircraft. The unusual 'tadpole' layout was chosen to give observers a good view, as well as to improve the stability and handling of the machine.

The first prototype Fw 189 flew in 1938 and entered Luftwaffe service in 1940. It was used for various reconnaissance missions, including photographic reconnaissance, weather reconnaissance and artillery fire correction.

Combat deployment

The Fw 189 proved to be a very capable reconnaissance aircraft and was used extensively on all fronts of the war. It was particularly suitable for night reconnaissance, as its unusual layout made it difficult for enemy fighters to intercept it.

The Fw 189 was also used in a number of other roles, namely as a target towing aircraft, a liaison aircraft and a transport aircraft. Primarily, however, it was a reconnaissance aircraft and it was in this role that it saw its most widespread use.

Production

The Fw 189 was produced in relatively small numbers, with 605 built in total. This was due to a number of factors, including the complexity of the aircraft's design and the limited availability of resources.

Variants

The Fw 189 was produced in several variants, including:

• Fw 189A-0: The first production variant, used for reconnaissance and artillery fire correction.
• Fw 189A-1: A variant with improved radio equipment.
• Fw 189A-2: Variant with improved armament.
• Fw 189B-1: Variant with more powerful engine.
• Fw 189B-2: Variant with improved armament and armour.

Post-war use

After the war, the Fw 189 was used in small numbers by the French and Soviet air forces. The last Fw 189 was scrapped in 1950.

Link

The Focke-Wulf Fw 189 was a unique and successful reconnaissance aircraft. It was a valuable asset to the Luftwaffe during World War II and played an important role in a number of key battles.