Flight Museum 029.

1945 Focke-Wulf 190D-13
Butcher Bird

Germany produced the Fw190 to augment to Messerschmitt Bf109 and first flew it in 1939. Developmental problems delayed its combat appearance until summer 1941, when it was an immediate sensation. Arguably the finest fighter flying, the Fw190 threatened to wrest air superiority from the Spitfire Mk.V.

Some 20,000 Fw 190 versions were produced in just four years - a major achievement, considering that 33,000 109s were built between 1934 and 1945. The Würger (Butcher Bird) was a touch, versatile aircraft, effective not only as a fighter and interceptor but also as a ground-attack aircraft.

The 190D was then fitted with the in-line Junkers Jumo engine, which were better able to challenge Allied bombers above at 20,000 feet. The new fighter entered service in August 1944, with approximately 700 Fw 190s equipping nearly five complete fighter wings.

This aircraft was delivered to Jagdgeschwader 26 in March 1945. It was one of five "long-nose 190s" taken to the U.S. for evaluation.

Doug Champlin learned of the derelict fighter, purchase it in 1972, and shipped it to Germany. There, Art Williams of Grünzburg began a four-year restoration project with the assistance of Professor Kurt Tank. Many missing parts had to be found or fabricated before the project was largely completed in 1976 and returned to the United States. As the only privately owned 190D in the world, the "Dora" was the crown jewel of Doug Champlin's museum in Mesa, Arizona.

In 2001, a complete rebuild was begun by GossHawk Aviation, directed by Dave Goss in Mesa. The result is perhaps the most authentic Luftwaffe aircraft in North America.

Photographed at Seattle's Museum of Flight.