Focke-Wulf FW 190A – WWII German Fighter

About the Focke-Wulf FW 190A – WWII German Fighter:

The Focke-Wulf Fw 190, nicknamed the ‘Butcher Bird’ by its proud pilots, formed the backbone of Germany’s fighter force throughout the Second World War. Entering combat in 1941, the Fw 190 proved superior to its opponents, and upgraded engines and armaments ensured its effectiveness to the finals days of the war. Fast, maneuverable, and versatile, the Butcher Bird was an all-purpose fighter, ground-attack aircraft, fighter-bomber, and night-fighter.

In 1943, the Luftwaffe formed Jagdgeschwader 300 to combat the Allied night bombing campaigns with highly trained pilots flying single-seat fighters. Employing a tactic termed ‘Wilde Sau,’ JG300 chased and attacked the enemy bombers, operating only by the light of fires and searchlights below. The Wilde Sau, or ‘Wild Boar,’ quickly became JG300’s mascot. Increasingly used against daylight bombing attacks, the Fw 190s of JG300 added heavy armor and 30mm and 20mm cannons. Nevertheless, JG300’s determined but dangerous point-blank attacks and the dense swarms of Allied fighters protecting the bombers took their toll. Losses mounted and, by late 1944, most of JG300’s veteran Fw 190 pilots were casualties.